This is a unique, very good and thorough review of this product. I have viewed many other reviews of this product and NONE come close to being as comprehensive as yours. This is only one of the reasons I subscribe to your channel. THANK YOU!
Nice review Lon! One thing to add -- If it's anything like the 4k version, you should use the included power adapter since the TV's USB ports may not provide enough power.
Even on the Shield, you can't add Netflix shows on the watch list. I think it maybe a Netflix company not wanting that feature enabled because every other streaming service I have enables adding shows to the watchlist (Hulu, Paramount, Prime Video, HBOmax, Pluto, Plex etc) I don't know if the Shield supports multiple users yet, I haven't seen the feature. But it does allow me to add additional gmail accounts. Just not switch between accounts, I think or it isn't very intuitive on how to do it.
I have a couple of 4K streaming devices. I have them set for 1080 because my ISP has a data cap. I have been streaming a lot these days, I am tired of watching an hour block of commercials that are interrupted briefly at times by some TV Drama.
Recently I purchased the HD version. Found 3 major issues already. The screen mirroring stutters like crazy. The screen casting randomly disconnects and connects. The internet on the device randomly disconnects and connects.
For the money just go pick up an ONN Streaming stick for $15, or the box for $20 that can push 4K. Google kind of missed the mark on this one at this price point.
Does it have the new "Match Frame Rate" setting since this is shipped with Google TV based on Android 12? I am also looking forward to this feature on the 4K model with next update.
@@LonSeidman I just upgraded my 4k version CCwGTV to Android 12 today. “match content frame rate" feature doesn't work in Disney+ and Netflix but works in Plex and Kodi. I didn't have time to test more apps yet.
I played top gun 2022 movie in 4k hdr with my smart TV calibrated for hdr and picture quality was the same on CWGTV as the firetv cube in 4k hdr. So evidently it does match 4k content. Have you noticed that.
Great to see Google has put out a competitively priced version at the 1080p point! On a hopefully humorous note, sorry to see Mrs. Seidman appears to be a fan of "Rings of Power". 😎
Hello. I'm blind and my experience is great on the Apple TV, I did want to ask you this. I have an old TV outside in the living room, the speakers are crap. I wanted to know, if there was any way to use this as a home theater setup. To where if I cast content to this, the audio can come out of the Google speakers or nest minis or nest audio, is that a possibility?
Na man if you need something for 720p/1080p, just go get the Walmart ONN Streaming stick for $15, or the Box for $20 that can push 4K, they both run Android, and have Chromecast built in, and the interfaces are mostly the same as the official Chromecast, and they have a better feeling remote, I have all 3(original 4K Chromecast), so I can directly compare them, just know that the stick only runs Android 9(still getting security patches, and updates), and the ONN Box is Android 10(still getting security patches, and updates).
I've watched both the Chromecast with Google TV 4k version review and this one, but I have a question. How does it compare to an Android TV box like the Xiaomi Mi Box S? On paper it seems closer to the 4k version of the Chromecast with Google TV, the interface is different, and it has more ports. Any other differences between them?
I'm still living the 1080p lifestyle, with two TVs still going strong. I run an Apple TV HD 4th gen on my main TV, and recently purchased this Chromecast with Google TV HD for my secondary TV. While it is a nice device with a nice interface that works pretty well overall, especially for the price, it is striking how this 2022 device from Google is still slower and clunkier than a 2015 device from Apple.
I have an old rear projection crt tv that is 720p that this would go great with. The only issue is that it has an overscan you can’t turn off. Does this have an option to resize the screen in the settings to get around an overscan?
It's a product that makes no sense. Aside from AV1, and streaming OS updates, everything on this device is a downgrade. Google should cut the price of the existing model to target whatever audience they're aiming for, and released an actual upgrade with better codec support, better CPU, more memory, etc. If you plug the 4K model into your 1080p TV, you're going to get a 1080p image.
On the Smart Home Front the Amazon Firesticks now have a Smart Home Dashboard (“A**** bring up Smarthome Dashboard”) that allows control of all lights cameras plugs etc from one screen. The conclusion Gaming is the big differentiator for Chromecast with Google TVs
Great review Just shows me the profit google (and others) are making on those 4K streaming sticks. Same remote, same cables, power supply Lots of the same for the hardware The chips probably cost cents on the dollar for the 4K And it’s half the price I like my 4K version, but lots of ads. Amazon is my preference for value Apple is my preference overall
Weird of them to release a downgraded version a couple years after the 4k version. I have a 1080p 60hz TV and the original (better) 4k version works just fine for me. Its only $49.99 right now and might get it cheaper. Odd of them to confuse people with this NEW!! downgraded version.
