Chromecast with Google TV

Google has recently released its most updated streaming device, the Chromecast with Google TV, on 23rd September, 2022. This device can provide HD streaming. Now, it is expected that the company might update its older Chromecast with Google TV unit.

Although the company did not give any Chromecast with Google TV update officially, it stated that it would update the two-year-old used Chromecast With Google TV to provide new life with Android 12. This device can bring you the entertainment you prefer, even in up to 4K HDR.

Besides, it supports the Dongle feature and comes in Black, Charcoal, Sky, Snow, Sunrise, and White colors. It's capacity includes 4 GB, 8 GB, 64 GB, 2 TB. Let's dive into the article to learn about Chromecast with Google TV review.

What is Chromecast with Google TV?

It is a device which can bring you entertainment in up to 4k HDR.

Price and Availability:

It usually costs $49.99. But you can buy it for $39.99 at the Google Store. In addition, major retailers are selling it.

Design Like other streaming devices, it is a dongle that connects to your television's HDMI port. In addition, you can control it using a small remote control. The dongle can easily fit in your palm due to its oval shape, making it ideal for skipping across a lake.

While HDMI output is on one end, a USB-C port is on the other. Besides, there exists a USB cable and plug. Remember that the device requires additional power than the power delivered by your television's HDMI port.

This included Chromecast With Google TV Remote is somewhere between the Apple TV and the Roku remote. Like Roku, this remote is curved at the top and bottom. Besides, it has a rounded rear. The remote is available in a single color, except for the Google Assistant button.

You can see a circular d-pad at the top. Besides, eight buttons beneath include Back, Google Assistant, Home, Mute, YouTube, Netflix, Power, and Input.

In addition, there are two small volume control buttons on the right hand. Like the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, it is possible to plug the Chromecast into Ethernet. The company will offer a power/Ethernet adapter soon after launch.

Interface:

Nothing is radical about the interface, but it works. While there are tabs for Search, Movies, Shows, Apps, and Library at the top, beneath are thumbnails of content relevant to that menu.

Suppose you have subscribed to YouTube TV. Then, you can see a Live tab in the top menu displaying shows airing through that service. In the Sub-categories section, you will get Top Picks depending on your viewing history from the streaming services connected. In addition, it lets you see Trending on Google and Recommended Videos depending on what you have seen on YouTube.

You can see the content bought from the company on the Library tab and DVR content from YouTube TV.

Once you tap on a thumbnail, you can view the services on which it is streaming. In addition, you can see a trailer, save to a Watchlist, rate it, and watch additional details.

Streaming Services:

The device supports YouTube, YouTube TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN, Sling, HBO Max, CBS All Access, Starz, Peacock, Peloton, Tubi, PBS, and many other streaming services. In early 2021, the device added the Apple TV app. Now, Google TV might get fifty free live television channels.

It is possible to install Apps and services directly from the device. Instead, you may head toward Google Play on your mobile and send new software to it remotely.

It can stream content at resolutions up to 4K/60 fps. Besides, it can support HDR, HDR10, and HDR10+. In addition, it is compatible with Dolby Vision. Regarding audio, it can support Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos.

Performance:

Users said that it is quick and responsive. In addition, it can offer excellent video quality. While streaming your content, you must be impressed with the details and colors.

Search:

With the help of a Google Assistant button on the remote, you can search for movies and TV shows by name, genre, actor, etc. In addition, it can leverage this search engine for more general inquiries.

Remember that it is impossible to see the menu, look up directions, etc. In addition, you can not choose the mobile number to call the establishment. Whether you ask the Assistant to get you directions, it will provide an overview on the television. Thereafter, it will send directions to the mobile. This search engine is better than Alexa too.

Smart Home Features:

Do you have a Nest Hello video doorbell, a Nest Cam, or another supported home security camera? If yes, it is possible to ask the Assistant to display a feed from that device on the television. This feature is similar to what Amazon provides with its Fire TV devices. In this regard, you should know that Ring and Blink are incompatible with the device.

With the help of this Assistant, you can control other smart home devices on it. For example, you can control smart lights and smart thermostats. It is helpful to turn on and off things on command.

Pros: 

• Sensible layout 
• Many streaming services 
• Remote is available 
• Smart home features

Cons:

• Continue Watching list is buggy

Conclusion:

We appreciate the Android 12 update, but it will not provide much for the Chromecast with Google TV. You can expect it will support a higher resolution menu UI and added privacy features with some other minor changes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. What does it do?

It can be cast from multiple supported Android and iOS apps directly from a mobile, laptop, or tablet. Besides, it can mirror your Chrome browser tab to your television. If you are a new user, you will get up to 3 months of YouTube Premium. Therefore, enjoying your favorite videos and music ad-free with your voice is possible.

Q. How does it connect to TV?

You should connect your Chromecast to an HDMI input on television or any display device you have. Thereafter, you should switch the television to the HDMI input. Next, wait till the remote is not paired. Usually, it pairs automatically.

Q. Is there a monthly fee for it?

No, you don't need to pay monthly fees for these devices.

