Chromecast with Google TV after 2 years: One MAJOR flaw!

[@ronniejaye1]

Mine does absolutely everything I need to watch content on my TV.

[@actuarystud]

Same

[@tfharper]

This is consistent with pretty much every google product released. Someone finds some minor thing that really doesn't affect most folks and that becomes the source of all problems. Had android tv devices since 2015. Same amount of storage in those Sony tv's as the chromecast with google tv. Yet, a surprising lack of articles about how that wasn't enough, for seven years now, since the 2021 sony android tv has the same exact amount of storage?

[@Mandelbomb]

Mine is all I use. It's the best.

[@Frederick.J.Marshall]

One of the best purchases I’ve made, I don’t even use the apps on my £3K Sony TV.

[@cooliipie]

@@Frederick.J.Marshall But the problem is your Sony and also my TV will be able to display apps in 8k, whereas this device is locked at 4K

[@blasien1]

I set mine up with a hub to expand the memory with a 32 G stick, and to run an Ethernet cable directly. That required a better charger for power, an old QC 3.0 charger worked fine. This ran perfectly for a year, then the hub failed internally. Then I redid the setup with a simpler hub that just allowed Ethernet connection, not bothering with extra memory anymore. I really like the remote, but honestly I was just as happy with the old original basic Chromecast and controlling it with streaming apps on my phone. I don't really need/use the menu and search/suggestions much, I find it easier to select content from apps on my phone. The JustWatch phone app searches across my steaming services, and is fine for finding content.

[@mRendyIrawan]

Could you use the external storage to install apps?

[@ivobrno8725]

You can move app from Inside memory into external memory ( flash disk- formated for it) any time in " SETTINGS " ... ☺

[@iluvmusicqwe]

Reminder to anyone reading this that doing this requires a hub with pd capabilities. So if you want a decent quality one your're looking at $45 at least plus the Chromecast which is another $49, so $93 in total.

[@tfharper]

If folks want a better remote for the chromecast/google tv, just buy one of the Onn walmart versions of this, toss the Onn device in a drawer and pair the Onn's remote with the chromecast. Bigger, better button layout, and more buttons. Use button remapper to make the buttons do what you want. I struggled to find a better remote for under the $19 the Onn device sells for, with the remote. And then pair that crappy little childs remote with not enough buttons with the Onn device, and put that on another HDMI port on your tv. Now you have two google tv boxes each with their own storage, and you solved this "problem" for under $20. And the remote problems. And the other complaints as well. Curiously, the Onn box uses a standard google tv remote originally spec'd by google, which they then didn't use themselves. I smell someone in a position of power who really, really, really didn't want to include a remote and wanted to drive the "just use your phone!" mantra into the ground, so we got the crappiest excuse for a remote? Given the sales volumes and low return rate, I'd say that clearly people DID want a remote. I sure did. First chromecast device I've ever owned. Primarily because I don't walk around with a phone in my hand all day and night?

[@kelvindean]

In fact, the next update will be on June 21, to support the new countries for the Chromecast. Here are the new languages, spotted in the Google TV 12 Emulator: • English (New Zealand) • French (Belgium) • French (Switzerland) • German (Austria) • German (Germany) • German (Switzerland) • Italian (Italy) • Italian (Switzerland) • Dutch (Belgium) • Dutch (Netherlands) I hope that Google will finally bring Android 12 to the Chromecast...

[@Votterbin]

I'd like for the volume buttons to be in a more comfortable place, it's a bit of a fumble for me to change my TV volume with the Chromecast remote

[@theofficialjaycool]

I enjoy using the Chromecast with Google TV device was a little more powerful. But I only have 6 apps Netflix, Tubi TV, Freevee, KZbin, Pluto TV and Peacock. Those are the major apps I use on a daily basis. Any other app is either on my phone or tablet cuz I still use the casting feature. And I still have 1.8 GB of storage left on my Chromecast with Google TV.

[@kelvindean]

The Chromecast recently got an update to add New Zealand and Switzerland as supported regions. Austria and Belgium are not currently supported.

[@JeaneGenie]

It's a great product, and expanding it's capacity is not difficult at all.

[@mRendyIrawan]

Could you use the external storage to install apps?

