Meh. Seems to be Google’s answer to the Apple TV.
It probably comes down to whether you’re an Apple or Google (Android) person/family. I’m locked into the Apple eco-system and am very satisfied, so I don’t see myself buying this product.
Thanks! I am an Android person (Pixel phone, HP laptop. Since my budget is very limited, and in general these products are cheaper, I may buy it for $100;since I have a smart TV that I am not bright enough to figure out. Either/or hire a college kid home for break to help me figure it out.
Have you tried youtube?
How is this different from Chromecast with Google TV? We got that last year for a fraction of that price.
Naaa…my Roku works fine. It’s compatible with Apple Airplay and Chromecast.
If you can find someone to show you how to use it, you will be so grateful! It isn’t hard, I think it’s more intimidating! If you have a SmartTV you are missing out on not using it!
Actually, I have a smart tv, and it was overwhelming to set up. There’s a high school kid in the apartment above mine and I may ask his mom if he can help. He and his dad set up my printer after my ancient one bit the dust.
For now I may just use it as an additional screen for my laptop. I think I may be able to do that myself. Wish me luck!
Before you spend the money–Pixel/Android family here! We have this–I can’t imagine what the expensive one does that you’d actually need that this one doesn’t–but take a look and compare. This is only 30 bucks. I’m not the most tech-savvy and set it up pretty easily.
Thanks! I looked it up when you posted it. Free shipping from Google! No Walmarts in NYC but lots of Targets, even in Brooklyn–I will check.
Yeah I just used Walmart because it was the first one that came up. Hope it works out for you!
If you already have a smart TV, I’d suggest trying the streaming that is already integrated in to your TV first, before purchasing alternative streaming products. The smart TV will also give you a sense about what features may be lacking or missing, which you can look for in other streaming products.
If you are having trouble setting up the smart TV, I doubt that the Google streamer will be easier. As I recall, setting up my smart TV primarily involved connecting to my wireless router, so my TV had a way to connect to the Internet and download apps/shows/movies. Your TV may also support a wired connection.
If you decide you do want a streamer and your budget is limited, there are much lower cost options than this that will probably be good enough. Streaming products start at ~$20. During Black Friday, there may be some $10-$15 type deals. There are also ways to get them for free. I received two 4k Google Chromecasts for free among other Google products in a previous year, as part of their Superfan promotion.
That said, I do have a Google Chromecast connected to one of my viewing locations, which has a Roku smart TV. I like having the option of using Google Chromecast primarily because it’s more simple to stream videos from my phone via Chromecast than Roku – just click the Chromecast icon. If I am watching Netflix, Hulu, Paramount+, or similar streaming services instead of videos from phone, I prefer the Roku interface, which is built in to my smart TV. I don’t plan to switch to the new Google streamer. The benefits (claim of 22% faster) don’t seem worth the cost and hassle of setting things up again with a new device.
For my other viewing locations, I prefer Roku. As mentioned, I prefer the Roku interface over Google TV. I also like how Roku has support for IF remotes (easier to integrate with my existing URC remotes), and supports more streaming services that open with a single button click. For example, I can open Netflix, Hulu, Paramount+, Disney, HBO, … with a single button click on my remote. I also like how Roku offers more configuration settings option, supports speed test, etc. However, persons who want to keep things simple might see this as a downside.
I’d definitely second this:
Maybe your smart tv is much more sophisticated than mine, but I thought my setup was pretty straightforward. If you post here where you’re getting stumped, I’d bet there’s someone here with the same set who can help out.
We have an older smart tv, and moved to using Chromecast/Google tv for two reasons:
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there was a limit to what new channels it could support, besides the very basic ones (Netflix, Prime, Hulu, a couple others) that it came with. For instance, it did not accept an app for Disney Plus.
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Streaming directly through the TV, as opposed to a streaming device, produced a lag that got worse the longer you watched. The only way to make it go away was to pause and then start again. Really annoying.
So after the initial installation, the streaming device (Chromecast/GTV) has been so, so much better, in so many ways. Really glad we switched to it.
When we finally bought a TV for our vacation home, we got a cheap Google tv during Prime last year, and everything is built in–plus both are tied to the same gmail account, so we can switch seamlessly from one to the other depending on where we are.