Using the Chromecast with Google TV in an unsupported country

by Deadpool-fan-466

I ordered the CCwGTV when it was $39 at Walmart. It got delivered a week ago.

N.B. By "unsupported", I meant that the Google TV/Google Play Movies & TV app isn't available in my country (Bangladesh).

Couple of things about the accessories:

  • The remote is too tiny. I don't know why I thought it's gonna be slightly bigger.
  • The charging cable is longer than I expected

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Now, coming to the device itself:

  • The setup went smooth
  • Instead of the usual 6 tabs, there are three: "Home" (instead of "For You"), "Apps" & "Library".
  • I don't get the "ads" that's been everyone's main complaint about Google TV 😁
  • System apps gets updated automatically & quickly
  • Both play store & play games are not available as icons. Either I have to do a voice command or open them from settings.
  • WiFi speed & performance is very good (probably because of the improvements for 5Ghz & Mesh Networks added in the April 2021 update)
  • The volume slider definitely needs an improvement.
  • When the assistant is used, a "microphone" icon shows up at the top right corner, indicating microphone is being accessed (that icon is Black on Green in Android 12)

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Issues I faced:

  • There's no way to edit the contents under "Home" tab (like we can do in Android TV home screen). Currently it shows Prime Video, YouTube & Spotify for me (Crunchyroll & ESPN too, if I install them).
  • The boot up takes only 15 seconds, but loading the home page takes another ⁓25 seconds
  • Pressing & holding the power button doesn't show a "restart" option.
  • I kinda miss DTS (which was available in my Mi TV Stick)
  • Not comfortable with "pressing & holding" the assistant button for it to work. Just pressing (like it's done in Android TV devices) is what I'm used to.
  • Important: Content(s) from wrong Netflix profile may show up in "Continue watching". If the issue persists, link your Netflix account to Google. Source
Farhanito
  • There's no way to edit the contents under "Home" tab (like we can do in Android TV home screen). Currently it shows Prime Video, YouTube & Spotify for me (Crunchyroll & ESPN too, if I install them).

I hate this the most

xtcrefugee

I wish we had the option to have that 'home' screen in supported countries instead of 'for you', that looks so much cleaner. Maybe someone will find a hidden setting for it? In fact that with a second apps row would be perfect for me.

jasonalp

I recently bought CCwGTV and using it in the Philippines. While we have access to Google Play Movies and TV instead of Google TV, It runs the same as yours.