[@thenotred]

I'm just waiting for the multiple profiles

[@mrdadecounty3056]

I love my Google tv I have fire stick and Roku and nothing beats the features of the Google tv I love how it shows me movies /tv shows/ from all my apps without having to go into each app to search love it

[@SuperYankeechick]

I wish it did have a recent apps used feature. Yeah I blew past that 8gb real fast, added a dongle to add storage and use ethernet.

[@lalitpatibanda]

Yes please. Recent apps is a must

[@marek-guran]

Its 8 gigs device, 4 Gigs are reserved for OS (it does not use whole space, its reserved for system updates) and 4 gigs are for user from which take space also system apps. So there is a lot of space for android upgrades or any system updates. I would rather see android 13 update instead of 12..

[@mightyskull]

Nvidia really killed it with the shield! Over 4 years, still rockin

[@quintincoetzee]

Nice! Any complaints? Have you tried the game streaming from your PC?

[@mightyskull]

@@quintincoetzee No, I've been using it only as an Android TV/Chromecast Do my gaming only on a PlayStation

[@Sygrest]

With how their product line up Is going, they could be be waiting for a tensor version.

[@blales]

This would be so busted if they got the tensor chip powering these things. I use mine to play Nintendo ds emulator on my tv and it’s absolutely amazing to me that I dreamed of playing Pokémon games on the tv as a kid and now I can.

[@Smittron]

The good news is that it can be used like it's predecessors as a Chromecast device for years to come. I have a Mi Box S that also has only 8 GB of storage and use it as a music streamer connected to an external speaker. I find the Nvidia Shield Pro with it's 16 GB RAM is better suited as my main video streamer.

[@MH-kc5jr]

Nvidia shield pro has 16GB rom, only 3GB ram

[@Mr01dschool]

@@MH-kc5jr Using the Nvidia Shield Pro vs the Chromecast with Google TV 4k is like day and night. The Shield is pleasant to use while the Chromecast is frustrating. Not really much of a comparison the Shield just blows it away.

[@cluskey]

The remote Needs a find me noise as it is very easy to slip down the sofa

[@actuarystud]

This is my biggest complaint. Otherwise it's great.

[@lunchie80]

Buy a silicone cover off eBay/Amazon. Makes them brightly coloured and grippy. Big improvement in user experience 👍

[@cluskey]

@@lunchie80 already done that it glows in the dark as well

[@MAslamIbrahim]

i’m wondering if you have the same odd problem i’m having with my Mi Box that everytime i connect a bluetooth headset, Netflix 4k turns to HD :s

[@keenanruiters942]

Hi There, thanks for a awesome video -- Can you maybe shed some light on why the GoogleTV and For You option is no longer available on the chromecast home screen?

[@GreatBambino61]

I grew up on unbox therapy and since he's a whole other person now... well this is what I've been looking for!! GREAT REVIEW!

[@stianjarnass]

Hi is it possible to listen to Spotify without turning the tv on? I have an older Chromecast via receiver today 🙏🤗

[@MAslamIbrahim]

how’s the experience with external memory sticks? my mi box keeps crippling my sticks and i have to keep replugging after waking up from sleep

[@RevolverOcelot1]

Any1 kind of wish the google TV chromecast had a micro SD card storage slot in it? I think that that would have solved most of the storage issues.

[@PoulWrist]

But if you don't want to use anything but Netflix and maybe 2 other apps - isn't 8gb plenty? I've just started to get really tired of my "SMART" TV's terrible performance and this was a possible update.

[@MyAmazingUsername]

8GB is a LOT of space. I dunno what these fools are talking about. Wanna bet they install World of Warcraft and League of Legends and Fortknight on their TV? I have about 10 streaming apps installed and I have 4.4GB of empty space! Each app usually takes 30-100mb (0.03-0.1 GB). DUNNO what the fool in this video is doing with his TV.

[@Ashdelta23]

Wouldn't mind seeing a Google branded shield TV competitor with higher specs (like that old Nexus box, but with Google TV and maybe a choice to run Android 13 with the new widescreen enhancements 👀)

[@iluvmusicqwe]

Doubt that google would want to compete at those luxury price points. Samsung on the other hand should consider getting in the game...

