Chromecast with Google TV was unveiled today during a Google event, alongside other Google and Nest-branded products, including two new Pixel phones. Previously highlighted by the numerous leaks and speculation before today’s launch, the new Chromecast is very different to previous versions.
Google’s Chromecast is a super popular product. After all, it is cheap and once plugged into a TV, allows users to stream and cast content directly from their smartphone to the TV. For those with older TVs or sets with a basic operating system, a simple Chromecast is able to upgrade the experience without having to upgrade the TV.
The new Chromecast with Google TV is no different in this respect – once again, a small dongle that plugs into the TV and allows the user to cast content. However, unlike the previous versions, casting content is no longer a requirement, due to the new Chromecast launching with ‘Google TV.’ This version of Android TV means the user can access apps directly on the Chromecast with the bundled remote control – another new addition to the Chromecast package.
Unlike some of the other products Google announced today, the Chromecast with Google TV is now on sale and available from the Google Store, as well as select third-party retailers. The Chromecast with Google TV is priced at $49.99 in the United States.
Google TV coming to more devices in the future
Google TV is based on Android TV with the experience learning heavily on personalized and curated content. That is, content Google thinks the user wants to see. As a result, the interface is designed to aggregate content from all of the available sources linked to the Google account, whether it be Netflix or Sling TV.
Furthermore, as the content is linked to a Google account, users can make changes on other devices as well. As an example, Google TV comes with a watchlist and Android phone owners can add to the watchlist from their phone, and see the show or movie queued up the next time they switch on the TV.
Although Google TV is launching on the new Chromecast, this is only the start of things to come. Google has already confirmed that Google TV will start to show up on third-party devices typically powered by Android TV, including Sony TV sets. Essentially, it now looks like Google is in the process of officially, albeit slowly, replacing Android TV with the smarter and more personalized Google TV.
Source: Google
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