![]() ![]() You can also find a search option up top to look for a show you want, as well as a Google TV logo on the top left in case you ever forgot you were using the new interface and not Android TV. The other sections available, by the way, are Movies, Shows, Apps, Library and For You, which is the default home page. That tab currently only draws from YouTube Live, though Google said in future that it will be bringing in other partners for this section. In addition to a row specifically for recommended videos from the video network, you’ll also find a tab at the top of the home page for Live content. Since this is a Google product after all, there are also dedicated spaces for YouTube content. Tapping it brought me to a page with more details about the show and options to add it to my watchlist or install the app. On Google TV, the process is similar - I looked at the row of “Free ad-supported movies” and selected Guardians, which was on Tubi TV. If I decided I wanted to watch something from these apps, I just had to install them. I liked that Play Movies and TV made it easy to find free shows from things like Crackle, Tubi TV or the TBS app, even though I didn’t have them installed. These pull from all your integrated services, and even from those you’re not subscribed to - much like the existing Play Movies and TV app already does on Android. You’ll also see rows for “Your apps,” “Continue watching,” “Trending on Google,” “From your watchlist” and a series of genres like Action, Comedies and Horror movies, for example. Then, you’re presented with rows of tiles, starting with Google’s top picks for you. On the home screen, you’ll see a carousel that takes up almost the whole screen featuring highlighted shows from services like HBO Max, Hulu and Prime Video. You’ll still be able to cast things like Chrome tabs or your pictures to the TV, too. Or just ask the Assistant with the new remote control’s dedicated button. Instead of having to whip out your phone to find something you want to watch and then cast it to your TV, you’ll be able to just look for it on the bigger screen. If you’ve been relying on a Chromecast to stream your shows, though, you’ll appreciate the new OS. It’s a bit confusing, but this is basically a new look for the operating system, and you’ll still use the same apps already available for Android TV.įor those who already have a smart TV or set-top box, the addition of the Google TV interface doesn’t mean much. Android TV took over that system, and the new Google TV runs as a layer on top of Android TV. If the name “Google TV” sounds familiar, it’s because the company already used that name for an ill-fated smart TV platform 10 years ago. The new Chromecast also launches with the new Google TV interface and it’s a mix of the existing Android TV system and Play Movies and TV app. I still can’t switch my TV off completely with this remote though. I could control my TV’s native volume with this, which is a nice expansion from the limited options via my phone before. ![]() The power, input and volume controls are programmable to your TV via an infrared sensor, which gives you more control than using your phone with an older Chromecast. Google also minimized the power adapter that comes in the box so it takes up less room on your strip of sockets. ![]() The new snow (white), sunrise (coral) and sky (blue) hues are are in line with Google’s recent pastel-toned devices. It’s also much thinner than the Ultra and I love the fun colors available. It feels like a credit card holder with the smooth finish and oval shape of a pebble, except with a small cable sticking out of it. Google is calling this the “best Chromecast yet.” and it looks more like the Chromecast Ultra from 2016 than the original stick. The device is now available for $49.99, and it comes with a remote control with a mic built in for Assistant access. I’ve spent two days with the new Chromecast and Google TV and so far, it seems like a serious improvement on an already excellent device. But Google believes there is still a place for the little streaming player and it’s announcing the new Chromecast with Google TV today. Since then, smart TVs, gaming consoles, set top boxes and other streaming gadgets have made watching Netflix or YouTube on your television a lot easier. Seven years ago, Google launched the original Chromecast - a $35 HDMI dongle that you could plug into any TV to get your streaming apps on a big screen. ![]()
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