Chromecast with Google TV: A Chromecast with a Big Update

You can also turn your television into a fully functional smart TV. You get apps, recommendations, and a powerful voice remote, all of which can be used on your TV. If you have ever wondered how to Chromecast to your TV or how to connect Chromecast to your TV, this guide walks you through everything. Its features, setup process, the apps that it supports, and the benefits of using Google’s revamped streaming device.

Key Features of Chromecast with Google TV

The Chromecast to TV experience has received a massive overhaul with this new version. The Google Chromecast with Google TV is now more than just a casting dongle. It integrates the best of Chromecast features with a brand-new Google TV interface.  Here are the standout features:

1. Smart Google TV Interface: Instead of relying solely on casting from one device to another, users can now browse and install apps directly on the device itself. You can download and stream entertainment apps like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Prime Video, and more. You no longer need to depend on your phone for every entertainment and viewing session. There are menus, apps, and recommendations directly on your TV.  

    

1. Voice Remote: One of the biggest upgrades of the Chromecast is the voice remote. It comes with dedicated buttons for Netflix, YouTube, and your Google Assistant. This enables faster hands-free control and enhances browsing on your TV. 
    

1. 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos Support: If you have a high-end 4K TV, the device supports 4K streaming, HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. When paired with Dolby Atmos audio, this provides an immersive picture and sound quality. It delivers cinematic viewing experiences from the comfort of your own living room.

1. Entertainment Apps: You can download lots of entertainment apps from the Google Play Store. These include apps like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Spotify, and many more.

1. Google Assistant Integration: The device also has a built-in Google Assistant, which can be accessed with the voice remote. You can search for shows, control the playback, check the weather, even control any smart home devices you have, or ask general questions. Everything happens hands-free, only from voice commands. 
    

1. User-Friendly Remote: This Chromecast model comes with a dedicated remote. The voice remote features navigation keys, a Google Assistant button, and quick-access buttons for popular streaming services like Netflix and Amazon.  
    

1. Casting: Even though it now has a complete smart interface with the new update, you can of course still use it to Chromecast on TV using your phone or laptop. The original function remains intact, letting you use it to cast YouTube videos, photos, or a Chrome browser tab, among other content, from your phone.  
    

1. Personalised Profile: With the Chromecast, each household member can create their own Google profile. This will ensure that you get personalised movie and TV show recommendations and watchlists. Students, parents, and children can all maintain separate watchlists with personalised recommendations.  
    

1. Parental Controls: Parents can also set up separate profiles for their kids without having to worry about their kids having unsupervised access to streaming content. You can specify which apps kids can access (like YouTube Kids), personalise the profile, and even set limits on and manage their screen time. Chromecast also lets you put a PIN or Passcode on the kids' profiles. 

How to Set Up Chromecast with Google TV (Step-by-Step Guide)

For many first-time users, the most common concern is how to connect Chromecast to a TV or how to set up Chromecast on a TV. Setting it up is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you:

Step 1: Unbox the Device and Accessories

Unbox your device carefully and keep all its accessories together. Inside the package, you will find these components:

• Chromecast with Google TV dongle

   

• Voice remote

   

• USB power cable and adapter

   

• AAA batteries for the remote

Step 2: Plug Chromecast into TV

• Locate an HDMI port on your TV. Most TVs have multiple.

   

• Insert the Chromecast into an available HDMI port on your television.

   

• Use the included power adapter and USB-C cable to power the device (avoid using the TV’s USB port).

Step 3: Switch Input

• Turn on your TV.

   

• Use your TV remote to switch to the HDMI source where the Chromecast is connected. Ensure you select the correct HDMI port.

   

• After selecting it, you will see the Google TV welcome screen. 

   

Step 4: Pair the Remote

• Open the battery panel and insert the AAA batteries into the voice remote.

   

• The TV will automatically prompt you to pair it. 

   

• Follow the on-screen instructions and pair the remote with the TV. 

Step 4: Connect to WiFi

• Open the Wi-Fi settings and select your home Wi-Fi network.

   

• Enter the password carefully.

   

• Once it is connected, the device will start downloading any available updates automatically.