[@troymhull]

Chromecast with Google TV also does not support the Google Advanced Protection Program. It makes sense considering that one cannot use a security key with a TV (yet). But seriously, it would be nice to authenticate all Google's products and services.

[@photelegy]

4:55 What exactly would Android 12 improve? I'm really curious

[@FOGoticus]

What a disappointment. I already have my MiBox S and I wanted to replace it right now. Decided to look for a video review like this one... to simply find out this is still running android 10 is just such a hit in balls. I hope they refresh it soon. Flash storage is dirt cheap in these formats and 32GB of storage space would be the way to go for the next one. And native AV1 decoding is the way to go. Of course, price is the thing to care for but honestly, at this point it's much needed.

[@Mr01dschool]

Yeah people overrate this thing. It is extremely slow with a frustrating sluggish UI. It is also unreliable. Freezes and reboots too often. Instead of releasing that seemingly pointless even more gimped HD version. They should have released an updated version with a faster processor, more RAM and more internal flash storage running Android 12.

[@daraghodonoghue_]

I love this chromecast and I told all my friends to get it. It's super. However, a few months ago I got the LG C1, and haven't used the Chromecast once since then. The TV has better quality netflix, Disney and KZbin, and HDR in general. The built in apps on the TV simply look better. Less compressed. Until the Chromecast is on par, quality wise, I won't be using it anymore.

[@JeskidoYT]

Hope that LG gets android 12 this year

[@tfharper]

If the built in apps look better, you either don't have the chromecast plugged into the right hdmi port (most tv's have 1 or 2 "special ones" that can actually do things like dolby vision, 4k/60, vrr, etc. And the 'compression' is the same between netflix with the internal tv apps and the chromecast with google tv. I have a sony 85" android tv. It's built in apps looked better to me too until I put the chromecast on HDMI 4 and turned on dolby vision. And look everyone! I bragged about my tv too!! :)

[@daraghodonoghue_]

@@tfharper Incorrect. I wasn't bragging about my TV either. It's just a TV lmao.

[@raiders81tim]

@@daraghodonoghue_ That’s just not how these devices work. Quality is determined by the service you’re using not the device your streaming from. No matter what device you use Netflix bitrate is the same.

[@daraghodonoghue_]

@@raiders81tim That is incorrect. In fact, I can load them up, side by side and see the difference with my eyes.

[@itsbiju]

I came from an Android TV sound bar with 4GBs so 8GBs is more than enough for all the major video providers. Next to having Google TV built-in, this is the best TV streaming device!

[@JFLTX]

No frame rate matching? Roku and Amazon do it. I don't get why Google still does not. That's by the far the biggest issue.

[@MyAmazingUsername]

They don't have framerate matching, but they have DV/HDR/SDR colorspace matching. Which is weird, to only have one but not the other. Whoever implemented colorspace switching didn't know about refresh rate matching I guess. However, Sony TV automatically fixes it by detecting duplicate frames and detecting the real material framerate from ANY signal. I imagine most smart TVs do that now. So it is no issue at all on Sony BRAVIAs at least.

[@Bruce-yy8oz]

They do have frame rate matching

[@JFLTX]

@Bruce now they do, yes. Maybe I'll get one but there's other issues that constrain the performance of the device overall. Wish google would make a beefier version.

[@mRendyIrawan]

Is it possible to use the external storage to install apps?

[@MyAmazingUsername]

Yes with a USB hub you can connect USB storage devices.

[@andrewc31394]

Another major issue with this device, is not running the newest software version. Why on earth is the Nvidia Shield, a third party competitor, more up-to-date on Android TV OS than a product made straight from Google? I recently made the upgrade and could not be happier. I know the Shield is much more expensive, but the Chromecast with Google TV was just way too buggy to even justify that low price point.

[@photelegy]

Yes, I also thought. Google Pixel get the newest updates fairly fast. So a ChromecastWithGoogleTV from Google will be the same ... 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@wbmillard]

I'd love to see that Netflix button replaced with a custom service button. Jump into Disney+, Stadia, etc.

[@SchoenmakerijdeSaen]

App : Button mapper remap your keys

[@MyAmazingUsername]

Like Floris said, do it with Button Mapper. It is free for all buttons except Back and Home. I set my Netflix button to open Stremio on tap, and Netflix on long press. I really wish the physical buttons didn't literally say KZbin and Netflix though. Missing the days when TVs had generic color buttons that were programmable.

