If you're into the Google ecosystem, subscribe to YouTube TV or simply want to try a new way to discover TV shows and movies, the Chromecast with Google TV is an excellent choice. And I like Google TV better than Fire TV, which has too many ads and worse search results. It's not as simple or rock-solid as Roku, which is $10 cheaper, but it's certainly more capable, especially for voice.
#GOOGLE DONGLE FOR TV ANDROID#
This points to the new version of Android TV, rumoured to be re-branded to ‘Google TV'.The Chromecast with Google TV is priced to compete with two of CNET's favorite 4K streamers, Roku's Express 4K Plus and Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and I can report it does so handily. Images in the report show a freshly designed user interface that goes with a content-first approach, similar to how competing smart TV operating systems do things. Android TV is long overdue for an update, and it's likely that the latest version would roll out with the new Google streaming device.
#GOOGLE DONGLE FOR TV SOFTWARE#
It's also likely that it will come with support for 4K streaming, along with HDR up to the Dolby Vision format, in our opinion.Ī key part of the experience will be the software, and Google is known for pushing new versions of its Android and Android TV software with its own hardware. Although the codename is known for now, it's possible that Google will go with its ‘Nest' branding to tie the device in with its existing range of smart speakers and displays. There's also no word on the official branding of the device.
As expected, the Google Assistant button is highlighted on the remote, suggesting that voice controls will be a large part of the feature set on the new device. The images of the remote in the report show a compact unit, with the direction pad and a few buttons showing. The remote highlights the Google Assistant button, visible just below the D-pad
This will bring it in line with competitors like the Amazon Fire TV Stick devices. Since the device will reportedly run Android TV, it will be a standalone device with no continuous reliance on your smartphone, as is the case with the Chromecast. The images show an oval dongle that will likely be anchored to the HDMI port on the user's television, and appears to be a bit larger than the current Chromecast devices. The report by XDA Developers explores the new Google Android TV dongle - codenamed Sabrina - in detail, showing images of the device itself, as well as the remote and the user interface. The device could also come with the latest version of Android TV, and will have its own remote and a refreshed user interface, according to the report.
#GOOGLE DONGLE FOR TV SERIES#
Codenamed ‘Sabrina', the new dongle is the much-awaited successor to the Google Chromecast series, and will be a standalone streaming device with more capabilities than the Chromecast series of devices. Google's Android TV-powered streaming dongle has been rumoured for a while now, but a new report finally reveals details about the upcoming device.