Chromecast
What Is Google Chromecast?
Google Chromecast was a compact streaming device that plugged into your TV's HDMI port and let you cast content from your phone, tablet or laptop directly to your TV over Wi-Fi. It supported streaming from apps including Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ and Spotify across Android and Apple devices. No remote was required — your phone acted as the controller.
Is Chromecast Still Available?
No. Google officially discontinued the Chromecast range in 2024. The Chromecast with Google TV was the last model released before Google ended the product line. If you're looking for a replacement or an upgrade, Google's current streaming device is the Google TV Streamer — a more powerful, fully featured media player that replaces Chromecast entirely.
What Is the Google TV Streamer?
The Google TV Streamer is Google's current generation streaming device and the direct replacement for Chromecast.Unlike Chromecast, which required a phone to control, the Google TV Streamer comes with a full Bluetooth remote and a dedicated Google TV interface built in. It plugs into your TV's HDMI port and turns any TV into a smart TV with access to all major streaming apps, Google Assistant voice control and a personalised content dashboard that pulls recommendations across all your subscriptions into one place.
What Is the Difference Between Chromecast and the Google TV Streamer?
The Google TV Streamer is a significant upgrade over the Chromecast range in every area:
- Remote control: Chromecast had no remote — you used your phone to cast. Google TV Streamer comes with a full Bluetooth remote with Google Assistant and quick-launch buttons built in
- Processor and RAM: Google TV Streamer runs on a more powerful processor with 4GB RAM, compared to 2GB on the Chromecast with Google TV. Apps load faster and multitasking is smoother
- Storage: 32GB internal storage on Google TV Streamer versus 8GB on the last Chromecast model — more room for apps and downloads
- Wi-Fi 6 support: Google TV Streamer supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster, more stable wireless connections compared to Wi-Fi 5 on Chromecast with Google TV
- Matter smart home support: Google TV Streamer acts as a Matter and Thread smart home hub, letting you control compatible smart home devices directly from your TV. Chromecast did not have this capability
- 4K HDR: Both devices support 4K HDR streaming, but Google TV Streamer handles it more reliably thanks to the improved hardware
Is the Google TV Streamer Worth It?
Yes — especially if you're coming from an older Chromecast or a basic smart TV with a slow interface. The Google TV Streamer delivers a faster, cleaner streaming experience with a proper remote, personalised content recommendations across all your apps and smart home control built in. If your TV already has a responsive smart TV platform you're happy with, the benefit is less obvious — but for older TVs or anyone wanting a single device to manage both streaming and smart home devices, it's a strong upgrade at a reasonable price point.
How Do I Set Up the Google TV Streamer?
Setup is straightforward:
- Plug the Google TV Streamer into your TV's HDMI port and connect the power cable
- Pair the Bluetooth remote — it connects automatically on first boot
- Connect to your Wi-Fi network and sign into your Google account
- Sign into your streaming apps — Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Neon, Apple TV+ and more are all available in the Google TV app store
The whole setup takes around five minutes. You can also use the Google Home app on your phone to manage the device, control smart home accessories and cast content directly from your phone to the TV just as you could with Chromecast.
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