The house time is over.
Google has released "Chromecast with Google TV".I got it right away so I would like to check it.
Chromecast + AndroidTV = Chromecast with Google TV
This gadget is a device that can use two functions: the smart TV function Android TV that was mounted on TV, and a Chromecast that allows you to mirror smartphones and PCs on a TV screen.In addition to this main function, Google Assistants can now be used.
The point is that simply plugging into the TV will make your home TV a smart TV and you can also reflect the screen of your smartphone.
Simple design, simple setup
Here is the device body and remote control.The color variations are available in three colors, SNOW (white), Sunrise (pink), and SKY (blue), and this time we use SNOW.Simple in the box.It's a bit hard to see, but there are two AAA batteries for remote control.
The remote control is small size that fits in your hand.The right side has a physical volume button.Press and hold the navy button on the upper right to start the Google Assistant.You can search for voice.
The top is a nostalgic quick wheel!...... It wasn't.A little disappointing.
Setup is very simple.All you have to do is insert it into the HDMI on the TV and launch your smartphone's Google Home app.The QR code for authentication is displayed, so scanning with a smartphone completes the pairing.
We will set voice matches and streaming applications on smartphones.It looks like Android TV ...!YouTube and Netflix have a dedicated button, so they are included by default.
The real pleasure is that you can find your favorite content across the app
When the setup is completed, it will be available immediately.The home screen is designed like the image above."Search", "Recommended", "Movie", "program", "app", "library" are lined up.In the US version, there was a "LIVE" tab, but it has not been installed in Japan.
If you look at the top "Recommended" tabs, you will see the content and match degree of content that matches the user's attribute across services such as Netflix and Prime Video.According to Google, "the major difference from the current Android TV is to display" recommended "and search results in various Google services."
In other tabs, for example, "programs" are displayed in multiple stories, and the library is downloaded.
Chromecast is somehow easy to use
Until now, we have explained the functions of Android TV, but of course it is also equipped with a Chromecast function that allows you to mirror the smartphone screen.I guess there are many people who have reflected YouTube or Netflix on the TV screen.
From the smartphone app, press the cast icon to play on the living room TV.
For the time being, the TV screen can be operated directly with the remote control, but the operation of the remote control is dull ...It is troublesome to drive characters with a remote control when searching.
It is faster to hit the work with a smartphone at hand.I'm glad that the function of Chromecast remains ...!
In addition, you can also cast an app such as Google Meet, so you can also do online MTGs on a large screen.
Points I want to expect from now on
The setup is easy, the operation is easy to understand, and I am grateful that you can search for the work across the service, but there were some points that "this is an issue ...".
One is voice search.It seems like a function that has a voice search button on the remote control, but after using it for one week, only YouTube appeared in the search result."I want to see Vacherrette in Prime Video," says YouTube ...Voice search in Japanese still seems to have an issue.
At this stage, multi -account is not implemented.Although it supports voice matches, it is not possible to switch accounts with voices alone.I don't think it's a problem if you live alone, but if you use it with your family, you may be a little nervous.
Also, personally, after all, the remote control was a quick wheel -like UI on the iPod!
So, is it actually "buying"?
The Chromecast with Google TV is a maximum resolution of 4K, HDR compatible, and the main unit price is 7,600 yen.In Japan, 12,200 yen type is released with the main body + Netflix 6 months.Netflix's standard plan is 1,320 yen per month, so this plan looks pretty good.
Considering the competition, Apple TV is currently 15,800 yen and 4K compatible Fire TV Stick is 6,980 yen.If you look at the main unit price, you will be able to go to the Fire TV Stick a little.It's annoying, but when you buy a Netflix set, the Chromecast with Google TV becomes an amazing cospa.
By the way, Google seems to sell the third generation Chromecast in parallel.5,072 yen at this stage.Well, the set for 6 months for Netflixt is strong ...
