Chromecast with Google TV (4K) Snow – Streaming

Chromecast with Google TV (4K) Snow – Streaming entertainment on your TV with voice search – Watch films

Chromecast with Google TV (4K) Snow – Streaming entertainment on your TV with voice search – Watch films, TV programmes, Netflix, NOWTV and more in 4K HDR – Simple setup


Chromecast w Google TVChromecast w Google TVChromecast w Google TV


Dimensions: 28.39 x 9.91 x 2.95 cm; 107.1 Grams
Model: GA01919-GB
Manufacture: Google
Dimensions: 28.39 x 9.91 x 2.95 cm; 107.1 Grams

42 Responses

  1. ThaddeusMatthew says:

     United Kingdom

    Great bit of kitWorks superfas
    Easy to install can set tio apps only mode if don’t want bloat. I extended the storage to 64 gb by using an anger 7 in 1 USB hub with sd and micro slots. I used 64gb memory stick. You will need a 25w power brick as well to cover power for chromecast and USB hub. I formatted as removable storage

  2. DarrenKymftvk says:

     United Kingdom

    Golden Review Award: 2 From Our UsersReally easy to use
    Very simple to set up, and has amazing quality, especially on a 4k tv. Even if buying for an older tv that doesn’t have 4k, I would still recommend purchasing this, as it future proofs for buying newer tvs. Very responsive, and for less than 30, there is nothing else with more value for money than this. Remote has Netflix and YouTube buttons, which are both very handy, meaning you don’t have to spend time scrolling through the home page. Would definitely recommend!

  3. MaritzaBingham says:

     United Kingdom

    Exceeded my expectations
    I got this to replace my previous version of Chromecast, because some videos that I tried to cast from my phone were just showing a black screen (something to do with video format, I think). I wasn’t sure this would work, but after about 20-30 setting it up (following the instructions on the TV screen) I tried casting the videos and they magically appeared.

    As a bonus, this gadget has also turned my old TV into a Google TV, in that I can now watch ITV X, Prime Videos, YouTube Videos and Netflix etc. without having to cast them from my phone (and they’re not available on my old FreeSat box). This was brilliant news, because Netflix have changed their pricing system so I would’ve had to pay more to cast them!

    One thing to watch – the plug may look different to what you’re used to with a 3-pin UK plug, but all you need to do is gently raise the earth pin (plastic) (i.e. keeping it parallel to the other pins – don’t try to ‘pivot’ it) up from the casing; it will then be the right size to fit in a standard UK socket.

  4. Anonymous says:

     United Kingdom

    Golden Review Award: 15 From Our UsersVery good overall, and excellent value!
    I really like this Chromecast (prior to this I had used an Amazon Fire TV Cube, 3rd gen). However, compared to the Cube, this is noticeably slower in navigating around the UI and YouTube side menu… it can be choppy/sluggish at times. That being said, it doesn’t feel particularly irritating, it’s just something to be mindful of and is mostly fine. But to help mitigate this, I have a button remap app installed and for my use case I’ve just set three of the buttons to open the three apps I mostly/only use (Plex, Prime, and YouTube): the YouTube button can be left as-is obviously, so I’ve set the Netflix button to open Plex, and the mute button (not something I use) to open Amazon Prime. That works really well for me, and find I rarely need to return to the home screen. I’m considering printing up some coloured circular labels for the buttons too, just because I think it would be a fun thing to do! Seems like it would be simple enough.

    The remote is pretty good I’d say… IMO it could stand to be a little longer as it’s just a tad on the short side (I’m 6ft guy with medium hands), but really it doesn’t feel too bad, and I especially like the soft clicks as compared to the Amazon Fire remote (for example). The volume keys take a bit of getting used to as they’re on the top-right edge; muscle memory being what it is I’ve come to expect the vol. keys to be on the face of the remote. I have paired a Fire remote with this and that works fine, but I’d like to see if I can get used to this one first.

    The wi-fi on this ain’t great. I have a gigabit fibre connection and I’m still only getting around 85Mbps download speed. Considering the typical download speed on my Google Pixel is around 700Mbps, and on ethernet 900Mbps+, I was hopeful to take advantage of that. No such luck. But even at 85Mbps it’s still enough for 4k. Just seems a shame to not be capable of utilising such high speeds :/

    The initial set up of this Chromecast was WAY easier than I expected too, I didn’t need to involve the use of my phone (via certain Google apps) which was a surprise, as I was fully expecting that to be the case. This was even quicker to setup than my Fire TV Cube, and that’s saying something!

