The Chromecast with Google TV has quickly become one of the best streaming devices on the market at any price. Google has continuously brought valuable updates to the new Chromecast, and now the company has just rolled out a new update that adds advanced video controls, HDMI hotplug improvements, Wi-Fi improvements, and more.
Chromecast With Google TV Firmware Version QTS1.210311.005
The April update for Chromecast with Google TV brings with it some useful new features as well as the month’s security update. It was first spotted by a Reddit user (h/t Android Authority).
The first significant feature coming to the streaming dongle brings advanced video controls to the Display & Sound section. Rather than minimal controls, you’ll now be able to adjust HDR formats, resolution, refresh rate, and color formats.
The next update makes it so you can use HDMI-CEC to turn the connected TV on or off. This is quite a helpful feature for anyone who uses their Chromecast with Google TV as the central hub of their living room.
HDMI hotplug improvements will help the Chromecast with Google TV detect the best display settings for your specific television, which should help improve video quality without you needing to do anything.
If you’re like me, and you don’t want to deal with the Ethernet adapter, Google has made Wi-Fi improvements to 5Ghz and mesh networks that’ll create a more stable connection.
An issue many users have reported with the Chromecast with Google TV is Bluetooth audio stuttering. Apparently, this update addresses that issue, which means you should be able to connect to Bluetooth without any problems.
As mentioned, this update comes with the latest security patch for the month of April, which is necessary, as Google hasn’t updated the device’s security since December, which means it probably has some holes that need to be plugged. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys sideloading apps onto their device (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to do that?), this update is definitely essential.
The Chromecast With Google TV Is a Killer Device
I love the Chromecast with Google TV. I use it every single day to watch all of my streaming apps, and it hasn’t let me down yet. Between traditional casting and the wealth of apps available on the OS, it’s just a killer streaming device that’s absolutely worth picking up if you’re in the market for a streaming dongle that won’t break the budget too much.