@@JeskidoYT to make money off of uninformed customers you mean? Tech shouldn't be moving backwards unless your a multibillion dollar company that could care less about its customers. I actually see this as less of a value. They basically downgraded it to save money on silicon most likely.
@@brandonchutt312 Yes it is new. The old 1080p chrome cast was the one without Google TV. I think in a lot of ways the point of this was so they could kill off the third generation regular Chromecast so that they no longer made those.
The Chromecast with Google TV 4k is already an underpowered device with storage issues. Sluggish UI that struggles with some basic streaming tasks especially with apps like Channels DVR. They should have cut the price of that model and released an upgraded one. Don't see the point of releasing an even more underpowered model that is slightly cheaper.
@@Mr01dschool it may not be useful to you but that doesn't mean its not useful for other people. Why would I buy a 4k streaming device for a 24 inch 1080p TV in my kitchen?
With the right connection and the right touch-enabled everyone told me you cannot do it I tried it myself bought it and it works just fine use it on my touch monitor
I upgraded my old "dumb" Chromecast to this Google TV (4k) version. Overall, it's a great stick. But sometimes it's really stupid when trying to interpret what you actually want it to do. Even simple things like searching for content, you have to phrase it just right for the stick to do what you'd expect. You would really wonder if any of the programmers who created the software, are actually using the stick.
I think the single row of apps is the thing I hate second most (after ads) in the latest Android home screen. I wish they would just allow pinned apps to wrap around to multiple rows instead of having to scroll off the side.
wow that sucks that you can pair a blue headphone or even speakers like the nest mini etc. wish the video mention this. since the video said you can pair bluetooth game controller.
Believe it or not, there are lots of people who have small 1080p TVs in their offices, bedrooms and kitchens. There is no point connecting a 4k streaming device to such TVs. It would just waste your data package
@@enadegheeghaghe6369 i think the point was the 4k version is already sluggish and 8gb storage is low as others have mentioned. the 1080p performance would be worst.
Netflix told Google not to recommend their stuff nor to put them on Google's watchlist. Netflix wants everyone to visit their actual app and not use 3rd party stuff.
Chromecast still relevant because older Smart TVs have rubbish internal Android computers too. But I just use my PC hooked to a Sharp (TCL) 50inch 4kTV/ 37inch 1080p Toshiba TV combo.
The Chromecast is a dud! It's so slow and the interface is obnoxious. Specs are secondary to actual usability which is often frustrating. The remote is irritating to use -- too small slippery and lacks functionality. The interface is a vast jumble of disorder, clutter and repetition. On top of all this, Google is a nuisance constantly asking for approvals and permissions.
This is a unique, very good and thorough review of this product. I have viewed many other reviews of this product and NONE come close to being as comprehensive as yours. This is only one of the reasons I subscribe to your channel. THANK YOU!
Nice review Lon! One thing to add -- If it's anything like the 4k version, you should use the included power adapter since the TV's USB ports may not provide enough power.
I tell people that with any streaming device, as most TV's USB port only output 500ma of power, and most streaming devices need at least 1A or more.
Even on the Shield, you can't add Netflix shows on the watch list. I think it maybe a Netflix company not wanting that feature enabled because every other streaming service I have enables adding shows to the watchlist (Hulu, Paramount, Prime Video, HBOmax, Pluto, Plex etc) I don't know if the Shield supports multiple users yet, I haven't seen the feature. But it does allow me to add additional gmail accounts. Just not switch between accounts, I think or it isn't very intuitive on how to do it.
Is this a better buy than the firestick? Really confused at this point!
I have a couple of 4K streaming devices. I have them set for 1080 because my ISP has a data cap. I have been streaming a lot these days, I am tired of watching an hour block of commercials that are interrupted briefly at times by some TV Drama.
Recently I purchased the HD version. Found 3 major issues already.
The screen mirroring stutters like crazy.
The screen casting randomly disconnects and connects.
The internet on the device randomly disconnects and connects.
For the money just go pick up an ONN Streaming stick for $15, or the box for $20 that can push 4K. Google kind of missed the mark on this one at this price point.
Does it have the new "Match Frame Rate" setting since this is shipped with Google TV based on Android 12? I am also looking forward to this feature on the 4K model with next update.
Yes! I will take a look at that soon
@@LonSeidman I just upgraded my 4k version CCwGTV to Android 12 today. “match content frame rate" feature doesn't work in Disney+ and Netflix but works in Plex and Kodi. I didn't have time to test more apps yet.
Just officially got the 4k edition in Norway a few months ago.
I wonder if we'll get the HD edition before I upgrade my TV from 1080p
Just pickup up some of these for under $20. Well worth it at that price. The OS is flawless.