    Overall, I would say this is exceptional value for money, what minor negative points it has are greatly outweighed by the many positives (an option for ‘Apps Only’ mode being one of them!). So glad to have gotten it, and would easily recommend it.

  5. Anonymous says:

     United Kingdom

    Excellent 👌
    Simple interface, easy to use, compact and aesthetic. I bought it to use directly with my projector and it has been one of my best purchases so far, completely satisfied. The control buttons get dirty easily, you have to clean them constantly but other than that everything excellent.

  6. EvaHantonb says:

     United Kingdom

    Excellent !!
    I bought two of these purely because they were on sale, usually they are the same price as the basic Fire-stick.
    However I I can whole hardheartedly recommend these over the Fire-stick we have!!
    Better signal, easy to use and these come with volume control where as the fire-stick priced equivalent does not.
    Excelle

  7. KrystynMelocco says:

     United Kingdom

    Golden Review Award: 26 From Our UsersA Game Changer in Streaming Devices!
    I recently purchased the Chromecast with Google TV (HD), and it has completely transformed my TV viewing experience.

    The setup was straightforward and user-friendly. It was as simple as plugging the device into my TV’s HDMI port, connecting it to my Wi-Fi, and following the on-screen instructions.

    The interface is clean and intuitive. It’s easy to navigate through the various apps and settings. The addition of Google TV is a significant upgrade, offering a more personalized experience by recommending content based on my viewing habits.

    The remote control is compact and has a minimalist design. It includes quick access buttons for YouTube and Netflix, which I found very convenient. The voice control feature, powered by Google Assistant, works flawlessly and makes searching for content a breeze.

    The streaming quality is excellent. I’ve been able to stream HD content without any buffering or lagging issues. The device also supports a wide range of apps, including all the major streaming services.

    One of the standout features for me is the Google Home integration. Being able to control my TV with my Google Home devices adds a level of convenience that I didn’t know I needed.

    In conclusion, the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) offers great value for its price. It’s a versatile streaming device that delivers on its promises. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their TV viewing experience.

  8. Rex8644avhwf says:

     United Kingdom

    Very good but the remote is a bit naff
    This does what it says on the tin streaming/making a stupid TV smarter and functionality wise very similar to the firestick so it comes down to two things for me
    1)Price point (As I live in Ireland difficult to get Firestick at cheap sale point)
    2)the remote (I much prefer the firestick remote, that clicks and snaps while this one doesn’t: This is a small thing but in terms of everyday use I found the Google remote too small and the lack of clicking buttons unsatisfying)

  9. Anonymous says:

     United Kingdom

    Golden Review Award: 2 From Our UsersWorks perfect after updating.
    Much like other reviewers I just could not get this to work, the setup went round in circles continually saying it couldn’t recognise my google password. The answer is to select the on screen problem help, and it will then download an update.
    Strangely enough after the update it didn’t tell my to download an app or even use my phone, it just accepted my google login and that was it.
    All the usual streaming apps are installed and of course you can use google play apps, even managed to get the remote to switch my TV on/off and control volume.

  10. PeggyMerrifield says:

     United Kingdom

    Works fast and good quality picture.
    The remote pairs well with my TV. Picture is good quality and the apps work fast. Doesn’t support all the media streaming apps that phones do, but overall very good.

  11. MarshalWinkler says:

     United Kingdom

    Pleasantly surprised by ease of set up.
    Got this set up nice and easy. Didn’t bother setting up the Google home app or anything. Just needed my to verify my Google account and then went straight ahead and started streaming. Was concerned it might not pick up signal being behind the TV set, but no issues there.

  12. Anonymous says:

     United Kingdom

    Golden Review Award: 2 From Our UsersBetter than my TV's native software
    Despite having a modern TV with its built-in smart software, I always felt something was missing. Navigating through shows and movies wasn’t as intuitive as I’d like, and the overall experience felt a bit clunky.

