Google's Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is currently on sale for $39.99, a $10 discount, at Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store. This may be one of the last opportunities to purchase the device, as Google is discontinuing it in favor of the new Google TV Streamer 4K. The Chromecast offers features like 4K HDR support, Dolby Vision, and an intuitive interface with a dedicated remote. However, it lacks an ethernet port and may not receive future software updates. The new Google TV Streamer offers more storage and smart home capabilities.
Google has reverted the branding of its casting technology built into TVs from "Chromecast built-in" back to "Google Cast" at Google I/O 2024. This change aims to consolidate branding under the "Google" identity and differentiate in-house hardware products from third-party devices. Despite the name change, the core functionality of the technology remains unchanged for users.
At I/O 2024, Google rebranded "Chromecast built-in" to "Google Cast," reversing a 2016 change. This update, which integrates "Google" into the name, will not affect casting functionality but will alter product packaging. The rebranding may reserve "Chromecast" for Google's first-party products.
The HD version of Google's Chromecast with Google TV is currently on sale for $19.99, offering a more affordable option for streaming with features like Google TV platform, HDR video support, and a voice remote. Additionally, the Dreame L20 Ultra robot vacuum is also discounted at $799, featuring advanced cleaning capabilities and smart assistant compatibility. Other tech deals include the Google Nest Cam, 8BitDo's Dual Charging Dock for Xbox Wireless Controllers, Nomad's buy one, get one 50 percent off sale on iPhone cases, and the DJI Mini 2 SE drone available for $279.
The Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is on sale for $20 on Amazon, offering a solid streaming experience for 1080p screens with HDR10 support, a quick and easy setup process, and a streamlined user interface. The device, which plugs into an HDMI port, comes with a remote featuring a built-in mic and Google Assistant button, as well as standard IR integration. It supports over 700,000 movies and TV episodes and can run various streaming services. If you prefer immediate purchase, Target also offers the same deal with potential additional savings.
The Chromecast with Google TV is receiving its third update in four months, bringing the March 2024 security patch and a 72.55MB release size. The update follows previous additions such as Fast Pair and the Audio output switcher, and Google has been outpacing its 2023 update cadence. The device remains on Android 12, and recent changes include tweaks to the homescreen and app icons.
A new Chromecast with Google TV device has been hinted at in a recent Google Home app update, adding to speculation about a potential hardware refresh. The appearance of a mystery device labeled "YTD" alongside existing Chromecast models suggests that Google may be preparing to launch a new TV dongle. While there is anticipation for an updated Chromecast with improved storage and performance, it remains uncertain whether this new device will be released later this year or at all.
In 2024, the best streaming devices to consider include the Roku Streaming Stick 4K for versatility and affordability, the Apple TV 4K for seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro for unparalleled performance, the Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD) for an economical HD streaming option, and the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for Amazon Prime users, offering impressive features at a budget-friendly price point.
Google is rolling out the first update of 2024 for the Chromecast with Google TV 4K, which includes the Android security patch level to Dec 2023 and "other bug fixes and performance improvements." The update does not include a Chromecast Remote firmware update, and the device remains on Android 12. Additionally, Fast Pair support is expected to roll out to the Chromecast in the near future.
ZDNET provides recommendations for using Chromecast to watch TikTok on TV, based on extensive testing and research. The editorial team ensures that their content meets high standards and is not influenced by advertisers, aiming to deliver accurate information to help readers make informed buying decisions.
At CES 2024, Google unveiled significant upgrades to its product lineup, including Android Auto updates for EVs, expanded Quick Share compatibility, and numerous enhancements to Chromecast, such as official TikTok casting support and compatibility with new displays. Additionally, Chromecast will gain support for audio casting, Fast Pair feature, and will be integrated into select 2024 TVs from LG, Hisense, and TCL. Google also announced expanded support for its TV OS software and Matter smart home platform, while teasing the arrival of TikTok live video casting on Chromecast.
Google announces new features for Chromecast devices at CES 2024, including TikTok content beaming, support for live TikTok videos, Chromecast capabilities on upcoming LG, Hisense, and TCL TVs, and the ability to transfer Spotify or YouTube Music playback from Pixel phones to Pixel tablets. The company also reports over 220 million active devices running Android TV and Google TV software platforms, making Chromecast one of the most widely supported ways to stream audio and video to large-screen TVs.
Amazon's Echo Show 15 is now compatible with Matter Casting, an open-source casting technology that creates an open, non-proprietary alternative to Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast. Amazon plans to add Matter Casting to compatible Fire TV devices, and other apps like Plex, Pluto TV, Sling TV, and Starz will also support it. This move aims to solve the compatibility issues and provide a seamless casting experience for users, potentially making AirPlay and Chromecast less relevant in the future.
Google announces that Fast Pair support will be rolling out to the Chromecast with Google TV in the next month, with plans to expand to more Google TV devices later this year. Additionally, new features such as casting TikTok videos with auto-play and future support for live content are being introduced. Hardware announcements include Chromecast built-in support for the 2024 LG TV series and partner launches with Hisense and TCL. Google is also enabling select Google TV and Android TV OS devices, as well as LG TVs, to be used as Matter hubs for Google Home, allowing for easy addition and local control of Matter devices in the home network.
Google is rolling out updates to its Google and Android ecosystem, including Fast Pair support for Bluetooth headphones on Chromecast with Google TV, renaming Nearby Share to Quick Share, enabling casting of TikTok to casting-enabled screens, adding the ability to switch casting between Pixel smartphone and Pixel Tablet, introducing Matter support for smart home devices on Android TV OS and Google TVs, and providing real-time battery information for electric vehicle charging on Android Auto. These updates were announced at CES 2024 in Las Vegas.
