Google Chromecast

After a long stint with Amazon's Echo device I decided to try the Mini to see if there was something better out there. Well, there isn't. The Mini may have been the Dot's equal in the past but when Google decided to stop allowing users to give voice commands to other apps through the Mini and the Google Home app, then it reduced the Mini's capabilities significantly. When setting up the Mini it took Google Home an inordinate amount of time to find my devices after being connected to the TP-Link Kasa app. In fact, it kept telling me to try again later. Really? After a couple days I went back into the Google Home app and did note that Google had found my device. So the short of it is, don't expect to control your home devices through the Mini right after you get it ... MoreAfter a long stint with Amazon's Echo device I decided to try the Mini to see if there was something better out there. Well, there isn't. The Mini may have been the Dot's equal in the past but when Google decided to stop allowing users to give voice commands to other apps through the Mini and the Google Home app, then it reduced the Mini's capabilities significantly. When setting up the Mini it took Google Home an inordinate amount of time to find my devices after being connected to the TP-Link Kasa app. In fact, it kept telling me to try again later. Really? After a couple days I went back into the Google Home app and did note that Google had found my device. So the short of it is, don't expect to control your home devices through the Mini right after you get it installed. The other thing I dislike about the Mini is the long power cord and proprietary connector. Not everyone wants or needs a lot of power cord dangling in the way. It's my understanding the first generation had a micro us connector. Google shouldn't have dropped it. And because of the proprietary cord and connector, you are stuck with using the oversized a/c power plug. Geez. Thad expected more out of what is supposed to be a tech savvy company but Google's mini comes up short when compared to the Echo devices from that other company Sourced from Walmart, reference the photo if you wish to view the original. I share these reviews via Influenster to mend the gaps of the inconsistent/varying number of customer reviews across different platforms.

Okay, I'm obsessed with my Google Nest Minis! I have 4 In addition to the nest hub and Google Home, and I'm seriously considering getting more. They're just so useful! Honestly, the sound is way better than I expected for something so tiny. Perfect for podcasts in the kitchen or chill music while I work. And "Hey Google" has become my best friend. I set timers, ask trivia questions, and even turn my lights on and off by voice command. Really the only thing that is a con for me is the fact that you can't differentiate them. There's only one wake word, so sometimes I'll say "Hey Google" and my phone, the nest in this room, the nest hub in the next room, and the nest mini in the other room all try to answer, and that can be annoying. But I consider that a small price ... MoreOkay, I'm obsessed with my Google Nest Minis! I have 4 In addition to the nest hub and Google Home, and I'm seriously considering getting more. They're just so useful! Honestly, the sound is way better than I expected for something so tiny. Perfect for podcasts in the kitchen or chill music while I work. And "Hey Google" has become my best friend. I set timers, ask trivia questions, and even turn my lights on and off by voice command. Really the only thing that is a con for me is the fact that you can't differentiate them. There's only one wake word, so sometimes I'll say "Hey Google" and my phone, the nest in this room, the nest hub in the next room, and the nest mini in the other room all try to answer, and that can be annoying. But I consider that a small price to pay The way my Nest Minis work with my other Google stuff is the real game-changer. The available thermostat I imagine is priceless, they play music through my Chromecast, and let me check my security cameras from my Nest Hub. My home almost runs itself! Seriously, if you're into smart home gadgets or just want a super convenient helper, the Nest Mini is awesome. It's super affordable, has a simple and intuitive design, and I personally prefer the Google Assistant over Alexa. That being said, Alexa and Google are not in any way compatable. ProTip: if you have the odd Alexa in the mix put it somewhere where you don't want every nest in the house answering.

A great step up from the Gen1 Chromecast.