[@SuperYankeechick]

Hope the next version has wifi 6

[@1987Redfield]

You forget to mention that you can't hook up a hdd or ssd to the model. I try it mine 2tb had. No luck

[@amratef7083]

After years with samsung smart TVs I tried chromecast google tv Really useless if u have samsung smart tv The good thing is the remote button touch feedback and feel Also google feels fast responsive But no added functionality for smart tv owners.

[@henrik8812]

Why is it useless when you have samsung smart tv?

[@hafuridotus]

The lack of AV1 support and lack of software updates due to the storage issue is also laughable. Google really needs to step their game up if they want consumers to take Google TV seriously at all for daily use. The NVIDIA Shield I would not recommend either for daily casual use personally. Way too many bugs and it's lack of AV1 and VP9 codec support leave it a bad buy for how old the device is.

[@94Vape]

I'm in the process of changing from an Xbox one to the white 2020 chromecast with Google TV. I use a set top box cause I have an old TV will be upgrading soon but I get my TV stations thru oneguide on the Xbox. I will just set it up so I can watch TV thru the set top box normally and in the single hdmi port this TV has i will use the chromecast, one reason im doing this is because a few of the streaming platforms I want to use isn't supported on the Xbox. I play games on my PC and phone thru steamlink with a razer kishi controller so no need for the Xbox anymore.

[@mavricxx]

Love my Chromecast with Google TV, just wish it had a built in Gigabit, Ethernet & USB port. I wish I could connect a wireless keyboard to make it easier to type to search or type in passwords. Also wish you could use a browser with it, again a keyboard would come in handy.

[@filiptumanovski7118]

Hate the fact that they change and leave 70% of the UI if you happen to be in country that doesn't has Google store. You pay for the product the same price but don't get all the features.

[@lennartuecker]

I have two of them and I really like the design and features but it's so laggy that I prefer using my XBOX for watching Netflix & Co

[@Basic_j7]

All its missing for me is All 4

[@cuth4king]

Does any U.K. users know if it has the Freeview Play app? I’ve also seen screen shots of a live tab? Is that for TV or KZbin feeds? Thanks to anyone who answers.

[@MA-th4ts]

This device lasted less then six months. Kept having to factory reset to get rid of bugs and erase apps for more space. Bought an appleTV and never looked back. Why Google.

[@blueoso7]

Should I just get a Sony with Google Assistant

[@emertonom]

My only real complaint is that, while I can control the device just fine with my TV remote through CEC, I can't wake it up that way. So I need to keep the Chromecast remote around solely to wake the thing.

[@hunterwilhelm]

Depends on the TV, I once had an insignia tv that would wake up with CEC but this Philips one I have requires the remote.

[@lunchie80]

You can set the remote to use it's built in infrared blaster to turn the tv on. The only downside is that it must be pointed at the tv to turn it on/off. Go to the home page, settings at top right, remotes and accessories, set up remote buttons, add a device. In add a device, add your tv brand. The ir will now control tv Power 👍

[@MyAmazingUsername]

"When most Chromecast users have a mere 100-400mb spare storage available." wtf are you talking about? I have like 10 streaming apps installed and I have 4400mb free (4.4gb).

[@oztuber2]

near impossible buying a replacement remote.. which seem to lose volume control.. jump around all over the place and mute stops working too... dodgy at best the remotes

[@welfiblablabla]

My biggest problem is that is too cumbersome to change user profiles...

[@williamjalop9083]

Why this device remove the option for installing unknown apps???????????????

[@dennyhiett6271]

Tap on build 7 or 8 times

[@GeorgiosMn]

It's so slow & stuttery. And the remote is quite.. noisy? in terms of build quality. Otherwise I'm happy with it but yeah, one would imagine they'd use a beefier processor for a device that won't be replaced for years. I barely have apps installed, but I understand the storage limitation also is a pain for many users.

[@cooliipie]

I'm just waiting for the 8K version....

[@Zarfnerdherd]

How soon the 8k chromecast would come? I just bought this 2 days ago😅

[@cooliipie]

@@Zarfnerdherd Nobody knows

[@ic3man669]

Not reading NTFS files is the major flaw.. I've got rid of it immediately!

