Google's new Chromecast is overwhelmingly easier to use with "Google TV" support: Product Review

The media streaming terminal "Roku" has been popular in the United States for a long time. I love Roku, so I couldn't understand why I needed "Chromecast". Isn't it a hassle to use a smartphone to play videos on a TV? Besides, Roku is cheap but has great features, is compatible with almost all streaming services, and is easy to use.

However, Google has released a new model "Chromecast with Google TV" that allows you to search and stream content in multiple ways. And after using it for a while, my loyalty to Roku began to fluctuate.

The price is $ 49.99 (7,600 yen in Japan), which is considerably higher than the old model (5,072 yen in Japan), which had minimal functions. However, the new Chromecast is compatible with "Google TV." Google TV is a smart TV platform formerly known as "Android TV," and its user interface is as easy to use as Roku and "Apple TV." A dedicated remote control is also included.

The new Chromecast is compatible with "Dolby Vision" and "Dolby Atmos," allowing you to stream content in up to 4K resolution. The body has a cute design with a modern oval shape, and all three color variations are soft shades. However, in most cases, the main unit is hidden behind the TV and disappears.

Customized interface

The biggest strength of Chromecast over competing streaming devices is probably Google TV's easy-to-use interface. Recommended content is customized to the user's taste, and movies and TV programs are displayed regardless of platform.

This made it much easier to find content. You don't have to launch each app to find content on streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube.

Of course, you can't see the entire service library without opening the app, but that's when customized recommendations come in handy. It's also great that ads aren't displayed, which alone makes it even easier to use overall.

I actually logged in to my personal service and tried using Chromecast as my main streaming device, and Chromecast suggested content that might be of interest to me quite well. If you see a title that isn't perfect, but you don't like it, press and hold the center button on the remote to eventually remove it from the recommendations. You can also add the content you want to see later to the watch list by the same long press operation.

Cross-search across the content of multiple services

Google TV also displays titles for unsubscribed services, such as "YouTube TV" and Google rental services. However, I didn't find this unpleasant, as I was presented with a significant amount of content each time. Also, if you're not sure if a streaming service is right for you, you may find information that can help you decide if you should subscribe.