Gives you access to many different visual formats. The remote control will not control your TV volume or switch to "standby" if you have an older TV that is not a smart TV ( as in the case of my Finlux 15year old TV ) Device will not power up using the TV`s USB. You will have to use the mains adapter. Follow the onscreen instructions and you will not go wrong. I have read about some people having to use bluestacks to enable use of a laptop. I have no come across that problem ( so far ) and have been able to "cast" from my laptop to the TV. It was as described, brand new in an unopened sealed manufactures box. There are multiple platforms. Netflix, Apple TV etc. For these you will need a subscription to view, but BBC, ITV etc are freely available. This replaced my ... MoreGives you access to many different visual formats. The remote control will not control your TV volume or switch to "standby" if you have an older TV that is not a smart TV ( as in the case of my Finlux 15year old TV ) Device will not power up using the TV`s USB. You will have to use the mains adapter. Follow the onscreen instructions and you will not go wrong. I have read about some people having to use bluestacks to enable use of a laptop. I have no come across that problem ( so far ) and have been able to "cast" from my laptop to the TV. It was as described, brand new in an unopened sealed manufactures box. There are multiple platforms. Netflix, Apple TV etc. For these you will need a subscription to view, but BBC, ITV etc are freely available. This replaced my Gen 1 Chromecast which refused to allow me to connect anything, even my Android tablet so I am very happy with this latest model. Competitively priced and fast delivery. Highly recommended.

Best streaming device

I've used similar streaming devices from other manufacturers, but the Chromecast is my preferred choice. It is supported by all the streaming services I use, it's responsive, and generally seems to have less issues. I'm fairly invested in the Google ecosystem - Youtube TV, android phones, etc - and this device integrates well with them all. Even if you're not, there are so many streaming apps and services available, you'll get a lot of use out of this device.Setup is pretty easy - just plug it into your tv, and follow the questions on screen. It took a little while to download updates, but nothing too bad. It will also adjust the remote to turn your TV on/off and adjust the volume. It has a huge library of TV manufacturers, so it's unlikely that you have a TV ... MoreI've used similar streaming devices from other manufacturers, but the Chromecast is my preferred choice. It is supported by all the streaming services I use, it's responsive, and generally seems to have less issues. I'm fairly invested in the Google ecosystem - Youtube TV, android phones, etc - and this device integrates well with them all. Even if you're not, there are so many streaming apps and services available, you'll get a lot of use out of this device.Setup is pretty easy - just plug it into your tv, and follow the questions on screen. It took a little while to download updates, but nothing too bad. It will also adjust the remote to turn your TV on/off and adjust the volume. It has a huge library of TV manufacturers, so it's unlikely that you have a TV that's not supported. The device itself has a USB power adapter included, which you need to use instead of plugging into a USB port on the TV. Apparently the USB port doesn't supply enough power.The only aspect I don't like is the remote control. It has dedicated Youtube and Netflix buttons - I wish there were a few more service shortcut buttons, and that all of them were able to be customized to launch the services you'd prefer. Also, the volume buttons on the side of the remote feel a little awkward to use.

Cast Content with Ease!

Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD) was the perfect way for us to supplement our streaming and to breathe new life into and old tv. We use our new Google Chromecast (HD) in our master bedroom TV as it’s an older 1080P LCD panel. Our tv does include smart functions, however its sluggish at best being that it was manufactured back in 2014. Most of the features lag so badly that it’s barely usable, however Google Chromecast functions smoothly and loads quickly.Setup out of the box was as simple as plug and play; the Google Home app walks you through the entire process which probably took about 10 minutes. Most of the wait time was Chromecast making updates after setup was complete.One thing that I love about Google Chromecast is that it comes with its own remote! I ... MoreGoogle Chromecast with Google TV (HD) was the perfect way for us to supplement our streaming and to breathe new life into and old tv. We use our new Google Chromecast (HD) in our master bedroom TV as it’s an older 1080P LCD panel. Our tv does include smart functions, however its sluggish at best being that it was manufactured back in 2014. Most of the features lag so badly that it’s barely usable, however Google Chromecast functions smoothly and loads quickly.Setup out of the box was as simple as plug and play; the Google Home app walks you through the entire process which probably took about 10 minutes. Most of the wait time was Chromecast making updates after setup was complete.One thing that I love about Google Chromecast is that it comes with its own remote! I was able to pair our soundbar/surround sound setup with the remote and control everything off one remote. The Chromecast remote acts like a universal remote for all three devices, the TV, our soundbar, and the Chromecast. The remote is just the right size, in my opinion as it’s easy hold and use with one hand and overall, the voice assistant works well too!Streaming has never been easier and Chromecast seems to do it very well. It’s priced well and offers immense value; I like that you can choose between HD or 4K Chromecast depending on your needs. No need to shell out more cash if the TV you own is HD.

