However, that's just one part of this gadget. It's easy to set up, it moves through menus and apps without a hitch, video content looks excellent, and the remote doesn't hinder any of the enjoyment you get from all of this (I'm looking at you, Apple TV). In all of these core regards, the Chromecast with Google TV is fantastic. You can't officially remap the Netflix button - but it's not hard to do it yourself, but if you press and hold on YouTube button, you can switch between opening the main YouTube app or YouTube TV, YouTube Kids, or YouTube Music.

As someone that actively uses both services, I appreciate the quick access. Some people might hate having branded buttons like this, but I'm personally fine with it. Asisstant works much faster here than it has on previous Android TV boxes, and the contour of the Assistant button makes it easy to feel for even in the dark of your living room movie marathon.īy now, you've also probably noticed the YouTube and Netflix buttons. Just like all modern Android TV boxes and televisions, you'll also find a Google Assistant button that you can hold down to talk to the Assistant at any time. All of the buttons are very clicky, it is comfortable to hold (albeit a touch slippery), and you have power, input, and volume buttons for your TV thanks to HDMI-CEC and IR blaster configurations you can configure in Settings. Google did a phenomenal job with the remote. And this is the first-ever Chromecast with an explicit visual interface and a remote. Not only does your color choice determine the color of the Chromecast itself, but it also changes how the included remote looks, as well as the included batteries. Google offers three colors to choose from, including Snow, Sunrise, and Sky (aka white, pink, and blue).

There's support for 4K streaming up to 60fps, HDR10 and HDR10+ are both supported, and you'll also find Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

A USB-C port on the back connects to the included power cable, which then plugs into the AC adapter that powers the thing. The Chromecast itself is made out of matte plastic and connects to your TV with the attached HDMI cable.

This isn't something you'll be actively looking at all the time, but Google did a good job of ensuring it looks nice and has all of the specs/features you could ask for in a 2021 media device. Let's start with the boring stuff first - the Chromecast's hardware. Source: Joe Maring / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Joe Maring / Android Central)

Plex chromecast with google tv