Although with the launch of the new Google TV Streamer 4K we have also learned to say goodbye to Chromecasts, it is one thing to remove them from the market and another to stop supporting them. And actually, what just happened is good news for users of what is probably the most successful product in Google history: Google rolls out promised features of its new Streamer to older Chromecasts.
It first added the AI-generated screensaver feature earlier this month and is available now. the Home panel that lands on the Chromecast
Enjoy the new home panel on your old Chromecast now
The new Google TV Home panel gives you simple, intuitive access to control the smart devices in your home, allowing you, for example, to adjust the brightness of the lights, raise or lower the smart thermostat, check your security cameras, security, your smart doorbell. etc., and all this without having to look at your phone: all home automation from your TV screen.
Google initially launched this Home panel for those who owned a Chromecast and were part of the Google Home Public Preview program, but the rollout is now public and general. It won’t just be Chromecasts with Google TV, but also Smart TV with this same operating system
Be careful because although this function in practice reaches devices equipped with Google TV, this doesn’t mean you can map a button
How to get the new home panel on your Google TV device? You won’t have to do anything, as long as it arrived via an update. However, if you want to speed up the process, check for updates by going to “System” > “Information” > “System Update”. If so, tap to update now.
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In Xataka Android | Google TV Streamer: the successor to the Chromecast is more powerful, has a new remote control and no longer hangs on the TV