Google today took the wraps off the new affordable Chromecast with Google TV smart plug. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a similar device to Amazon’s FireTV Stick, which turns old TVs into smart TVs. These smart devices allow you to watch your favorite content through your streaming providers, such as Netflix, and Disney Plus, and they also let you download games and apps. You can even browse the web, check the weather, and even talk to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, depending on your chosen service.
The new Chromecast with Google TV (HD) offers the same functionality, interface and features as its more expensive counterpart, but is limited to displaying 1080p HDR content. The other change is that it is only available in one color, white. The 4K model will remain available, which can display content up to 4K HDR, and comes in Snow (White), Sunrise (Orange/Pink) and Sky (Light Blue) colors.
Turn your old TV into a smart TV
If you have an older TV and an old-generation smart TV, you might be missing some of the new streaming services, apps, games, and new features found on new smart TVs. To reduce e-waste and the burden of throwing a really nice TV away, we recommend getting one of these smart TV devices. These plug into the HDMI port on the back of your existing device and turn on immediately when you turn on your TV.
It’s an affordable way to make dumb TVs smarter, and it’s good for the environment and your wallet. With these devices, you can download your favorite streaming services including Apple TV, Disney Plus, Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Paramount+, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video and many more.
It’s affordable
The new Chromecast with Google TV HD costs just $29.99, while the 4K version costs $49.99. The Amazon Fire TV Stick HD starts at $39.99, while the 4K model costs $49.99. Amazon and Google often give these devices discounts of up to 20%, offering customers a great way to save even more money.
If you want to make your TV smarter this is all you need to spend as a subscription to any of the services may not be necessary but it is highly recommended for additional benefits and content.
We’ve included the BestBuy and Amazon links below this post to help you get the best deals we can find.
You can stream your favorite games
The Chromecast with Google TV devices are among the best on the market and also provide gamers with some of the best ways to play their favorite games on the couch with family and friends. Google’s platform supports Google Stadia, the company’s own cloud gaming service, NVIDIA GeForce Now, Steam Link, over a dozen different emulators to let users play classic games, and much more.
Gaming in the living room and shared spaces has never been easier, and with these applications you can play your favorite games all by yourself, or with your friends and family. Steam Link also lets you plug in your current desktop gaming PC and enjoy your games with saved progress from the couch, while NVIDIA GeForce Now lets you play all your supported games straight from the cloud.
It’s worth noting that this does require a fast and stable connection; otherwise the experience can be somewhat choppy and slow with high ping, low bitrate and pixelated content with unsynced audio.
Intuitive interface and huge choice of content and streaming services
Google TV has a simple, modern and intuitive interface. It’s easy to operate and understand, and your favorite movies, apps, games and TV shows are just a few taps away. Google’s platform also personalizes content for you and provides movie recommendations based on previously viewed and rated movies. Since the device is powered by Google, you also have access to use the Google Assistant and set reminders, or just ask it to show you some funny movies. You don’t have to type in the name of your show.
The Google TV features more than 6,500 applications, movies, TV shows, games and more. It has a rich library of content and seemingly a never-ending catalog of movies and TV shows. The platform also hosts the most popular and well-known streaming applications: YouTube, YouTube TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Peacock, Apple TV and many more. There are also many free options, which allow users to view content by watching ads, such as Pluto TV.
You can find the full list of supported apps and streaming services here.
Chromecast with Google TV
Make your TV smarter with a new Chromecast with Google TV that comes with a dongle, power adapter and remote to help you watch your favorite content on that old TV.