I played top gun 2022 movie in 4k hdr with my smart TV calibrated for hdr and picture quality was the same on CWGTV as the firetv cube in 4k hdr. So evidently it does match 4k content. Have you noticed that.
Great to see Google has put out a competitively priced version at the 1080p point! On a hopefully humorous note, sorry to see Mrs. Seidman appears to be a fan of "Rings of Power". 😎
It's an interesting show. What are you on about? LOL
@@enadegheeghaghe6369 I'm sure it can be interesting.... to those that know or care little to nothing about Tolkien.
Got any Windows 11 thumb sticks PC in the pipeline to review Lon?
Hello. I'm blind and my experience is great on the Apple TV, I did want to ask you this. I have an old TV outside in the living room, the speakers are crap. I wanted to know, if there was any way to use this as a home theater setup. To where if I cast content to this, the audio can come out of the Google speakers or nest minis or nest audio, is that a possibility?
It's like Google read my mind (which I'm entirely sure will happen, one day). This is perfect for my daughter's lower-res TV.
Na man if you need something for 720p/1080p, just go get the Walmart ONN Streaming stick for $15, or the Box for $20 that can push 4K, they both run Android, and have Chromecast built in, and the interfaces are mostly the same as the official Chromecast, and they have a better feeling remote, I have all 3(original 4K Chromecast), so I can directly compare them, just know that the stick only runs Android 9(still getting security patches, and updates), and the ONN Box is Android 10(still getting security patches, and updates).
@@CommodoreFan64 In this instance, she likes my 4k version, so is familiar with the remote, interface etc...
@@CommodoreFan64 why would I settle for an android 9 device? Isn't it better to just get the Chromecast with possibility of updates
I think its the app builders responsibility to open up their OTT streaming service to Google's search and watchlist by implementing the API.
What about actually casting browser windows? If I cast a chrome window from my Mac does to 4K one do it at 2160p and the HD one only 1080P?
They should have made a 4k Box like Roku Ultra 4k box for New Google Chromecast 4k Box 2022
I've watched both the Chromecast with Google TV 4k version review and this one, but I have a question.
How does it compare to an Android TV box like the Xiaomi Mi Box S?
On paper it seems closer to the 4k version of the Chromecast with Google TV, the interface is different, and it has more ports. Any other differences between them?
The m8 box s with old update and bloat removed is awesome!
You can hook a hdd to it and be set
I'm still living the 1080p lifestyle, with two TVs still going strong. I run an Apple TV HD 4th gen on my main TV, and recently purchased this Chromecast with Google TV HD for my secondary TV. While it is a nice device with a nice interface that works pretty well overall, especially for the price, it is striking how this 2022 device from Google is still slower and clunkier than a 2015 device from Apple.
Seriously? Consider the price difference.
Interesting that you got Duo/Meet working on the CC. I'll have to try that some time. Hopefully, Google fixes the 1080p resolution bug.
does it play h.265 videos?
I downloaded a button remapper too change what some of the buttons do
I have an old rear projection crt tv that is 720p that this would go great with. The only issue is that it has an overscan you can’t turn off. Does this have an option to resize the screen in the settings to get around an overscan?
I couldn't find a resize setting personally.
So for dynamic range and color format should I turn on ful under color on input settings on my 4k vizio smart tv?
It's a product that makes no sense. Aside from AV1, and streaming OS updates, everything on this device is a downgrade. Google should cut the price of the existing model to target whatever audience they're aiming for, and released an actual upgrade with better codec support, better CPU, more memory, etc.
If you plug the 4K model into your 1080p TV, you're going to get a 1080p image.
Just bought it, best timing
How is it with Plex?
On the Smart Home Front the Amazon Firesticks now have a Smart Home Dashboard (“A**** bring up Smarthome Dashboard”) that allows control of all lights cameras plugs etc from one screen. The conclusion Gaming is the big differentiator for Chromecast with Google TVs
Great review as always Lon, except for that part where you touched the wobbly remote on the top down view. A lot. :)
Great review
Just shows me the profit google (and others) are making on those 4K streaming sticks.
Same remote, same cables, power supply
Lots of the same for the hardware
The chips probably cost cents on the dollar for the 4K
And it’s half the price
I like my 4K version, but lots of ads.
Amazon is my preference for value
Apple is my preference overall
I was expecting it to be the same hardware, just with the resolution limited in the firmware.
Weird of them to release a downgraded version a couple years after the 4k version. I have a 1080p 60hz TV and the original (better) 4k version works just fine for me. Its only $49.99 right now and might get it cheaper. Odd of them to confuse people with this NEW!! downgraded version.
to make it a christmas doorbuster gift
@@JeskidoYT to make money off of uninformed customers you mean? Tech shouldn't be moving backwards unless your a multibillion dollar company that could care less about its customers. I actually see this as less of a value. They basically downgraded it to save money on silicon most likely.