Christmas Present For My Elderly Dad

I purchased this model of Chromecast with Google TVHD not the 4K, for my father who is in his mid 80s. Over the next month we are going to spend time together, getting his quiet amazing (people would call it old) Sony Bravia TV from about 10 years ago -“to develop a brain” – to make it a ‘smart television’. I purchased one of these myself for non-smart TCL HD television in my bedroom, and found it to be very very good - with an ease of use that was a big plus. Especially the user interface, which once grasped for an android phone user (my father is one of them) as opposed to an apple ecosystem (that’s me) - is very much an ease of use situation with the user interface, UI. We haven’t even taken it out of the box yet, but from the experience I have had with the one ... MoreI purchased this model of Chromecast with Google TVHD not the 4K, for my father who is in his mid 80s. Over the next month we are going to spend time together, getting his quiet amazing (people would call it old) Sony Bravia TV from about 10 years ago -“to develop a brain” – to make it a ‘smart television’. I purchased one of these myself for non-smart TCL HD television in my bedroom, and found it to be very very good - with an ease of use that was a big plus. Especially the user interface, which once grasped for an android phone user (my father is one of them) as opposed to an apple ecosystem (that’s me) - is very much an ease of use situation with the user interface, UI. We haven’t even taken it out of the box yet, but from the experience I have had with the one that I bought for myself I am hoping for the same experience with my Dad. Thank you JB hi-fi for putting these on special for Christmas, otherwise I would not have been able to afford this device for my Dad

Chromecast with Google TV HD - Snow

I read all the reviews – the good ones and the bad and after much dithering I decided to buy a Chromecast. I was told it was very easy to install. It wasn’t.. I would describe myself as average to good at techie things but I found it pretty stressful. After 2 hours of passwords, downloading an app and fiddling around I finally got it installed.I only watch tv in the evenings so that evening I started watching a drama series. It stopped a couple of times (oops something went wrong, check your internet), then it turned off my recorder – it has never done that before so I blamed the Chromecast for that. I tried again and it would play the program for about 30 seconds then I got the oops message again. Stress levels rising.. I tried rebooting the internet and the tv, ... MoreI read all the reviews – the good ones and the bad and after much dithering I decided to buy a Chromecast. I was told it was very easy to install. It wasn’t.. I would describe myself as average to good at techie things but I found it pretty stressful. After 2 hours of passwords, downloading an app and fiddling around I finally got it installed.I only watch tv in the evenings so that evening I started watching a drama series. It stopped a couple of times (oops something went wrong, check your internet), then it turned off my recorder – it has never done that before so I blamed the Chromecast for that. I tried again and it would play the program for about 30 seconds then I got the oops message again. Stress levels rising.. I tried rebooting the internet and the tv, but that didn’t help.I put up with this for 4 nights then I phoned the Noel Leeming help desk and spent half an hour on the phone with them while they talked me thru some fixit options and in the end he advised me to return it.I returned it to Noel Leeming and they happily offered me a replacement or refund. I decided to give it another go so asked for a replacement.This time it took an hour to install – stress levels up there again. I found that I got stressed out just turning the thing on and wondering if it was going to work or not.Well – it didn’t – the same things happened. I turned it off and went to bed.I couldn’t sleep and got up about 11 o’clock and ripped the thing out of the TV and threw it in the rubbish. Went back to bed and slept peacefully.Oh and – the remote is quite small and the cover for the batteries is extremely difficult to remove.So – it’s a no from me.

