You cannot even use the device without accepting Google's privacy agreements.Īfter initial set-up, Chromecast will install the latest system update during which the device is locked – surely it could do that later. Google will ask you for your home address, location, access to Bluetooth, and more, which is not very comforting. You can install the 'Google Home' app and scan the QR code on screen, which makes the process smoother, but you are still required to enter text with the cumbersome on-screen keyboard. User experience & featuresSetting up Chromecast takes some effort and time (about 20 minutes for us) before reaching the finish line. If you want to learn more about our test methodology click here.Ĭhromecast with Google TV – Energy consumption MeasurementsIn our 'measurements' section we include all measurements. On the side of the remote, you have volume up/down that can control your TV's volume. It is possible to remap the buttons (with a third party app) but it takes a little effort. Google's small remote control has left/right/up/down buttons with an OK button in the center along with a few other buttons plus two sponsored buttons for YouTube and Netflix, which is unfortunate if you are not using these services. It is powered by a quad-core 1.9GHz ARM-based processor, Mali-G31 GPU, 2GB of RAM, and 8GB of built-in storage. It now has a full TV user interface (Google TV) and comes bundled with a remote control – a change that we welcome. The big change of course is that Chromecast is no longer a just a passive receiver. It is meant to be hidden and it is small and lightweight enough to hang behind a TV. While HDMI (and USB) is technically capable of supplying power to energy-efficient devices, Chromecast has been designed to be connected to a power socket via an included power cable and brick. It must be connected to a TV's HDMI input. First impressionsThe new Chromecast is a small dongle not much bigger than the previous Chromecasts.

Chromecast with google tv plex server