@@brandonchutt312 Yes it is new. The old 1080p chrome cast was the one without Google TV. I think in a lot of ways the point of this was so they could kill off the third generation regular Chromecast so that they no longer made those.
The Chromecast with Google TV 4k is already an underpowered device with storage issues. Sluggish UI that struggles with some basic streaming tasks especially with apps like Channels DVR. They should have cut the price of that model and released an upgraded one. Don't see the point of releasing an even more underpowered model that is slightly cheaper.
@@Mr01dschool it may not be useful to you but that doesn't mean its not useful for other people. Why would I buy a 4k streaming device for a 24 inch 1080p TV in my kitchen?
Can you add airel screensaver to Google TV hd
great for taking on travel trips for hotel TV ....
With the right connection and the right touch-enabled everyone told me you cannot do it I tried it myself bought it and it works just fine use it on my touch monitor
I upgraded my old "dumb" Chromecast to this Google TV (4k) version.
Overall, it's a great stick.
But sometimes it's really stupid when trying to interpret what you actually want it to do.
Even simple things like searching for content, you have to phrase it just right for the stick to do what you'd expect.
You would really wonder if any of the programmers who created the software, are actually using the stick.
Does anyone know if the HiTV APP works on this device ?????
Thanks from Australia 🇦🇺🤓
If you hold down the youtube button you can change it to youtube tv or other apps.. You cannot change the netflix button tho
I hate how they both look exactly the same, I just notice I order both and now idk what one is the 1080 and what one is the 4k
probably will be in about or developer options screen
or just try to play a 4k video
can you use a VPN w th this? Thank you very informative
Just get the 4K version. Even if you don’t have a 4k TV you’ll be ready when you do. The price difference is a couple of McDonalds meals.
I think the single row of apps is the thing I hate second most (after ads) in the latest Android home screen. I wish they would just allow pinned apps to wrap around to multiple rows instead of having to scroll off the side.
I have 4K version and the remote control is really pain in the butt.
I'm hoping Lon will also do a review of the new Amazon fire tv cube. Maybe, next month. Fingers crossed.
Got one on order!
Sucks it doesn’t allow pairing to Bluetooth speakers and headphones
wow that sucks that you can pair a blue headphone or even speakers like the nest mini etc.
wish the video mention this.
since the video said you can pair bluetooth game controller.
Yes you can
i honestly dont know why does this device exist if a new hardware was needed it would better be a higher specs than the 4k version
Believe it or not, there are lots of people who have small 1080p TVs in their offices, bedrooms and kitchens. There is no point connecting a 4k streaming device to such TVs. It would just waste your data package
@@enadegheeghaghe6369 i think the point was the 4k version is already sluggish and 8gb storage is low as others have mentioned.
the 1080p performance would be worst.
I believe it's only around 4GB of storage on these devices.
8gb but only has around 4gb when you first fire it up. I deleted a bunch of apps and had plenty of room for stuff
Kodi 19 doesn't work
Is there anyway to control / increase the playback speed in Plex or other apps? That is a deal breaker for me as 1x seems painfully slow now.
1,5gb ram 😓
For just streaming video/audio at 1080p it's not that big of a deal.
Perhaps not. But switching apps back and fourth and having that memory hogging Google ui home page, it's a very low amount
The 4k version with 2GB of RAM already struggles. I wouldn't waste my time with anything with even lower spec.
A Google device that says you're on minimum wage without actually saying you're on minimum wage. Keep up the good work Google.
Nvidia Shield 2023
Stadia is closing down.
Good timing eh? :)
Netflix told Google not to recommend their stuff nor to put them on Google's watchlist. Netflix wants everyone to visit their actual app and not use 3rd party stuff.
Chromecast still relevant because older Smart TVs have rubbish internal Android computers too. But I just use my PC hooked to a Sharp (TCL) 50inch 4kTV/ 37inch 1080p Toshiba TV combo.
Didn't know Sharp became TCL. Damn
@@MandoMTL they didnt. TCL is from a different country than sharp. i think its sibling is Hisense
dont you mean android on sharp? tcl only has roku and recently google tv (not android)
The Chromecast is a dud! It's so slow and the interface is obnoxious. Specs are secondary to actual usability which is often frustrating. The remote is irritating to use -- too small slippery and lacks functionality. The interface is a vast jumble of disorder, clutter and repetition. On top of all this, Google is a nuisance constantly asking for approvals and permissions.