The Chromecast with Google TV will be officially available from the end of June. Unlike a regular Chromecast, this variant gives you the full-fledged Google TV with remote control, so that you can turn any television into a smart TV.
The Chromecast with Google TV has been available for almost two years. Only Google gives little priority to the Netherlands, so the Chromecast (along with other products such as Pixel smartphones) was not available here. If you wanted to buy one, you could do so via gray import or purchase abroad. For example France, Germany or the UK. Which does lead to higher costs and challenges with the warranty.
The Chromecast with Google TV will be officially available in the Netherlands from June 21. In addition to the Google Store, other (web) stores such as Media Markt, Coolblue and Bol.com will also be selling the media player.
Google TV
The difference between a regular Chromecast and a Chromecast with Google TV is that the latter offers a full version of the Google TV TV operating system to your TV. For this you only need to connect the device to the HDMI port of the television and supply the device with power via the USB-C connection.
Because Google TV is a full version of Android, you have all streaming apps at hand, but you can also simply cast media to your television via your smartphone or tablet. It is also handy that you can conjure up a remote control on your screen via the Google Home app. There is also a physical remote control.
For the control, Google insists in its press releases that the Google Assistant is ingrained. This way you can set up what you like to watch (or listen to, of course) via voice control. But also use the ordinary voice commands to, for example, operate the smart lighting or thermostat. Because Google TV is a full Android version, you can also block microphone access in the settings, so that your Chromecast does not continuously listen to what is being said.
Image quality
The Chromecast with Google TV supports 4K resolution, HDR, Dolby Vision and HDMI pass-through, with a maximum refresh rate of 60 hertz. For example, the Chromecast is a valuable addition for modern televisions, but also for old TVs, which often do not have smart TV functions.
Also, Google TV is an advancement for many smart TVs with older or less functional operating systems. Think of Samsung televisions with Tizen or LG smart TVs with WebOS.
Availability
From June 21, the Chromecast with Google TV will be available for € 69.99. In other countries, the Chromecast with Google TV is available in three different colors: white, teal and pink. The supplied remote control has the same color. In the Netherlands it remains (for the time being) with the white version.
â€