Google Chromecast revamps dongle to add remote, Google TV UI

We've already seen the redesigned Chromecast in many leaks, but now, the new Chromecast with Google TV is official. It isn't the once barebones TV dongle. Google is keeping up with the rapidly changing, streaming-centric world by coming out with its most radical change since the Chromecast Ultra was introduced four years ago.

The new Chromecast now has a remote control and a new tailor-made user interface called Google TV. The new UI makes it easier to navigate streaming apps and aligns its look with other Google products. But what it does take from the Chromecast Ultra is it still supports 4K resolution and Dolby Vision HDR.

The remote control has dedicated buttons for popular services like YouTube and Netflix as well as a Google Assistant button, so you can navigate the UI using voice commands.

The new Google TV interface builds on what Android TV has done for years, with rows with tailored recommendations and a watch list where you can bookmark things to watch later. Google says you can add content you want to watch from your phone or laptop. It will also help you manage your Nest devices and other smart home gadgets, thanks to Google Assistant.

One thing missing is that it won't support Google Stadia out of the box. Google says it'll be coming in the first half of 2021.

It retails for $69 here in Canada and comes in three colours: Snow, Sky, and Sunrise. It'll be available starting October 15.

Google launched the new Chromecast with its new Nest Audio speaker, Pixel 5, and Pixel 4a 5G.

Source: CNET