6 new features of the new Chromecast with Google TV (HD)

Google introduced a lighter version of the Chromecast with Google TV in September. The new HD version can stream with 1080p resolution and is cheaper with its price of 39.99 euros. We discuss 6 novelties of the new Chromecast (HD), but there are also disadvantages.

1. More storage

A pain point of the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) has always been the limited storage you can use to install apps. That problem isn’t completely gone with the Chromecast (HD), though you get an extra 300MB to use for apps. The Chromecast with Google TV (HD) comes with 4.7 GB compared to the 4.4 GB with the 4K version.

300 GB does make a difference when you install apps in the Play Store, because in practice you will be able to use three to four extra apps. Also pay attention when setting up the Chromecast (HD), because for the first time the streaming stick wants to install TikTok by default. If you don’t want that, you can prevent that during installation and save extra space.

2. Microphone Indicator

The Chromecast with Google TV (HD) works with Android TV 12, while the 4K variant has appeared with the older Android TV 10. That brings a number of advantages that Google describes. In Google TV, for example, you can see an indicator appear at the top right when an app uses the microphone in the remote. If that happens at an undesirable moment, you can revoke the permission to use the microphone. This privacy feature is also known from the Android 12 update for phones.

3. Scale Text

Not everyone has an equally good view, and thanks to Android TV 12 it is possible to adjust the size of letters. You can scale letters up to 130 percent of the original, and there’s also the option of making letters slightly smaller than standard – 85 percent – to fit more information on the screen. So you don’t have to go looking for glasses if you want to see the text in the interface of Google TV.

4. Adjust frame rate to the content

With the newer software of the Chromecast with Google TV (HD), it is possible in the settings to adjust the frame rate in which an app is displayed on your TV to the frame rate requested by the app. For example, you can choose to only inherit the app’s framerate if that works seamlessly, and this option is active by default in Google TV.

Another option is to use an app’s framerate even when it doesn’t work seamlessly – basically forcing it – which can cause problems. You will then briefly see a black screen every time you play a video. With a final option, you choose never to take over the requested frame rate of an app.

5. Connect the WiFi with QR code

Connecting your Chromecast (HD) to a Wi-Fi network can now be done faster without typing a password. That works with ‘Quick connect. If you choose this option in the connection menu, a QR code will appear on the screen of your television. If you then scan it with your phone, your Chromecast (HD) will immediately connect to the network to which you are connected on your smartphone.

6. Turn off surround sound

The new Chromecast gives users more control over the sound of their TV, the speakers or soundbar connected to it. You may not always want to blast surround sound effects through your living room, for example when your partner or children are sleeping.

By default, Google TV uses all audio formats supported by your TV’s internal or external sound source. In addition, you now have the option in the settings to always switch off surround sound, or to manually choose the allowed sound techniques.

Less powerful hardware

We have now discussed six advantages with the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) compared to the 4K variant, but the stick also comes with one disadvantage. The HD version may perform slower when browsing the interface and apps. It has a less fast chipset on board, a quad-core ‘Amlogic S805X2’ processor. In addition, it can also use less RAM: 1.5 GB of RAM instead of 2 GB.

We expect that the benefits of Android TV 12 will also reach the Chromecast (4K) via an update later, but when that will come is not known. Have you already bought a Chromecast with Google TV (HD)? Let us know in the comments.

Buy Chromecast with Google TV

You can buy the Chromecast With Google TV 2K HD in a white color. It costs 39.99 euros.