    Then, I gave the Chromecast with Google TV a shot. It transformed my viewing experience! The interface is slick, voice search is a time-saver, and the range of entertainment options is vast. The 4K HDR quality is just the cherry on top.

    Interestingly, I now prefer using Chromecast over my TV’s native software. And I’m not alone in this.

    For anyone wanting to up their TV game, I’d highly recommend this. Dive into a world of smooth streaming and expansive entertainment choices. Enjoy!

  13. VerlaWestmorela says:

     United Kingdom

    Golden Review Award: 66 From Our UsersA Game-Changer for Streaming: Chromecast with Google TV (4K) Snow!
    I recently made the switch from Fire TV to the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) Snow, and I can’t express how delighted I am with this decision. The Chromecast with Google TV has truly exceeded my expectations in every way, making it a remarkable upgrade for anyone seeking an unparalleled streaming experience.

    First and foremost, the Chromecast with Google TV boasts 4K Ultra HD resolution, which delivers stunningly crisp and vivid visuals that have completely transformed my viewing experience. Whether I’m catching up on my favorite shows, watching movies, or playing games, the picture quality is simply breathtaking. The vibrant colors and incredible detail make every moment on-screen come to life, making it feel like I have a mini-cinema right in my living room.

    One of the standout features of the Chromecast with Google TV is its intuitive interface. Navigating through the streaming platform is a breeze, thanks to the user-friendly Google TV interface. It has simplified my streaming experience, allowing me to effortlessly access all my favorite content from various apps in one place. The personalized recommendations are a fantastic touch, ensuring that I never miss out on content tailored to my preferences.

    Voice control has been a game-changer for me, and the Chromecast with Google TV excels in this department. With the Google Assistant at your fingertips, you can control your TV, search for content, and even adjust your smart home devices with just your voice. It’s not just convenient; it’s a glimpse into the future of home entertainment.

    What truly sets the Chromecast with Google TV apart from its competitors, like Fire TV, is its seamless integration with the Google ecosystem. I can effortlessly cast content from my smartphone or tablet to my TV with a simple tap. Whether I’m sharing photos, videos, or presentations, the Chromecast makes it effortless and enjoyable.

    Another huge plus is the wide range of apps available on the Google Play Store. I have access to a vast library of apps, ensuring that I can enjoy everything from streaming services to educational content, all in one place. It’s versatility at its finest.

    Furthermore, the sleek and compact design of the Chromecast with Google TV blends seamlessly with my home decor. It’s not an eyesore; it’s an elegant addition to my entertainment setup.

    In conclusion, I can confidently say that the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) Snow has surpassed my expectations in every aspect. It’s an exceptional streaming device that offers a superior experience compared to Fire TV. The stunning 4K visuals, user-friendly interface, voice control, and seamless integration with the Google ecosystem make it a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their home entertainment game. Say goodbye to ordinary streaming, and say hello to the future of entertainment with Chromecast with Google TV!

  14. NelleRalston says:

     United Kingdom

    Compared to Firestick
    Price wise, this falls in-between the cheaper Amazon FireSticks (especially on sale) and the more expensive 4k FireSticks.
    Performance wise, I’d say this feels closer to the cheaper FireSticks. Interface can feel laggy at times, especially if you scroll through quickly. It does the job though and never quite feels frustrating. It handles 1080p video well, including streaming through Stremio.

    Aesthetically, the setup looks much nicer than the FireStick and has a more permission finish. The Google operating system also offers more customisation and features than Amazon’s.
    You’re paying a few quick extra for a better looking and more customisable experience (full access to Google play store etc.)

  15. FaustoMasters says:

     United Kingdom

    Best Android TV so fa
    Super sleek lay out and easy to navigate and simple set up.Loads of apps you can download also.If you want to turn your TV into a Android TV just go for it.

  16. Anonymous says:

     United Kingdom

    Golden Review Award: 19 From Our UsersIt's just about fine for most people, but that 'suggested content' litter will annoy...
    As I’ve worked in the streaming media sector for 25 years, my own experience may not be representative of how other people would feel about it.

