Chromecast

With Google juggling so many platforms, it's not easy to keep track of them, much less figure out which one will eventually get axed. This is even more uncertain on the entertainment and multimedia side, where Google has already retired a few services and platforms in the past years. Even the old Chromecast is not safe, with the advent of the Android-powered Google TV. Now it seems that Google might also be shifting away from the Chromecast's standard design, depending on which rumor you're willing to give credence to.

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Xiaomi has long dabbled in products outside of its core mobile business, and it seems that its competitors are also trying to break into new markets. Realme is the one that is perhaps trying to leave its mark in as many markets as it could, from tablets to laptops and, soon, to TVs. Unlike OnePlus, it isn't making its own TV, though, and instead will be launching an HDMI stick running Google TV next week.

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Google TV, pretty much the "Pixel" experience on top of Android TV on select hardware, already has access to tons of video content from a variety of streaming sources. The majority of those sources like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max require upfront subscriptions, though they do offer free trials for a month or so. There is a growing trend, however, where smart TV platforms have started offering a free selection of "live" TV content, and it seems that Google is close to doing the same for its Chromecast and other Google TV devices as early as Fall this year.

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It's difficult to break away from the masses when it comes to soundbars here in 2021. Over the past half-decade, so many soundbars have been sold and made into Black Friday/super sale fodder that making a device that stands out from the crowd must be a monumental task in and of itself. Sony seeks to do so with the Sony HT-A5000 premium soundbar. This soundbar works with 5.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos tech with DTS:X support and a Vertical Surround Engine.

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Chinese company XGIMI has launched a new portable LED projector called Elfin that is far more compact and portable than many of its competitors. The new model manages to pack a number of notable features into the small body, though there's the notable absence of true 4K support. Assuming that's not a dealbreaker, XGIMI says its new offering can project a 200-inch image at Full HD.

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A mystery new Google hardware device has been spotted passing through the FCC, though details on just what the wireless gadget might be are still in short supply. Described as a "wireless streaming device" there's no telling whether this could be a new Chromecast, something to do with Google Stadia, or something else.

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Chromecast with Google TV is one of a set of devices that can now use Google Stadia for cloud gaming. Today is the day that Google TV device gain access to Google Stadia, the company's cloud gaming app and subscription service. To make gaining access to and using Google Stadia as simple a process as possible for Google TV users, Google sent out emails to Chromecast with Google TV users with a price cut on the official Google Stadia Controller.

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There has been several new computer hardware announced lately, some of them geared towards gaming. Of course, one doesn't always need the most powerful and most expensive hardware, especially with the budding game streaming market now available to many gamers. Of course, each comes with its limitations, especially in the titles available and compatible devices. This week, Stadia is expanding both lists with some sports-centric titles as it paves the way for its Android TV debut.

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It has been almost a decade since Google launched its Fiber TV service and far longer since it debuted its Google Fiber Internet. Just as it has been shedding old services, features, and devices for the latter, Google is now moving to "upgrade" its Fiber TV experience. That upgrade, however, won't come without some disruption, but, as always, Google is pushing it as something good. In exchange for the old Fiber TV box and expensive fee, you'll get a free Google Wifi, a free Chromecast with Google TV, and the choice to pay for services on your own.

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Google today delivered some good news for Stadia users, revealing that the service will soon add compatibility with a pretty large number of Android TV devices. This compatibility won't be shipping out until later this month, but when it arrives, it'll first and foremost add Stadia support for the (relatively) new Chromecast with Google TV.

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If you're using a device with Google TV, today's the first day you'll be able to use Apple TV+, officially. You might've been able to side-load the app before, if you had the extreme urge, but now it's out for real. Chances are you're using a Chromecast with Google TV device, and on this device you have a slightly smaller selection of apps available to you than you would with Android TV - but that's changing fairly quickly.

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Google TV is now a rather confusing name given it could refer to one of two things. It could, for example, refer to the new name for the Play Movies & TV app or it could be the new Google-specific interface for Android TV, specifically on the new Chromecast with Google TV. Despite its shared roots with Android, however, there are some things that are missing from the new Google TV that have some parents worried. Fortunately, Google will be pushing an update that partially addresses that, at least as far as parental controls are concerned.

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