14 DAY TRIAL // Google has just announced the new Chromecast with Google TV HD version, and needless to say, many people are wondering what’s different versus the 4K model that was announced not a long time ago.
For one thing, the main difference sits right there in the name.
Whereas the previous version supports 4K resolutions, the new Chromecast can only play content in up to 1080p HDR.
Powered by an Amlogic S805X2 chip, the new model comes with 8GB of storage and 1.5 GB of RAM. It runs Android TV OS and supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG video formats, as well as Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos via HDMI passthrough audio formats.
Needless to say, it packs one HDMI connector to plug into your TV, and also comes with Wi-Fi support because that’s precisely how it works anyway.
The remote is the one that’s making the experience more modern thanks to built-in capabilities, such as support for Google Assistant.
“Google Assistant has a dedicated button on the included remote, so you can easily find something to watch — “Play 'House of the Dragon' on HBO Max” — or ask everyday questions like, “How’s the traffic to work?” Or, when it’s movie night, you can see your front door on the big screen with a Nest Doorbell to keep tabs on your pizza delivery,” Google explains in the official announcement today. “You’ll still have access to your favorite Chromecast features like casting from your phone, sharing your Google Photos to your TV, and casting your Google Meet video calls to TV, so you can join the team meeting or lecture from the comfort of your couch.”
The new Chromecast with Google TV HD version can be purchased today for $29.99 in the United States and 18 other countries, and Google says that it’ll be announcing further supported regions soon.