[@Max86421]

I think Google need some accessories and a free IPTV service exclusively for Chromecast with Google TV... 😏

[@photelegy]

6:32 But those buttons can easily be remapped (with single, double and long press), so not really a problem. With e.g. tvQuickActions

[@MyAmazingUsername]

Good idea. Bad recommendation. That app costs money. The "Button Mapper" app is more famous and is free. You can remap all buttons except Back and Home in the free version.

[@rampari]

I'd like Google to finally add profiles for everyone , not just kids !

[@MyAmazingUsername]

They did, in the August 2022 update. Infinite profiles now!

[@martingregory5955]

My previous ultra was far better without all the connection problems

[@FrostyDeagz]

IT STILL CANT CONNECT TO MY GOOGLE SPEAKERS!

[@danieliorga2000]

NTFS and AV1 biggest flaws. I stoped using them.

[@tfharper]

A storage limitation I don't have on any of my android tv devices, including a Shield. Which doesn't have that much more storage in the non pro version than the google tv device. I have literally every single streaming service and they use under 3GB, leaving plenty of free space. Seems some folks use some badly behaved apps and don't know how to resolve that on their own? It's easy. Just clear the app caches, or the entire app cache at once. And let the folks who have apps that use storage improperly resulting in huge explosions of cached data to fix them. Or you could blow $3 and a flash drive or $20 for a usb-c dock that has ethernet and usb ports in it, with the same flash drive. I went the latter route on a couple of mine to get hardwired ethernet, which I prefer, but I haven't had to add storage to any of them so far. It might also be interesting to note that Sony's entire line of android tv's going all the way back to the very first one had the same amount of storage free or less. Anyone else remember the loads of articles criticizing Sony from before 2015 about 8GB not being enough? Me neither. Technically inept people complaining about application bugs with a clear cut set of symptoms.

[@ChrisBeard]

memory in this is fine. I used it since day one with all the usual UK installs and Stadia , Steam and some music services I've never once had an issue with storage

[@briankurtz79]

MORE MEMORY! My memory is completely maxed out with just the streaming services I use. I can't even download stadia because there's no more memory

[@johnnybeegone3020]

R.I.P Stadia

[@madcrabber1113]

So far it can't play Tidal Master.

[@keijijohnson9754]

Dude, with how little attention that thing’s gotten from Google themselves, the LAST thing anyone’s that worried about is the freakin’ storage of the device! 🤦🏾‍♂️ We’re probably getting the next Android update soon and not once had Google mentioned anything about updating the software on this Chromecast especially when it really needs something that can improve its performance.

[@michaeljeacock]

here is a radical and wacky idea. PUT A MICRO SD CARD SLOT IN IT!!!

[@FM-fm2yq]

I debloated my android TV boxes to get more storage and clean the storage junk here and there

[@dennyhiett6271]

How did you debloat it

[@boostenmkiv]

Ours has been the worst chromecast we've had. The remote often stops controlling volume until the Chromecast is restarted. The device gets laggy and needs to be restarted too often. Often casting from a pixel to the Chromecast just hangs, and again needs the Chromecast to be restarted. Disappointing device.

[@StuartTerrey]

Still no All4 or Now TV is rubbish

[@adan7182]

These things work great for a year or two then totally crap out and stop working. definitely low quality as usual with google hardware.

[@CHARLESSBRONSON]

I have the NVIDIA shield pro with the newly updated remote on my main TV, which is the living room. An where all the action happens. I have 2 googleTV chrome casts each of em in the bedroom, where no Action happens. So they work fine in the bedrooms for me , as nobody really watches A lot of TV there. For now I'm coo with em. But the storage is crap in 2023.

[@MyAmazingUsername]

Your comment said a lot without saying anything lol.

[@aliciamccall3359]

Honestly, we just bought a Google TV yesterday and I’m ready to return it today. We are a two adult household and I’d like to have my own apps, subscriptions, and recommendations on my own profile! SUPER FRUSTRATING!

[@MyAmazingUsername]

Uhhh. Did you install the latest update for your Chromecast? You can make separate profiles for all family members and they each have their own home screens and recommendations. It has been available since August 22nd and your comment is after that.