Launched October 2020
A brand new HDMI dongle with established Chromecast functions, and integration with the Google Assistant, that sets it apart from all of it's competitors.
The dongle is supplied with a remote handset that features simple buttons, voice control and configurable hot keys that are initially set up for YouTube and Netflix services.
Software
The device features an upgraded skin running on Android TV [for devices running Android 10 and above] and has access to the Google Play Store facilities ** including the Android TV-based streaming video Apps. These include pretty much every service you’d ever want [excluding Apple TV+, although it is though that this may be made available later] so you can view all of your favourite services.
** The Play Store App on Google TV devices is hidden away in favour of the main “Apps” tab on the home screen. The Play Store is still used in the background to install Apps, but not in the usual way as it is not visible due to there not being an actual “Play Store” App icon that you can launch, but there are a couple of ways to fully launch it if you know how to go about it.
The long method is by using the Settings menu to navigate to it in the list of installed Apps but the easiest method is to simply hold down the Google Assistant button on the remote and say “Play Store” to launch the App.
Hardware
Here is the specification, quoted on some launch publications, for the HDMI Dongle and the Voice Remote Handset.
Chromecast with Google TV
Dimensions: 162mm x 61mm x 12.5mm
Weight: 55g
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)
Resolution: Up to 4K HDR, 60 FPS
Formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+
Colours: Sky, Snow, Sunrise
Voice Remote
Dimensions: 122mm x 38mm x 18mm
Weight: 63g
Sensors: Accelerometer
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Infrared Sensor to control TV
Microphone: Integrated for Google Assistant
Power: 2 AAA batteries (included)
Specifications
Processor: quad-core ARM
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 4GB
Connectivity: wifi ac, Bluetooth, HDMI 2.0b (HDCP2.2)
Software: Android TV (Android 10)
Format support: up to 4K @ 60Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+; Dolby Atmos, Digital and Digital Plus
Dimensions: 162 x 61 x 12.5mm
Weight: 55g
Obtained from a review by The Guardian where there are other comments on their page.
If you are new to Chromecasts and their features it is well worth taking a look at the Tips & Tricks page where the Set Up paragraph contains links to useful video clips.
Basically all you need to do is connect your device and power it up and follow the instructions on the short "Lets Get Started" booklet that comes with it.
Using the Google Home App you scan a QR code and you are led through several screens where you select options, or accept defaults, until you reach the end of the dialogue and you are "ready to go".
All settings can be adjusted so you can skip anything you are unsure about and fix it later.
Click here to read "Android TV buyer’s guide: All you need to know about Google’s TV platform" that talks about the evolution of the platform from the original Google TV, to becoming Android TV, and then full circle back to be being called Google TV again.
Click here to read Google's support page for "Android TV Help" that goes through the basic functions adopted by OEMs.
Click here to visit the Play Store where you can download this TV streaming App called "Live Channels" App that shows you available channels for your geographic region, as well as other popular Apps for use in the UK like Mobro and UkTVNow.
Click here to view a RUMOURS page maintained by a Twitter user that gives more useful information.
Click here for a video called "Everything the Chromecast with Google TV Can Do" by Brett [a respected vlogger] that gives a ton of useful background with feature reviews and tips. You'll notice that it runs for over 46 minutes, but I reckon that is time well spent to get a comprehensive tutorial for free.
There is a lot of good stuff but two points worth mentioning :-
The first is if you do not already have a Smart Speaker or Smart Home / Nest Hub then you can summon up the Google Assistant by simply pressing that dedicated button on the remote and speaking your command out loud [without having to say a Google 'work word' like "Hey Google" or "o.k. Google" that are needed with the other Smart devices] - so for example press the button and say "weather forecast" - easy !
The second point is that Brett shows you how to download and use the very handy App [either the "Android TV Remote App" or the iOS/iPadOS version "Android TV" for Apple devices] which makes a lot of thing a lot easier, not least the entering of numerous text characters using your phone, or tablet, instead of having to use [the relatively slow] on screen keyboard.
Prompts to apply system updates may appear on screen, or they may be applied automatically overnight.
To check manually go to Settings > System > About > System update