The size of the new Chromecast is certainly bigger than previous models, but I don’t think that matters much. Notably, I’ve noticed that this latest Chromecast model also doesn’t get as hot as the Chromecast Ultra did. It’s not a lot, but it’s enough to comfortably run the platform and most apps, too. Inside the shell of the new Chromecast there’s an Amlogic chip and 2GB of RAM. That port can also use a USB-C hub so you can access storage devices, webcams, and more, too. It has a built-in plug to go into your TV and just a single port, a USB-C port that delivers power and, optionally, Ethernet. Like previous models, this is a simple HDMI dongle.

Before we dive into the new software, let’s briefly touch on the physical hardware. The new Chromecast runs on top of Google TV, which brings native apps, a physical remote, and new hardware too. The OS was controlled entirely from smartphones and tablets - no remote, no interface, nothing. Those devices were designed to be a bare-bones way to get content on the TV. Google’s Chromecast lineup has been around since 2013, but the first four versions of the product were entirely different from this latest model. In steps Google with its new watchlist feature, a new platform, and a brand-new piece of hardware to watch it all on - Chromecast with Google TV.Ī Chromecast unlike any before it And it has a remote! There have been perks, sure, but it’s only made finding our favorite content more confusing. 2020 has been quite a year, but outside of the obvious things, it’s also been notable for the barrage of streaming services that have changed how we consume TV shows and movies online.

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