New Chromecast with Google TV update rolls out with better storage management and more
Now that the Pixel Feature Drop is out of the way, Google is starting to roll out major updates to its other devices and accessories. The Pixel Buds A-Series received a major update this week, and another update is now coming to the Chromecast with Google TV.
Although its largely considered one of the best streaming devices out there, the Chromecast with Google TV isn’t without problems. For one, the 8GB of onboard storage is a bit meager, and it doesn’t take long before you’re bumping up against the limits. With no way to expand the storage manually, Google is finally trying to make life a bit easier with this latest update.
The update itself carries a version number of QTS1.210311.036, keeping the streaming dongle on Android 10. But according to 9to5Google, users are seeing between 200 and 300MB of extra space after installing the update. Additionally, there’s a new “Uninstall apps” option if you dive into the Storage settings on your Chromecast with Google TV.
In addition to the storage optimizations, Google is also providing “platform improvements” with regards to Dolbyu Vision playback and DRM Video decoding. While the official changelog has not yet been posted, 9to5Google has provided the list:
- Security update: Android security patch level updated to October 2021
- Storage optimizations and management improvements
- Platform improvements to help some apps with:
- HDR HLG playing instead of converting to HDR10
- Dolby Vision playback
- DRM Video decoding performance improvements
- Additional bug fixes and performance improvements
The update is rolling out to users everywhere, and if you want to check to see if its arrived on your own Chromecast, you can do so. Just turn on the Chromecast with Google TV, click your profile image in the top right corner, head into the Settings app, and navigate to System > About > System update. From there, you’ll be prompted to download and install the update.