- The Chromecast with Google TV is a real rival to the Roku and Amazon Fire TV now.
- It finally runs software, called Google TV, that lets you browse shows, movies and apps.
- It costs $50 and CNBC has been testing it for over a week. Here’s what it’s like.

© Provided by CNBC
Chromecast with Google TV
The new $50 Chromecast with Google TV is Google’s first real rival to the Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
It brings a lot of features that never existed on a Chromecast before, like a full remote and brand new Google TV software that makes it easier to find movies and TV shows. And it ties into all sorts of services, like Hulu, HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+ and more.
Previously, the Chromecast let you play content on your computer, but you had to select content on your phone. Now it has a whole new software experience, which makes it feel a lot more like a Roku, Amazon Fire TV or an Apple TV. It means Google might finally be able to take some market share away from leaders Amazon and Roku.
Here’s what you need to know about it.
What’s good about the Chromecast with Google TV

© Provided by CNBC
Chromecast with Google TV
The new Chromecast is super simple to use. You just plug it in to your TV’s HDMI port — every modern TV has one — and turn it on.
The Google TV software has seven menu options at the top of the screen that are really straightforward: Search, For You, Live, Movies, Shows, Apps and Library. I like that the “For You” page pulls in movies and TV shows from subscriptions you pay for, like Hulu or Netflix, and that you don’t have to open those apps to see
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