Forget new Apple TV 4K — cheaper Chromecast with Google TV just got even better

Forget new Apple Idiot box 4K — cheaper Chromecast with Google TV just got even better

(Prototype credit: Future)

While nosotros wait for the $179 new Apple TV 4K, the humble and much cheaper $49 Chromecast with Google Tv set is getting updated with a scattering of useful features and security improvements.

Reddit user u/firefighter2021 discovered the update on their own Chromecast with Google TV, and Google is at present rolling it out to other users in stages. In addition to the outset Chromecast security update since December 2020, the patch besides gives owners much more finer command over video playback.

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Specifically, the patch notes include "Avant-garde Video Controls setting for granular HDR formats, resolution/refresh rate and color formats," and so depending on what your TV supports, you could get to brand various tweaks to how movies and Telly shows await. This update also makes HDMI hotplug improvements, so the Chromecast with Google TV is amend at detecting the optimal settings for your detail screen.

At that place are also unspecified Wi-Fi improvements for 5Ghz and mesh networks, and wireless performance gets an additional boost with a reduction in stuttering when using Bluetooth devices — similar headphones — with certain Chromecast apps.

The Chromecast with Google Television set's HDMI-CEC adequacy, which allows the streaming device to communicate back and forth with the connected Television, as well gets a small upgrade. It can at present be configured, through the Chromecast's settings, to let you plough the TV and off past itself while leaving the device itself even so running.

To download and install the 166MB update, Chromecast with Google Boob tube owners should hit up the master settings menu, then navigate to "System," so "About,", then "System update." In that location's too a new Chromecast voice remote update to download while you lot're at it, though there are no patch notes for this and u/firefighter2021 isn't sure what it does.

We quickly roughshod for the Google Chromecast with Google Television set when it launched final yr, and it's encouraging to see Google continuously adding new features. The new Apple Television 4K is rumored to release on May 21, so hopefully we won't have to wait long to see if Google'south support will aid the Chromecast with Google Television set to Apple's much more than premium streamer.

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James joined Tom's Guide in 2020, bringing years of experience in consumer tech and production testing. Every bit Audio Editor, James covers headphones, speakers, soundbars and anything else that intentionally makes noise. A PC enthusiast, he also covers the occasional spot of computing and gaming news, commonly relating to how difficult information technology is to find graphics card stock.