Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K)- Streaming Stick Entertainment with Voice Search - Watch Movies, Shows, and Live TV in 4K HDR - Snow

My cable bill due on the 24th of this month is $265. I've rationalized the amount thinking if I calculate it as a daily use fee then it's more justifiable. Sorry, but I've gotten to the end of my rope and want to cut my cable cord in favor of using much cheaper streaming as my main source of TV entertainment. So, what does it take. Well, it takes something like Chromecast or similar and a wifi source that allows for a strong internet connection. I'm a perfect candidate and hope to cut my bill in half even after subscribing to premium streaming services like Netflix, Prime and others. The way I look at it is I can always come back to cable if streaming gets to be too big a pain, but I'm optimistic.So, I've been playing with my new Chromecast and there are advantages that outweigh the disadvantages, imo. The signal reception is perfect, so I don't have any tech issues that are a constraint on picture quality. The only negative I've found to this point is navigation to the subscription services. There are a few extra steps, sometimes, navigating to a one service or another. Some of the account validation challenges can be a pain. Some services don't store cookies that could easily make authorization automatic. In my view, when you've successfully logged into a service through their validation process then that result should remembered forever on that device. I don't appreciate having to pull up a text or email every time I change to another streaming procider.Bottom line is Chromecast works exactly as advertised and I'm happy. I saved a couple of bucks because I don't have a 4k TV, but the high def is more than adequate. You'll need to survive a short learning curve because there are unfamiliar processes to figure out, but if a 73 year old like me can do it, so you can you. Honestly, for what Chromecast does it's a stone bargain. I just wish I had a cheaper source of wifi as a connection. That would be the cherry on top, so to speak. I suppose I could use my cell hotspot, but I only get one bar where I live. Everything is a compromise, right?Now, I'm going to get on something of soapbox and say a few things certain people might not want to hear. My cable company, which is the biggest in the country is simply gouging it's customers. Think about it for a moment. We're talking about a LOT of $$$ for what is basically an electric signal coming through a wire. Sure, I know they've got expenses, but it's not like they're investing in my cable infrastructure to improve my service. My cable has been in place for over 30 years and it's incredibly unreliable. I pay way too much for that kind of mediocre service and so do you. It's a basic flaw in Capitalism. Our economic system is the BEST on the planet, but it's not perfect. Price gouging isn't illegal and companies naturally want to reward all of their stock holders and return a profit. But, when we see CEO salaries in the millions and incredibly high pricing models straining middle class wallets, well, it makes me crazy.Elon Musk has inserted thousands of Starlink satellites in low earth orbits right above our heads for a reason. He's taking communications to a whole new level, a much better level. It won't be long before we'll be able to stream through that kind of satellite service. And given his cheap reusable rocket tech to carry literally hundreds of micro-satellites into orbit with each launch the cost of deployment will hopefully be small and reflected in our monthly bills. I will switch to that kind of new tech for my basic wifi when it becomes available. In the meantime, I'm cutting the cord with my cable provider and hopefully never looking back, but never say never, right?

Google Chromecast with Google TV is a very inexpensive and effective way to upgrade your older (non-smart) TVs to utilize the wide variety of streaming services available today. It is very simple to set up, provides great menus for source selection and a very nice, compact voice-controlled remote.Google, founded in 1998, is the largest subsidiary of Alphabet, one of the largest technology firms in the world. Google provides search technology, online advertising, cloud computing, email (Gmail), web browsing (Chrome), navigation (Google Maps), video sharing (YouTube), operating systems (Android), productivity software (Workspace), language translation and many other online services. It also produces consumer electronics products including Pixel smartphones, Google Assistant, Nest smart home devices, wearable devices (Fitbit) and this Chromecast device.Here are the key features:• Google Chromecast with Google TV (Model: G454V)• Provides 1080p (with HDR10) streaming content from a wide range of services• 3.0 inch x 2.5 inch wireless receiver dongle with 3 inch HDMI connection cable• 59 inch USB-A to USB-C power cable• 5 volt, 1.5 amp, 7.5 watt power adapter for USB cable• Remote control with power, volume, home, preset Netflix, & YouTube, Google Assistant buttons• Two AAA alkaline batteries included• Google Assistant voice control through remote• Access to thousands of apps through Google Play• Wireless connectivity: 801.11a/b/g/n/ac• Bluetooth connectivity to remote control• Set up through Google Home app• Full easy to follow on screen instructions• Manufactured from recycled plastic (49% by weight)• One year warrantyThe Chromecast device, cables, power adapter and remote control are all very attractively designed. They are nicely rounded, very compact and their color is a pleasing arctic white called “Snow.” Even the included AAA batteries are a matching white color.Set up is very easy. Simply attach the USB power cord to the included adapter, connect the USB-C end to the wireless receiver dongle and plug that dongle into an HDMI port on the TV. Then use the Google Home app on a smartphone to set up the wireless connection to your network.The device will download firmware updates and it will be ready for use. You can then mate the remote to your TV so that it can control power, volume and (in most cases) the input switching.The menus are very easy to navigate and seems to include all streaming services (Netflix, Prime, Disney, Apple, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount, HBO, Sling, Spotify, YouTube, etc.) plus many free services found in the Google Play app.Connections were solid and provided a very clean data stream for all services I tested. The remote control connects to the dongle via Bluetooth so line-of-sight is not necessary and the range is at least 30 feet. You can safely expect that the device will work perfectly in most home situations, reliably covering multiple rooms.The device is very compact and lightweight so it can be attached to any HDMI port on the TV and just hang unobtrusively behind the TV without straining the wiring. The 59” power cord is long enough to easily reach an available power source. Or, you could just plug in the USB-A end into a USB port on your TV (most TVs have a USB-A port.)No matter how old your digital TV is, this Google Chromecast device will instantly upgrade it to the latest “smart” functionality. In fact, even if your TV has streaming functions you might find that this unit adds some important capability which you did not have (such as voice search or Google Assistant controls).The beautiful, tiny remote gives you access to not just all of the streaming services, but also provides to the full range of Google Assistant capabilities. You can use it to control your lights, thermostat, doorbell cameras, etc. if you utilize Google Nest devices. You can also use the remote to answer questions or do quick searches using the power of Google and the breadth of YouTube to quickly find relevant material.Given the comparable price and basic capabilities, the obvious comparison is to Amazon’s Fire Stick. But I think the Google Chromecast is superior in several aspects. First, it is undeniably more attractive. The beautiful color and shape of the remote is a pleasure to look at. Second, it probably has a broader range of apps available, due to the extensive Google Play library. Finally, because its software is based upon Google search technology, the search function is certainly superior to anything Amazon can offer.I am delighted to give this great and bargain-priced device my full and enthusiastic recommendation!