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Google has been trying to break through the TV streaming platform competition, bringing Google Chromecast for those who want to stream mobile content online to their HDTV, then Android TV. While Google has turned into conglomerate company Alphabet, Google is still Google – even with a few restructuring changes.
The company that’s taking on Roku in the race is soon to announce a second-generation Chromecast, thanks to new leaks from site 9to5Google. First, the second-generation Chromecast has a different shape than its predecessor, with more of a balloon or “ornament” look than that of the first-generation Chromecast. Next, Google has decided to bring improved Wi-Fi to the new Chromecast, which will help you quickly beam content from your smartphone or tablet to the biggest screen in your home. This could hint at 802.11ac Wi-Fi, as opposed to the current 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, which isn’t as fast as 802.11ac.
A number of smartphones and tablets have it, and Google’s decision to increase its Wi-Fi offering is well-advised. A new Fast Play feature will speed up the time between your pressing the “play” button and the content on your TV (with the Chromecast connected) starts playing it. Mobile devices, Wi-Fi, and Chromecast are getting a boost to work better together with this soon-to-be-announced second-generation device.
Next, Google is looking to enhance the Chromecast capabilities beyond just movie and TV content, but to audio as well. With a new Chrome Audio feature, you can now beam your Google Chrome or Android audio to any speaker in the house. We don’t know all the details about Chrome Audio, but this will likely be a huge hit for those who merely want to listen to music as opposed to those who want to have an audio and visual video experience. It’ll be effective for those times when you just want to put on some music while you’re cleaning the house, for example.
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- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Chromecast backdrop is about to get an enhancement. Whereas you’ve been able to add photos, weather, and art to your Chromecast screen saver, Google is about to add social media feeds to the mix. Avid Google+ users, for instance, may find this to be yet another way to combine all of their Google services on one screen. We don’t know if this will include Facebook. Spotify will add Chromecast support to its mobile app soon and become one of the new Chromecast apps to do so.
Google is set to announce its second-generation Chromecast on September 29th, the same day that the company announces the new LG Nexus 5X and the Huawei Nexus. Whereas you could buy the Google Chromecast from the Google Play Store, you can now buy it from the new Google Store.
Quick Recap
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- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
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- Watch the entertainment you love with Chromecast with Google TV, including live TV in up to 4K HDR; discover over 700,000 movies and TV episodes, plus millions of songs
- Get fast streaming, and enjoy a crystal clear picture up to 4K and brighter colors with HDR
- Your home screen displays movies and TV shows from all your services in one place with Chromecast 4K; get personal recommendations based on your subscriptions, viewing habits, and content you own
- Press the Google Assistant button on the remote and use voice search to find specific shows, youtube tv streaming, or search by mood, genre, actress, and more; control the volume, switch inputs, play music, and get answers, hands-free
- Chromecast is easy to install and compatible with almost any TV that has an HDMI port; to get started, just plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming
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- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
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- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