    Setup is very simple; add the wifi login and your Google account details, and it’s working. The remote is really pleasant to use; it has the ideal form factor, and programming it to operate your television and soundbar is equally easy.
    This is a Google device and is powered by a phone (base hardware), except for the ability to use the phone network to make calls. You have access to virtually all of the applications on the Google Play store, and even the most demanding user will find something they will use. For the more advanced user, you’ll need to put this into ‘Developer Mode’, thereby allowing you to add other applications, maybe even ones you’ve written yourself.
    Performance is spritely and will not cause any disappointment when it comes to video, but beware: if your internet is a bit suspect, you may have some difficulties; even Google can’t solve bad broadband.
    The ‘casting’ part works fine, but as I try to avoid Android phones, I’ve not had much use for that.
    There is a 4K version; I’ve had one of those before too, and it’s just fine, but if you have an Amazon Prime account, you’d be better to buy a Firestick Max instead, although you’ll probably need to add a ‘loader’ to avoid all the terrible content suggestions you’re presented with. To do the same on the Google device, you need to put it into apps only mode, which is merely a button click in the settings (within your Google account section). I sent this to my daughter, who lives abroad, and she loves it. Perhaps this is the ideal present for someone who’s a bit new to the world of streaming, but overall, you’re probably better off buying a Firestick and adding a loader to stop all the marketing nonsense.

  17. LisetteFrancois says:

     United Kingdom

    Perfec
    I love my Chromecast! So easy to install, makes my older TV into a smart TV, what more can you ask for!
    Got this on primeday deals so got it on a great price, but would definitely buy it full price, well worth the money!

  18. FrederickaLanni says:

     United Kingdom

    Easy setup
    Easy to set up and install. My old Sharp TV wasn’t recognised when setting up remote but I but when I switched the make to Bush TV the remote worked with the Sharp. Nice design, missing Ch 4 ,My 5 and Sky Go but I can cast them. Tried side-loading Ch4 and it works but functionality is not great. The device itself works great.

  19. BenLFJaqdg says:

     United Kingdom

    Golden Review Award: 2 From Our UsersHonestly better than my Firestick
    I’ve been using an Amazon Firestick 4K for a good while now and I’d always been impressed. I’ve also had a Chromecast but never used it as it didn’t have an os it was just for casting. I used mine for IPTV, and obviously wasn’t sure if the Chromecast could even do that. It was just as easy to install and set up though and now the firestick is in the spare room! Seems to run smoother and I prefer the controller.

  20. MelvinaBVFN says:

     United Kingdom

    5.0 out of 5 stars good stuff
    Good stuff, make its job, too bad HBO is not available in UK.

  21. Jen Wike says:

     United Kingdom

    5.0 out of 5 stars Use it every day.
    My daughter told me to get this and i.m glad she did. Enjoying extra TV channels and music on Spotify. Best money I spent.

  22. Anonymous says:

     United Kingdom

    5.0 out of 5 stars Theee hardest thing to connect very user unfriendly
    Sat for hours trying to connect as it barely explains anything and wouldn’t connect to our WiFi !?

  23. SavannaTPU says:

     United Kingdom

    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent upgrade
    Very handy remote control well worth upgrading to this model

  24. Anonymous says:

     United Kingdom

    5.0 out of 5 stars Ease of use
    Bought this instead of top box, nice and neat can get all Disney+ Amazon prime etc great gadge

  25. gcguy says:

     United Kingdom

    5.0 out of 5 stars Love the chrome cas
    Like this better than the fire stick I have. Each to there own.

  26. Anonymous says:

     United Kingdom

    Streams my Meta Quest II headset sessions to my TV perfectly
    I bought this to stream my Meta Quest II headset sessions to my TV. It does the job I bought it for, so I have no complaints. Easy to use, and neatly tucked away behind my TV. It’s great.

  27. Anonymous says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    Happy with purchase.
    I am glad I purchased this as I couldn’t get Disney+ on my TV and my mom couldn’t get prime on hers as it was saying out TVs weren’t compatible, but since having this Google Chromecast stick we are able to get everything including prime, Disney+, YouTube, Netflix and many more. I also like how you can use voice search on everything instead of typing which used to be annoying when we did it on the TV apps. Overall happy with purchase as there are plenty of apps and movies/programs to watch, highly recommend.

