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Chromecast 3: how does Google’s stick work

Chromecast 3 and Chromecast with Google TV make your television even smarter. But are they really necessary? And what are the alternatives? Comparis answers the key questions.

Adi Kolecic Foto
Adi Kolecic

08.11.2022

Close-up of Google Chromecast 3rd Generation

iStock/Diego Thomazini

1.What can Chromecast 3 do?
2.Can Chromecast do more with Google TV?
3.Are there any Swiss apps for Chromecast?
4.How do I set up Google Chromecast and Chromecast with Google TV?
5.What’s the benefit of Chromecast if I have an Internet-enabled smart TV?
6.What are the alternatives to Chromecast?

1. What can Chromecast 3 do?

Chromecast 3 by Google is a kind of streaming stick. It streams content wirelessly from your phone to your TV. In addition, it offers the following functions:

  • Access photos and videos from the computer

  • Display of content in the open web browser on the TV

  • Play music over speakers in multiple rooms

  • Guest mode: your guests can stream their own movies or music on your TV. You do not need to have subscribed to the service yourself.

Google Chromecast 3 launched in 2018. Since 2022, the fourth generation – equipped with a remote control and Google TV – has been available in Switzerland.

2. Can Chromecast do more with Google TV?

Yes. Chromecast 3 without Google TV is just a receiver. Chromecast with Google TV comes with a separate remote control and Google TV user interface. This allows you to play content directly on the TV even without a smartphone.

With Chromecast 3, the image quality with a maximum of Full HD leaves much to be desired. Chromecast with Google TV with Ultra HD for greater TV enjoyment – but at twice the price.

How much does Chromecast 3 cost with and without Google TV?

Google Chromecast 3 Chromecast with Google TV
Price From CHF 30.50 From CHF 69
No smartphone needed No Yes
Resolution Up to 1920 x 1080 pixels (full HD) Up to 4096 × 2160 pixels (4K)
Supported audio formats n/a Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos
Remote control No Yes
Google TV interface No Yes
Smart home connection No Yes

Last updated: October 2022

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3. Are there any Swiss apps for Chromecast?

Chromecast-compatible apps are now available from numerous Swiss web TV providers. These include Wilmaa, Zattoo and Teleboy. However, international services like HBO Max and music streaming services such as Spotify and Deezer also feature in the range of Chromecast apps on offer.

4. How do I set up Google Chromecast and Chromecast with Google TV?

The installation process is simple and takes a few minutes:

  1. Plug the Chromecast device into an HDMI port on your TV.

  2. Switch the TV on and choose the relevant HDMI input on your TV.

  3. Now download the Google Home app onto your smartphone and login using your Google account.

  4. Follow the instructions on your phone. Make sure that Chromecast and your phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi.

5. What’s the benefit of Chromecast if I have an Internet-enabled smart TV?

Chromecast can still be useful even if you have a smart TV. The range of smart TV apps is rather limited, especially with cheap TVs. If you have Chromecast, however, you can easily download more streaming apps onto your phone and thereby expand the capabilities of your smart TV.

This also applies to Chromecast with Google TV. In this case there is no need to download apps onto your phone. You can install them straight onto the Chromecast device.

6. What are the alternatives to Chromecast?

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is an alternative to Chromecast with Google TV. It comes with the pre-installed Amazon Primeapp, Amazon’s own streaming service. In this country, however, the selection of downloadable apps for the Amazon Fire TV Stick is very limited.

An alternative, though pricier option for users of Apple devices is Apple TV. However, this is especially interesting for those who have an iPhone. Because Apple repeatedly denies Android apps access to Apple TV or Airplay.

Comparison of Chromecast Alternatives

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Apple TV HD Apple TV 4K, 32 GB
No smartphone needed Yes Yes Yes
Resolution Up to 4096 × 2160 pixels (4K) Up to 1920 x 1080 pixels (HD) Up to 3840 x 2160 pixels (4K)
Supported audio formats Dolby Atmos Dolby Digital 5.1 or Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital 5.1 or Stereo
Range of apps available Limited Extensive Extensive
Remote control Yes Yes Yes
Smart home connection Yes Yes Yes

Replay TV as an alternative: what offers are there?

Replay TV enables time-delayed television and is an alternative to streaming. The replay function varies depending on the provider. In addition, replay TV is not available for all channels. In other words, it is definitely worthwhile comparing the different options.

This article was first published on 01.10.2021

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