When Google Chromecast first launched in 2013, it was based on a stripped-down version of ChromeOS and was meant to be used controlled via your Android phone, iPhone, Windows PC, or Mac computer to stream audio and video, and even more recent versions like Chromecast Ultra were not standalone media players.
But Google’s “Chromecast with Google TV” changes all that as it’s based on Android TV OS and supports all 6,500 apps designed for the operating systems, and ships with a remote control to playback videos from YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and other apps without the need for your phone or a computer, although it still support all existing Chromecast features.
Chromecast with Google TV hardware specifications:
- SoC – Quad-core processor @ 1.8GHz with ARM Mali-G31 MP2 GPU, likely
Amlogic S905X2or even S905Y2 since there’s no Ethernet.[Update: It’s Amlogic S905D3 according to a screenshot provided by Android TV rumors.]
- System Memory – 2GB RAM
- Storage – 8GB flash
- Video Output – HDMI 2.1 up to 4K HDR @ 60 fps with ALLM support
- Video – 4K H.265/H.264 with Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ support
- Audio – Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos (pass-through)
- Connectivity – 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5 (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz), Bluetooth
- Power Supply – Via USB Type-C port
- Dimensions – 162 x 61 x 12.5 mm
- Weight – 55 grams
Some of the specifications above are from a thread on Kodi forum since Google does not provide the full specs. ChromeCast with Google TV is currently available in “Snow”, “Sunrise”, or “Sky” colors, and ships with a voice remote with Bluetooth and IR transmitter, accelerometer, and integrated microphone for Google Assistant.
The company did not provide the full details, but as I understand it, Google TV is basically Android TV OS with a slightly different launcher with a focus on content rather than apps. The new Chromecast also adds other features such as the ability to control smart home devices, and later in 2021, it will also be compatible with Stadia cloud gaming service.
The “Google TV” brand is actually not new, as it was the older name for the TV-optimized Android operating before it was renamed to Android TV. What will we have to see in the future is whether Google TV and Android TV will coexist, or whether all official Google streaming device will now run Google TV.
Chromecast with Google TV is now available in the US for $49.99 or $89.99 with a 6-month subscription to Netflix.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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According to the Ars Technica report the S905X2 SoC is used however their “we know the specs” link goes to a report that clearly shows 4 x ARM Cortex-A55 @ 1908 MHz so the SoC is most likely S905X3 or, hopefully S905X4.
Finally, it’s S905D3. I’ve updated the specs accordingly.
No Stadia support (yet), no Ethernet port, expensive.
Hopefully – like most low cost Netflix-approved devices primarily designed for WiFi – the USB connection (this time Type C, but on others an OTG micro USB type B usually) used for power will also support connection of a USB Ethernet adaptor, USB storage and hub etc. This is what Google did with the Chromecast Ultra 4K device as standard (the Ethernet port was in the PSU), but WiFi tech has improved since then so I guess Google think Ethernet isn’t required for Netflix, Amazon etc. bitrates.
The SoC supports USB3 I believe, but even if it’s USB 2, that will still allow >200Mbs Ethernet connectivity with a USB3 GigE adaptor. I can see why they wouldn’t include a connector that the vast majority of users won’t use, but all users will end up paying for.
No AV1 decode, no buy. Bizarre since Google will be the biggest beneficiary of AV1 with YouTube.
No Wi-Fi 6. Low 8 GB of internal storage, only 4.4 GB usable. No Stadia at launch is baffling; they are doing everything they can to make Stadia a flop.
It’s better than Amazon Fire Stick 4K, at least.
Other than slightly more ram I don’t see much difference between this and the Amazon 4k with regards to capabilities (and the Amazon stick officially supports Ethernet via an accessory iirc).
This SoC should be faster. A55 at a higher clock speed than A53. I’m not sure about the GPU performance.
The extra half gigabyte of RAM can make a difference. Good for stuff like exiting Kodi to the home screen and returning, using a web browser, running compatible Android apps from Google Play, etc.
GPU is same as in s905x2, s905x3 and s905x4
I wonder if DV6071Z Amlogic S905Y4 4K Android TV Ready Dongle for Operator
Will ever go onsale to the public.
Not the same since S905X4 does support AV1
Agree, poor decision not to go with the S905X4 for 4K AV1 support.
They would probably have had to delay the launch until next year with S905X4.
8GB flash is really limiting if they plan on supporting many Android TV apps.
Few local games and you have filled that up right away.
You really want wired Ethernet for Stadia so I would expect a new charger with integrated RJ-45 Ethernet port similar to what is available for Chromecast Ultra as an option.
10/100 Mbps Ethernet Adapter for Chromecast with Google TV is sold for $19.99
https://store.google.com/us/product/chromecast_ethernet_adapter_gen_2?hl=en-US
Similar to the previous 10/100 Mbps Ethernet adapter for older Chromecasts
https://store.google.com/us/product/ethernet_adapter_for_chromecast?hl=en-US
FYI, the new Google TV Home (LauncherX) launcher app has hit the Google Play Store, but it is pretty useless for now, see:
https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/10/01/the-new-google-tv-home-app-has-hit-the-play-store-but-its-pretty-useless-for-now/