  28. LeonardStrader says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    Amazing
    This is a marvelous little bit of kit for a technophobe like me. I feel we have joined the 21st century… Well as far as tv is concerned anyway.

  29. Anonymous says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    Does the job
    Perfect peice of technology does exactly what it says, so good my son in law is replacing his old one with this one

  30. Anonymous says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    Great item - easy to use
    Great item, does what it says and all in one area makes things a lot easier when you don’t have a tele with all the apps. Cannot complain at all!

  31. Lily says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    It's easy to use. Very easy setup.
    The product seems to be good. It it very easy to setup and getting. It’s easy to use the product on screen and a good remote control.

  32. Anonymous says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    Perfect for streaming
    Ordered for my mum’s smart TV as it has lost one streaming channel so far and will most likely lose more as time goes on. Setting it up couldn’t be simpler. It works well for streaming. It has also changed the video aspect of the smart TV when it’s not using Chromecast and my mum prefers it. She’s very happy.

  33. ArronRaymond says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    Much better than the version without a remote
    I stay away a lot due to my job so this is a must for the hotel room. I plug it into the TV, connect to WiFi then select a platform to watch something. Disney+, Netflix, Amazon video, YouTube and more is available to entertain and all via the remote control.
    I had the old Chromecast where everything was controlled by your mobile phone and whilst that was okay this newer version is on another level, the remote control makes it so much easier.

  34. Anonymous says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    Golden Review Award: 2 From Our UsersGoogle TV 4K snow
    I had youtube on my 55″ 2014 bravia 1080p smart tv (not a 4k tv) what a laugh “smart” over the years all of the apps have vanished as on other smart tvs all I had left was youtube and that was slooooow and clunky and crashed out of videos if you did the like button, then that to stopped working crashing with an error at the start did all types of stuff reset the tv reboot the router etc etc, so I got the google tv 4k, 4k because 4k things have better cpus and more ram, WELL WOW ITS GREAT!! I thought it would just be ok as all I wanted was youtube but its so much more, its fast its packed with stuff easy to setup just follow the setup when it starts up the first time you power it up, it has youtube/youtube music/amazon video/bbc iplayer freevee/itvx/my5/amazon music/spotify/bbc sounds/puffin browser/discovery+/netflix/disney+/plex/vlc/now tv, some of these you will find if you open the play store and more, and use voice search like say web browser, or now tv, also great is the voice search, say open the play store/open settings/plus voice search for “beyond paridise” or “taylor swift videos” with the voice seach you dont have to dig into say iplayer and fiddle with the onscreen keyboard, just hold the black button and say a show name (or any thing), Im not often impressed with new tec but this is totally great, just remember it cant record its on demand and you need a router or other internet access.

  35. AprilBbzlplsi says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    Brings full Google tv to any TV screen with a spare HDMI socke
    This is brilliant! Full and totally up to date Google TV on any TV screen with a spare HDMI socket. We’ve added it to a non smart Samsung TV and what a transformer. Full smart TV now. We have Google TV on the main TV in the living room, a Sony, but ITV player still isn’t properly ITVX and not possible to watch ITV live, however, via this Chrome device the kitchen TV actually has the most up to date version, and with live broadcast streaming of ITV. Small point, but it demonstrates that all Apps are most up to date versions. Highly recommended for the price.

  36. My Own Blog Review says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    prime one day delivey is actually 2 and a half day.
    he product is good. like you expect from a billion dollar company. do everything what you wish. but the delivery time increased 150%. dont expect to have it next day. they will deliver you within couple of days. yes, i know, its says get it tomorrow…….but no. trust me. its a lie

  37. Anonymous says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    Good but not the bes
    Easy to use but some apps can be buggy and you need to force restart stick to get things working again.
    App selection a bit lacking compared to normal play store stuff so beware if you want certain apps to research

    Picture and sound quality is good

  38. Anonymous says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    Golden Review Award: 2 From Our UsersMuch better than expected
    I had the competitor’s “stick” for several years, which became very slow and freezing over time, plus had very little interaction with the phone. I was expecting similar product, but was very glad with the Chromecast. It is very fast, allows custom profiles with PIN for the adult ones (so the kids have their own profiles), great interaction with Android phone. It takes a while for the initial setup, but after that all went well. I bought on a sale, but I guess the usual price is too expensive (I wouldn’t have paid the full price).
    Only cons are below (but I would still buy again):
    1) Once you turn the TV off and on again, if it was on an adult profile, it doesn’t require the PIN, so kids can access. Perhaps this could be improved on future versions.
    2) Although you have many more apps than the competitor’s “stick”, it is not like you will have full access to the Android apps you see on your phone. You will have full access to Android apps made for TV, which are not that much compared to the phone.
    3) YouTube version for Chromecast is worse than for mobile (perhaps needs an update to mirror the mobile version).

