Google TV HD with Chromecast is official, and it’s cheaper than expected – $30 (Rs.2500/-) in the US. It replaces the $35 Chromecast from 2018, which was far less capable (it lacked Google TV). In India, the all-new Chromecast with Google TV (HD) costs Rs 4,499. Flipkart is currently offering the streaming device for Rs 4,199 during its Big Billion Days Sale. You can purchase the product right now on Flipkart.
Despite its name, this device actually outputs 1080p rather than HD. Yes, it’s less resolution than the 4K model, but it still supports HDR output. There may not be much difference between 1080p and 4K on a smaller TV.
The HD version costs €40, while the 4K version costs €70 in Germany. Chromecast HD is only available in “Snow” white. If you subscribe to YouTube TV, you can watch live TV on this Chromecast, while Stadia will stream games for you (a controller is needed, however).
With 1.5GB of RAM and 8GB of storage onboard, the Chromecast with Google TV HD is powered by an Amlogic S805X2 chipset. Android TV apps can be installed using this (this runs Android 12).
While AV1 is gaining traction among video streaming sites (e.g. YouTube) it is not well supported by smartphone chipsets (Qualcomm and Apple are the two main culprits).
