It is true that Android TV covers all the covers, since the versatility of Google’s operating system for televisions (and other gadgets) allows us a wide range of possibilities. However, the company was encouraged to launch its own devices with Google TV, a modification of Android TV with some differences. But these devices were very successful, so I finally got my hands on a Chromecast with Google TV take advantage of a good offer.
The new Chromecast with remote control, and no longer dependent on the mobile phone, offers us a very enriching “Made by Google” experience, with suggestions and a renewed look that gives Android TV a new look. However, for me, not all gold shines and there is some sections that are easily improved.
I only see what interests Google
First, it’s worth mentioning that Google TV’s interface is clean and attractive, offering series and movie recommendations right from the home screen. Also, some streaming platforms are integrated, so we will avoid going through specific applications.
That’s not to say it doesn’t have some aspects that could be improved, because as the title says: I only see what Google wants me to see. Named “For you”, the main section of Google TV recommends titles from streaming platforms, but I must say that he was rarely right with my interests
I tried some launchers that modify this essential part, they partly improve the shortcomings of the native, but in performance they don’t end up going so well, without commenting that some ask to pay the license to take full advantage of it.
Here, Google should make its initial screen more customizable, seeing results from the platforms we subscribe to and skipping content that we don’t have a subscription to. I could contribute a thousand ideas, but in my mind, I see an interface where I see installed apps first, and then some (more specific) recommendations on what content is available. Being able to change the size of the “cards” as well as customize the background would be other useful additions.
Performance not quite solid
Although the initial setup is done wonderfully with the Google Home app, the operation of this Chromecast not as smooth as I expected. Normally when I “wake it up” it takes a few seconds to react, after which the interface feels clunky.
When moving between menus and sections, there is always a small slowdown that ruin the experience, without being something alarming. Even so, it’s something Google should consider, as it’s made worse in some apps like Twitch.
In this section, it is appropriate to name the keyboard with which we enter text. Similar to Android for cellphones, it’s comfortable and accurate, although it has some display issues (or hide) depending on the situation. If Google were able to fine-tune the performance of the system, it would be an even more recommendable device.
I want the Play Store that I already know
Likewise, I didn’t like Google TV’s Google Play Store. Yeah, it’s kinda cool that it’s integrated into the same interface, but then more information is needed on the apps I want to download.
Also I want to see each category as I do from my mobile, access a locked Google Play Store. Something similar to what we saw in the interface happens, which Google puts obstacles in relation to other devices.
We were talking about the Google TV interface, but the Play Store interface doesn’t match either: it only shows recommended apps, another section with featured ones and streaming apps. If I happen to want to play from my new Chromecast, I have no other choice to discover new titles than to I have to search by name. Again, a shift from what this app store offers on other devices.
Google TV does not follow the path of the Pixel
To finish dirtying the work of the Mountain View company, there is something that we cannot ignore. I’m talking about Android, specifically its versions. With Android 13 for TV already ready since late last year, it’s incomprehensible that has not been updated to this latest version.
As we can see, Android TV 12 is still present with the Google TV layer on the Chromecast HD, so we lack accessibility improvements, in addition to others related to performance and quality. In this sense, Google’s policy should go hand in hand with what the Google Pixels benefit from. These Pixels usher in Android updates, and something similar should happen with official Chromecasts.
Otherwise, other TV makers adopting Google TV can also “chill out,” bypassing system updates. It will be then that we cannot criticize them, since it is the company that owns Android that should lead by example.
In short, despite the fact that it may seem quite the opposite, I am happy with my new purchase. Now I have all the streaming apps on a traditional TV, and the connection with my Pixel is flawless. There’s no doubt that Google TV has a bright future ahead of it, but you might take note of some aspects where it doesn’t excel as much.
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