Step 5: Sign in with a Google Account

• Once you connect to the Wi-Fi, you can sign in with your Google account to personalise your experience.

Step 6: Customise Settings and Install Apps

Chromecast has a lot of customisable settings that you can change according to your preferences. You can also install entertainment apps. 

• Choose language preferences.

   

• Set up parental controls if they are needed.

   

• Enable recommendations.

   

• Choose from a range of entertainment apps. Download streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, or Spotify. 

   

• You can arrange them on your home screen for easy access. 

   

Google TV curates recommendations across services, making browsing seamless. At this point, your Google Chromecast with Google TV is fully set up and ready for use. From here, you can start streaming instantly.

Note: HDMI-CEC may appear under different names on various TVs—such as Anynet+ (Samsung), Simplink (LG) or Bravia Sync (Sony).

Using the Google TV Remote and Voice Assistant

The biggest upgrade in the Google Chromecast with Google TV is its remote. Unlike the older “cast only” versions, this remote makes the device independent.

Remote Features:

• Navigation Controls: You can easily browse menus and apps using the remote. 

   

• Quick Access Buttons: It has dedicated keys for apps like YouTube and Netflix that you can use to navigate to these apps and open them quickly. 

   

• Power & Volume Controls: The remote can also be synced with your TV. This provides the convenience of using a single remote for all functions.

   

• Voice Remote with Google Assistant: It also includes Google Assistant features. Press the mic button and speak your commands. The addition of Google Assistant means your Chromecast doubles as a smart home hub. You can dim the lights, check your calendar, or control other connected devices, all remotely. Instead of scrolling through menus to get to your watchlist, you can also use Google Assistant and say, "Show me my watchlist."

Example commands include:

“Play Stranger Things on Netflix.”

“Show me rom-com movies.”

"What will the weather be tomorrow?" 

“Dim the lights in the living room.”

You can also use it without a remote. If your TV supports HDMI-CEC, select that option and enable it. For this, your Chromecast should be plugged into a wall outlet and not into a USB port on the TV.  You can now use it remotely. 

Also, if you lose the remote, you can still navigate through the Google TV screen with the Google TV app. On iOS, open the app and select TV Remote. Then choose your device and enter the code shown on your TV screen, and pair them. For Android, you can add the virtual remote to your Quick Settings.

Supported Apps and Streaming Options

One of the most attractive features of Chromecast is its app ecosystem. While older Chromecasts relied entirely on the casting feature, the Google Chromecast with Google TV has a complete operating system. One of the biggest strengths of using this device is its wide range of apps. The Play Store has thousands of options, including:

• Video Streaming: Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu, HBO Max.

   

• Music: Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music.

   

• Sports: Sony LIV.

   

• Regional Content: Zee5, JioCinema (in India).

Beyond streaming, you can also download light gaming apps or utility apps from the Google Play Store.

Additionally, you can still cast from your phone, laptop, or tablet, just like the older Chromecast models. Simply tap the Cast icon on your device and select your Chromecast device to cast to. This flexibility makes the device ideal for both casual and heavy users. For the best performance:

• Keep your device updated with all the latest updates as they come. 

   

• Use a strong Wi-Fi connection for a stable, high-quality video playback that does not buffer or lag.

   

• Regularly clear any cache from installed apps to prevent lagging or buffering. 

   

• Organise your screen by keeping your most-used apps in the front. 

Key Considerations

Chromecast with Google TV does not support native webcams, and apps like Zoom or Google Meet aren’t officially supported for video calling on the device. As a result, users will need to rely on their smartphones, laptops or other compatible devices for video calls.

Conclusion

The new Chromecast is designed to change the way you use your TV. Chromecast gives you features and functions like 4k streaming, personalised content recommendations, seamless entertainment apps, and a voice remote powered by Google Assistant. Hence, it is the most user-friendly streaming device today. 

So, whether you are wondering how to Chromecast on TV from your phone or need a fully featured smart TV interface, the Google Chromecast with Google TV is a versatile option worth considering. It is a complete upgrade to your entertainment setup, featuring a dedicated interface that provides the functionality of a smart TV.