  39. Jide Akinrinade says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    It works
    Overall its a great streamer and works fine. We have recently bought into the Google Eco Sytem so we wanted a Google TV streamer to link it all up rather than use devices across different systems. It works fine and is easy to setup/ use.

    In my opinion the Apple TV 4K is better and quicker however it is also more expensive so that isn’t surprising. However I prefer this over previous Roku and Alexa streamers I have had.

    The only thing this device lacks is an ethernet port which I would like, however Google do sell an aptable as a part of the a USB C charging cable – although this has been out of stock for months.

    Would reccomend to anyone who has other google devices or anyone looking for a cheaper 4k streamer.

  40. OYIMuoivbidur says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    Golden Review Award: 2 From Our UsersNice upgrade from the old Chromecast.
    The Google Chromecast with Google TV is an impressive improvement over its predecessor, offering features similar to those of an Apple TV. The included controller is a bonus, though its build quality could be better. Despite this, the device is still an excellent value. Its standout feature is the ability to connect all your apps and receive tailored recommendations from Google. The only drawback I’ve encountered so far is that the Amazon Prime app is not compatible with my older TV, which reports that the HDMI connection isn’t connected, even though it is. This issue has been reported by others as well, and it’s speculated that the device may be waiting for an HDMI response. In conclusion, the Google Chromecast with Google TV is a great device with good value and I highly recommend it.

  41. Toni Guillot says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    Golden Review Award: 56 From Our UsersLacks Apps, decent price when sales on.
    I actually bought the Chromecast from this seller due to the good reviews

    I am not really sure to be honest why I needed one, except my husband kept going on and on how fabulous they were.

    So I took the plunge when it was Amazon prime week, and got the promotion. The cost at the time was 33.32, however had a 10 voucher, so added it. So the final costing 29.98. The price has gone back to the original and current cost of 58.78.

    So basically the Chromecast is a dongle that fits either at the side of your TV or the back, depending on the model.

    Arrived the next day with Prime, and to be honest wasn’t in a good place to get excited because all these type things come to me to sort with passwords etc as I am the one that knows them all.

    I left it a day, and felt much better the next day. I need not have worried, apart from putting the dongle in the Hisense TV, I just followed the instructions. One thing that always happens to me, same with “Alexa” takes an age for the wifi to connect. The initial set up was easy, remember to download the app on your phone so you can cast to the TV. Everything was fine and eventually worked well after twenty minutes for a decent signal from my wifi to connect, tried re-booting the signal, plug in and out etc. Eventually worked. I do get this issue with everything that needs to be synced. I had the same issue when on Virgin BB, now the same with the new provider. Maybe walls etc to close to the hub, I am not sure, but anyway, the main thing I got it up and running.

    We have just had our Pagan wedding review and had a stack of photos and my husband thought you could just cast from my phone and magically will appear on screen, well if it does, I have yet to suss that one out. According to Google, I have to download Google photo app to show on screen. So I downloaded the app, but in truth not looked on the TV as yet.

    Unlike Netflix which I can watch in any room, the Chromecast only works on one TV at a time, so although everything comes through my TV in my downstairs bedroom, I would need to remove the dongle into the living room.

    One thing I wasn’t happy about, the dongle overlaps two ports on the back back of my TV. My TV size in the bedroom is 43-46″. The dongle is big, and because of this and the overlapping of the port, I had to remove my NOW TV stick. So not happy about that. Why such a big dongle, some ports from different makes of TV maybe fine.

