The Google Chromecast with Google TV has been on the market for four years and has since become my favorite TV dongle. I liked the previous Chromecast 3, but it fell short and the Menlo Park company knew it update the device to make it indispensable on my television: It was still simple, but being independent and in control was almost enough.
Google TV is the operating system that I like the most and this is, in my opinion, its main argument, but the device can still be improved: after months of daily use, it is clear to me that Google TV with Chromecast is good, but it needs more to live up to expectations of certain characteristics of the competition and of the current era.
Hardware: More storage is needed
It is clear that with a new generation there will be more modern hardware and As for the processor, there is no doubt: it will be more powerful and let’s not rule out that it will even support AI functions. So far, which is normal and expected. Likewise, I also expect the RAM to increase. But for me the most obvious thing on the hardware level is storage.
El Chromecast with Google TV 4K only has 8GB of storage and it doesn’t have a USB port to insert a USB memory or hard drive, so that’s all the space you have. Given that it normally takes Google a few years to renew this device, it’s essential that it leaves those 8 GB aside and goes up to at least 16.
Because with 8GB in 2024, it’s on par with the very veteran NVIDIA Shield or Amazon’s cheapest models, the Fire TV (the Apple TV starts at 64GB and the Fire TV 4K Max goes up to 16GB). By all accounts, insufficient for current times and even more so if you are someone who downloads a lot of apps.
Besides, Would it be too much to ask for it to be expandable?
More ports please
Precisely from the previous point, there is a most interesting outcome: it would be great if the next Chromecast with Google TV have an extra USB port for these needs. Moreover, its new design, leaving the dongle behind in favor of the decoder, would make this possible without too many complications. We could therefore use an external hard drive to play movies, series, music, etc.
Having said this, The Wi-Fi is very good, but with an Ethernet port it’s another level. Because yes, wireless internet connection is usually sufficient, but for high-quality streaming, a cable would be a luxury.
Small details for the controller
I have to say that I’m pretty happy with the current Chromecast controller, it’s ergonomic and compact… although in my experience, it’s very easy to lose it on the couch. In any case, it would be a success if it supported UWB so you could find it with your mobile. And if it had some customizable buttons it would be ideal, although if it doesn’t, we can always settle for apps like tvQuickActions or Button Mapper.
More power for home automation
Google has its own ecosystem for the home and after adding a button to call its assistant, it’s time to go further and make television the nerve center of everything to be able to control smart devices such as lighting, sockets, air conditioning… without the need for a hub.
Yes, you can already stream content from security cameras and perform basic monitoring using the Assistant, but adding support for Matter would take things to the next level.
Cover | Enrique Pérez (Xataka)
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