Google Chromecast Review

After seven years, Google has finally added a remote and smart-TV functionality to its Chromecast streaming stick – but are the improvements worth the higher price?

Coming in three colours (I got the pink “Sunrise” version, but it also comes in blue “Sky” and white “Snow” variations – though Sunrise and Sky are only available direct from Google), the new Chromecast is slightly longer than its predecessors, resembling less of a hockey puck and more of a hash brown in shape. It's unsurprisingly more expensive than previous Chromecasts as well, at $99 compared to $59 for 2018's third-generation device.

The charging cable is USB-C, rather than the micro-USB of previous versions, and the power plug is more compact than older models – so easier to fit into your powerboard alongside other devices. The device, like the $79 Chromecast Ultra, can stream in 4K.

Setup was simple enough, though took a little longer than I might have liked – a lot of software updates were needed out of the box. Once that was done, though, it slotted into my existing Google ecosystem with no problems at all.

As for the Google TV interface itself, it's a big step up from old Chromecasts, and basically turns any TV into a smart TV. While you can still cast from any device just as easily as with previous Chromecasts, being able to get to your content without having to bring out your phone or laptop or tablet is a breath of fresh air. The home screen recommends content for you across your apps, as well, putting content from Netflix, Stan, Binge, Disney+, and other services side by side, arranged into categories for your perusal. A big tick for convenience.

The remote (which does colour-match to your device – as do the included batteries! Nice touch, Google) is unquestionably a highlight of the new Chromecast. No more fiddling around with the Google Home app on my phone, plus easy access to Netflix, YouTube, and Google Assistant – excellent. Also handy: an IR blaster built into the remote that allows you to turn the TV on and off, adjust its volume, and switch inputs without scrambling for a second remote.

Google Assistant on the Chromecast also works about as well as it always does elsewhere. You can still ask it the time, the weather and so on, but you can also ask it for recommendations – questions like “What should I watch?” or “Search for shows like X”. Oddly, though, asking it to play something in apps like Stan or Netflix tends to take you to the title's page in the relevant app rather than just jumping straight in. YouTube videos play automatically, so it's slightly confusing why other apps don't do the same.

VERDICT

Overall, Chromecast with Google TV takes everything that was great about Chromecast and adds a remote and a sophisticated smart-TV interface. It's a marriage made in heaven. At $99, as well, compared to the $249 price point for Apple TV with 4K, it gives you ultra-HD streaming at an astonishing price, even if its storage space is limited to 8GB.

All that combined should put the device at the top of Christmas lists for any entertainment-lover.

+ PROS

Smart TV interface with Google Cast 4K Streaming Google Assistant Remote control with IR blaster Good price point

- CONS

Google Assistant won't play most titles directly Some trouble switching accounts on YouTube Two colours exclusive to Google Store

Rating 10