Good for YouTube but not free to air

I purchased this for my elderly mother so that she could stream free to air channels. Unfortunately it's too complex, and voice commands near ineffectual. Verbally asking for "SBS Documentaries" for instance results in a YouTube search for anything referring to SBS documentaries... that is, it does not take you there. Additionally, all the freeview channels are set up differently with menu layouts. Some have favourites, some don't, and none of them seem to keep your place in a show or series which as I understood was what the Chromecast was meant to do. It may do this with subscriptions, but that was not our purpose. The Google Home app that is meant to tie in with this is terrible, see Playstore reviews by others for that. If you do buy a Chromecast, install it ... MoreI purchased this for my elderly mother so that she could stream free to air channels. Unfortunately it's too complex, and voice commands near ineffectual. Verbally asking for "SBS Documentaries" for instance results in a YouTube search for anything referring to SBS documentaries... that is, it does not take you there. Additionally, all the freeview channels are set up differently with menu layouts. Some have favourites, some don't, and none of them seem to keep your place in a show or series which as I understood was what the Chromecast was meant to do. It may do this with subscriptions, but that was not our purpose. The Google Home app that is meant to tie in with this is terrible, see Playstore reviews by others for that. If you do buy a Chromecast, install it manually without trying to use the Home app. Hardware quality is fantastic, software is lacking.

Google Chromecast

This product functions well and is priced well enough to have one on each TV. However, I find the design a bit clunky. The device hangs awkwardly from each from the TV sets. It's a bit disappointing that the device can't draw the power it needs from the TV but requires a power source to run it (not shown in the photos).I highly recommend getting a cover for the remote as it's very lightweight and slippery. I purchased a glow in the dark silicone cover for the remote in our bedroom and it's brilliant.The first time I purchased I bought and HD model but I could have save my money, the base model works brilliantly.Overall, i would definitely purchase again and recommend the device to others.

Great compact device with lots of features!

This is a review of the Google Chromecast with Google TV HD version. To be honest I thought the chromecast was just a device to cast from your phone/computer to your TV. Although it does do that, it also has all the available streaming apps. Pretty much plug and play (plug it in and scan QR code) and will take maybe 3-5 minutes to setup and then another couple minutes to update firmware. Nice intuitive interface and easy to search for and install apps you want. I’m still getting used to all the features, but voice search and Google Assistant voice control seems to work well and works with google home. Picture is nice but only 1080P as this is the HD version. No issues with streaming – no bandwidth issues. The remote connects to the dongle via Bluetooth so the dongle ... MoreThis is a review of the Google Chromecast with Google TV HD version. To be honest I thought the chromecast was just a device to cast from your phone/computer to your TV. Although it does do that, it also has all the available streaming apps. Pretty much plug and play (plug it in and scan QR code) and will take maybe 3-5 minutes to setup and then another couple minutes to update firmware. Nice intuitive interface and easy to search for and install apps you want. I’m still getting used to all the features, but voice search and Google Assistant voice control seems to work well and works with google home. Picture is nice but only 1080P as this is the HD version. No issues with streaming – no bandwidth issues. The remote connects to the dongle via Bluetooth so the dongle can be out of sight and still work seamlessly. Both the dongle and remote are pretty compact and a snow white color. If you have a newer 4k tv then I would definitely recommend getting the 4k version as I read it does all the same things as this version with all the features but has 4k and Dolby vision. If you have an older tv that is only HD then this version will work great. Even if your TV is already a smart tv – I would still purchase this as this device has so many additional features than most smart tv’s and would save wear and tear on the TV. Overall Google has done a great job in creating this device as the features easily outperform my other streaming devices.