That's still an option on Google TV hardware Google's newer Chromecasts are, of course, Chromecast targets, and you can play your favorite shows and movies on them without directly interacting with the streaming dongle at all. The Chromecasts of yesteryear didn't run Google TV - content selection took place entirely on external devices like phones or tablets. But many more plugged-in consumers have serious issues with Google TV, chiefly that its home screen is packed with suggestions for shows and movies to watch that often don't seem rooted in user preference. For most people, compared to the first few generations of Chromecast devices, that's a good thing: a big-screen user interface and physical remote control make streaming much simpler for less technically inclined viewers. Should you buy it?įor Android users, the Chromecast Audio is a nearly perfect product, and the closest thing in the world to a no-brainer.If you want a Chromecast today, your only option is the Chromecast with Google TV, which comes in 4K and, more recently, 1080p in the Chromecast with Google TV (HD). Also beware that a Chromecast won't stream from a site that uses Silverlight, Quicktime or VLC. No amount of resets would let me get back in, despite it merrily informing me it was playing fine - this was with a Core i7 PC (the minimum requirement is an i3). I was able to cast audio from the CBS All-Access site for a few minutes and then it stopped. Also, without a wired Ethernet option you could run up against interference problems depending on the strength of your Wi-Fi (and your neighbors').Ĭhrome browser support is patchy: While Chromecast is supposed to work without fuss, and usually does when casting video, I found it patchy when casting audio. It's only able to stream up to 24/96 which may worry some audiophiles, and I had some issues with hooking it up digitally to a Rotel receiver with unpleasantly steely sonics. ![]() ![]() It has its limitations: While hooking the Chromecast up to a DAC or receiver helps, it can only do so much. ![]() Create a group in the Google Home app incorporating the speakers you want, and even control it with your voice if you like. These include speakers, receivers,Īnd high-end adaptors from the likes of Sony, LG, NAD, Polk, Raumfeld and Onkyo. While it works great with other Chromecast Audio units it will also work with Chromecast built-in products from third-party manufacturers. Multiroom: The Chromecast Audio is designed to work as part of a multiroom system supporting most file formats up to 24-bit/96kHz. If you want to improve the audio quality you can hook it up to an external DAC or receiver, too - though the performance is perfectly fine for budget speakers. Of all the Wi-Fi dongles we've tested under $100 this is definitely the easiest to setup. It keeps improving: In the two years since the dongle's release, the Chromecast has only gotten better, with voice control one of the latest improvements. , Google Play Music, YouTube Music and iHeartRadio. Apart from native support there are also plenty of Android and iOS apps with built-in Cast buttons including Spotify, Pandora, ![]() Just tap the Cast Audio/Video button in the Google Home app and that sweet Soundcloud mix tape will start coming out of your hi-fi. It supports all apps on Android, many on iOS: If you're an Android user, you're in heaven as the Audio will play back anything you can play on your phone or tablet.
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