It’s certainly doable, but if you want to save some time, you can download the Google Home app and set up your Chromecast via a phone or tablet. You can set up the device via your TV, which means inputting some details via the included remote control. Once it’s connected and powered up, it’s time to set up your Chromecast. And since it’s a USB Type C port, you don’t have to worry about which way you’re holding the power cord when you plug it in. And that continues here - you just plug the Chromecast into your TV’s HDMI port and then plug in the power cord. One of the hallmarks of the Chromecast line, and HDMI dongles in general, is the ease in setup. Those recommendations pull from a variety of streaming services, including ones you may or may not subscribe to, but the goal is, ideally, more relevant viewing options for you. When you fire up your Chromecast, you’ll see options like “Top Picks for You,” categories like Action or Comedy, or suggestions based on movies you’ve watched.
CHROMECAST DONGLE SOFTWARE
We’ll get into actually using the software in the next section, but to sum up: Instead of presenting a grid of available streaming apps, Google TV aims to offer suggestions tailored to your viewing habits and preferences.
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Of course, one of the biggest features here is the addition of Google TV, which acts sort of like a new interface layer on top of the existing Android TV. And if you’re wondering why color choice would matter for a device that’s meant to be hidden behind your TV, well that color choice also applies to the included remote control.
You also get three color options: Sky, Sunrise, and Snow. Earlier Chromecast models have supported 4K and HDR, but we’ll dive into what sets this new one apart a little later. As far as what this new Chromecast can do, some highlights include 4K HDR support, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+. In the box, you’ll get the Chromecast device itself, a remote control, batteries, adapter, and a power cord that uses the USB Type-C standard. Size-wise, however, this new Chromecast is a fair bit larger than earlier models. We’re still dealing with a small, discrete device with a flexible HDMI “tail.” Unlike streaming boxes that sit on your entertainment center by your TV, these dongle-style devices are meant to plug straight into your HDMI port and hang off that connection on the back of your TV. Instead of curating and selecting media via your phone, you can use this new Chromecast as a dedicated streaming device like you would a Roku, Fire TV or Apple TV. And, along with the included remote control, this changes the recipe considerably. What’s new this time is that instead of relying on your phone, tablet, or computer to cast media to your Chromecast to play on your TV, this new model comes packing an enhanced version of Android TV that’s called Google TV. The line has been around since 2013 and while the exact design has evolved over time, the basic idea is that these devices offer streaming chops in a small HDMI dongle that hooks to the back of your TV out of sight and out of mind. So here’s a quick recap on the history of Google’s Chromecast series. What’s New with the Chromecast with Google TV
CHROMECAST DONGLE HOW TO
How to Watch Sports on Regional Sports Networks (RSNs).