    Another beef I have on the white control panel. So a scenic for you as I did it. I was watching for the umpteenth time Vikings, I got it ready and got in bed to watch with my husband. I clicked play, and it went back to the beginning of season one. Same with anything I watch, if I pause a film and press the button it goes off and I have to redo the lot again, this is a pain, as a program with a lot of seasons is a nightmare as it just will not pause and start in the same place. If I say paused to go for a toilet break, then hit play, it comes on fine, but leaving more than five minutes, the screensaver comes on and all lost, so basically I do not bother setting anything up if I am going to be a while.

    I feel although the white control feels nice in the hand, there just isn’t enough to work with.

    Now for the actual streaming, majority of what we have watched is pretty good, maybe because I have ultra 4K not sure, but going from Netflix to say you tube is very fast, better than using Netflix from the TV.

    The volume on the side of the control doesn’t work unless you set it up correctly, go up to at least 80. Not that you will need it that loud, but I find it useful when watching old films that are not good quality.

    Chromecast hasn’t got many apps at all, and certain ones to use need a subscription. I would have thought Now TV would be on there, but it isn’t, so that makes a mockery of having all the apps in one place.

    Google do need to change the Chromecast, it is a bit behind some of the leaders. Firstly it is quite costly if other people want to watch their own device, the Chromecast isn’t multifunctional with all family members, only one.

    Not all channels from your TV will show on Chromecast. For example channel 4 etc. So you may have to source it from free view or freesat etc.

    There are a lot of you tube videos that actually are pretty good if you wanted to get the best out of it.

    It is nice to have just the one control

    So I have gone through some basics, some maybe irrelevant, some maybe useful, I am still learning.

    I do like the colour of the control and the Google assist works well

    I am getting used to just one control instead of three, so that’s a bonus.

    It is a useful device, and I do use the Chromecast everyday,

    I have given 4* because there are more apps that should and could be included, and that being said, free apps..

    If you have a standard definition TV, maybe more advantageous having ultra HD or similar.

    Amazon works well and Netflix.

    I would only buy the Chromecast when on offer, I got a good price, so quite happy.

  42. Anonymous says:

     United Kingdom

    Golden Review Award: 45 From Our UsersWhat a DEVICE.......for streaming
    I have a 2017 LG OLED TV (premium when I bought it) which is getting on now and has started to cause a few problems – one pressing, in particular, is with streaming wirelessly. My first reaction was its time to fork right out for a new TV but being a big Google/Android fan I decided to try out Google TV.

    This should not be called a Chromecast with Google TV but rather should be titled Google TV with Chromecast. It is so much more than a Chromecast thanks to the great software that is Google TV.

    The Google TV OS is great because you are using android which results in apps that are android TV variants of the mobile ones and the app store selection is second to none. Want to watch a streaming service but watch the content store of another country by using a VPN? No problem! Download your VPN app (check to make sure your app for your VPN is available first before buying, most of the big providers are) sign in and presto it works just like on a computer or mobile device would. Plus you can side-load apps too.

    I also want to say that the streaming quality is a good improvement over my TV now, it almost instantly brings out 4K with HDR even running on a VPN and still loads faster than my TV would not on a VPN on 1080p. The OS runs really smoothly so going in and out of apps is seamless and it remembers where you left off within the apps even if you turn off your TV (which turns off the device as well). It also picked up my LG TV remote which I can use just like the Google TV remote and didn’t even need to set it up, it just worked. Loading time when you turn back on your TV is almost nonexistent which makes it feel like you’re waking up a computer screen than starting up a device.

    The Google assistant speech recognition is good, as good as it is on a newish android phone or Google assistant speaker but not much else to say other than the recommendations it brings in results are satisfying in general and you can also say instructions like close and open an app. It also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos making the most of my older TV that was one of the first to feature these enhancers and is on constantly by default so everything looks more detailed and natural, even Youtube.

    The drawback of this device I would say is there is no USB port if you wanted to plug into it so you’re stuck with your TV on this but depending on the app some support access to Google Drive which is better than nothing if you are trying to access a file on the device.

    Another possible drawback is to really make the most of Google TV you would ideally need to be subscribed to a few streaming services as it creates a recommendation screen on the home screen of content from all the different platforms so without this you don’t benefit as much and will obviously return fewer results when you do a search.

    I purchased mine at 33% off and for the price, it is easily one of the best-valued purchases I have ever made. I hope this review helps you with understanding what this device is capable of.