Google rolled out Chromecast in 2013, making any ordinary TV smart just by plugging it into the HDMI port. Later, Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast third-generation were rolled out in 2016 and 2018, respectively. Now, Google has taken the same feature to the next level by introducing Google TV Stick, aka Chromecast with Google TV, which changes the whole streaming game. Let’s discuss what the Google TV Stick serves the table for you before actually buying it.
The Google TV Stick is a new device that comes under the Chromecast lineup, which allows you to personalize the home screen by recommending content based on your streaming subscription. Let’s explore its features and the things that you might never have known about. Without further ado, let’s get started.
What is Google TV Stick?
Google TV Stick, aka Chromecast with Google TV, which falls under the Chromecast category. This will take you to the next level to allow you to explore the streaming world. You will be experiencing the best experience through the interaction of your television using an Android TV. It will support Netflix to YouTube, Amazon Prime Video to Hulu along with Disney Plus, and Sling TV. You can even install the apps that you use on an Android phone.
So it does come with its remote, including the Google Assistant button to assist you as per your need at your fingertips. Availability of 4K HDR and Dolby Vision, along with the smoothness of Dolby Atmos, will fulfill your demand for a streaming experience.
Out of the box accessories
It looks quite chic and easy to use; it comes with a small flat pebble along with the remote control to access it. You will get the following accessories when you unbox them.
- Power cable
- Power adapter
- Powerful 2x AAA batteries
- Voice Remote: Comes with built-in Google Assistant, IR to control TV, Soundbar, Bluetooth, or receiver with an accelerometer sensor
- Google TV: with HDMI ports along with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, supports 4K HDR, 60 FPS, along with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos
Requirements
- TV with HDMI port option
- Wi-Fi network
- An iOS or Android smartphone
- Your Google account
- Google Home app must be installed on your phone
- Stick itself
Pricing and Availability
Google TV was announced on 30th September, and deliveries started on 15th October. The Google TV Stick will cost you up to 59.99 in the UK and $49.99 in the US. Now the Google TV Stick is available at the online stores or the official Google stores.
What does the Google TV Stick look like?
Google TV looks like a small, flat stone with a rubber finish that supports a USB Type-C port for power and a dangling cable for HDMI output purposes. It looks a little bit similar to the Chromecast of the previous design. The front panel is initialized with the letter “G,” as the branding of Google on the back of the device requires labels, a light indicator, and a button used for reset.
It also comes with the addition of a voice remote, including a directional navigation pad, a back button, an Assistant button to summon Google Assistant, a mute button, app buttons to use YouTube and Netflix, a TV power button, a button to change TV inputs, a small microphone, an LED to indicate if the device is activated or not, and volume control buttons.
Difference between Google TV Stick and Chromecast
| Specs | Voice remote with Google Assistant | Chromecast |
| Video resolution | Up to 4K HDR | Up to 1080p |
| Voice remote with Google Assistance | Present | Absent |
| Browse all content in one place with Google TV | Present | Absent |
| Personal recommendations | Present | Absent |
| A group with Nest speakers and displays | Present | Present |
| Control smart home devices | Present | Absent |
| Cast availability from iOS and Android | Present | Present |
Advantages of Google TV Stick
- It’s cheap and available at just $49.99
- Support for 4K HDR streaming
- Watch Live TV and YouTube TV
- Presence of Google Assistant
- Comes with built-in Netflix and YouTube buttons
- Supports HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision video formats
- Easy to manage other smart home devices
- Pairable with Nest displays and speakers
- Shows recommendations based on the subscriptions or your watch history
- Supports casting from both iOS and Android
- Remote does both IR and HDMI-CEC
- Google TV Stick is good at aggregating content
Features Lacking
Yes, the device comes with some limitations. Here are the things that Google TV Stick lacks.
- Google TV Stick does not support Apple TV+
- Remapping of the Netflix button is not available
- Support for 4K upscaling is absent, unlike the Nvidia Shield TV
- The stick does not come with play/pause, forward, or rewind buttons
- It does not come with Google Stadia support
- Occasional performance slowdowns
- Lack of home screen customizations
Should you buy it?
Google TV Stick is a cool and fascinating streaming device. Google is moving to the next level, so we’re expecting to see the same device get more features. It’s not like the stick is not good; it’s the best streaming device compared to other available streaming devices in the streaming market.
The only downfall of this TV Stick is the absence of a local library, which misses a few region-specific services. Also, there should be little work that must be done on the Google TV UI. But looking at the price range of the device, it’s worth buying.