Google Pixel 7 Pro Pre Order

Google is almost ready to release its Pixel 7 series during the 'Made by Google' event on October 6th, Google pixel 7 pro release date. The company has also announced ahead of the event that Google Pixel 7 Pro Pre order will start on October 6th.

What's from the official site of Google Pixel 7 Pro?

The official 'Made by Google' YouTube channel posted an ad where the company teases the mobile to some "Pixel owners." People from anywhere can check out the ad. Besides, you can see the first impressions of the people who hold the brand-new device in their hands. But you can't see the mobile correctly in the video. The reason is that it remains blurred in people's hands. But later, it is revealed.

The Made by Google launch event will take place within a few weeks as it is set to take place on October 6, Google pixel 7 Pro launch date. Before this event, the company teased a few devices, such as its 7th generation, 7 Pro, and Watch.

The video comes with members from the Team Pixel community. They check the model for the first time, or at least somehow, the company has framed it. Hence, the video appears a bit strange as the device remains blurred. But the company displayed the handset already during Google I/O in May. Besides, pictures of the device are available on the official site. So, keeping the phone secret doesn't make sense. However, nowadays, leaking data on mobiles has become common. Therefore, people know about it for Google pixel 7 pro leaks.

Information about Google Pixel 7 Pro specifications:

We don't know the Google pixel 7 pro full specification of the devices. But we know that Google’s new Tensor G2 processor will power the Pixel 7 handsets. In addition, we expect the company to announce its new Watch.

It is the first proper Wear OS watch of the company. We don't know the price of the model still now. But according to the new leak, the retail Google pixel 7 pro price will start at $349.99 (Google pixel 7 pro price in USA). If you find it exciting, then you must wait for the announcement on October 6.

This device comes in a Pixel 6-like design with a camera visor on the back. Some lucky members of #TeamPixel got these devices each from the company, and their responses were recorded. Most interesting is that you can get all devices to buy on the same day at GoogleStore.com. Whether you stay in New York City, you should go to the physical Google Stores.

The event will take place in Williamsburg in New York City. It comes with limited in-person attendees. But if you want, you can follow the event to watch live. In this regard, you should know that these models will support Android 13. Besides, the device comes with the next generation of Tensor. Its custom mobile chip brings personalized pictures, videos, security, and speech recognition features.

Once the device is displayed in someone's hand, it will pop up at the screen bottom. However, people have seen it on the Pixel 7 Pro, so they still don't confirm on the other devices. The company unveiled the version first during its I/O developers' conference in May.

The device will come with a 6.7-inch screen. In addition, the model has a triple-lens camera (50-megapixel, 48-megapixel, 12-megapixel).

You can get the model available in Obsidian, Snow and Hazel. Besides, it has up to 12GB of RAM. It will use a Cheetah processor also.

The bottom line: 

The company doesn't usually launch its premium Pixel mobiles in India. But it comes with the A-series mid-range devices of this brand. Although there are rumours of the return to the Indian market, people still have not heard any confirmations yet.

Parabolic Microphone

A parabolic microphone is mounted inside a sound-reflecting dish. The reflecting dish of a parabolic microphone focuses on the sound waves passing straight into the reflector. Besides, the reflecting dish of a parabolic microphone has a cross-section on the device. In addition, sounds entering from other angles impinge directly on the device. But these are not focused on by the reflector.

Thus, the device has become highly directional. In addition, it becomes more sensitive to sound sources. It makes the device worthwhile to record localized sources of relatively faint sounds like bird calls, conversations, etc.

What is a parabolic microphone?

A parabolic microphone is an electronic element that converts sound pressure into an electric signal. As we mount the device inside a parabolic dish, it is called a "parabolic microphone."

The dish collects the incoming pressure due to its shape. After that, it will focus the pressure on a single point. Then, the device converts this into an electrical signal. In this case, you can find the sound amplified. The reason is that the sound energy from a large area is focused on a single point. Besides, you can amplify the electrical signal from the mic.

What do you know about its history?

In 1888, Heinrich Hertz, a German physicist, made the world's first parabolic reflector antenna. However, people have known its principle since classical antiquity. You can find detailed knowledge in the famed mathematician Dicoles's book On Burning Mirrors. This physicist proved that parabolas focus a parallel beam in a specific direction.

People have been following the same principle through the ages. Even, Acoustic Mirrors used this principle to identify enemy aircraft before the advent of radar.

Why Use a Parabolic Mic?

It can give a mechanical amplification of about six times for the collector dish. As this dish comes in a unique shape, it can collect the incoming pressures of sound waves. After that, it helps to focus these onto a point: a mic. Generally, the mic has an omnidirectional pattern. Besides, sometimes, it has a cardioid pickup pattern placed within the dish. But remember that it relies on the dish size.

The amplification level is consistent over the whole area of the parabolic dish. In addition, this device can pick up ambient noise from the mic's rear side. But you can hear non-amplified sounds from the dish's amplification. It comes from the back side of the mic. In this regard, you should know that the peripheral sounds are not amplified. Therefore, the dish blocks it. As a result, the device gets a direction.

In addition, this mic can offer only directional sound. Besides, it can pick up the sound at great distances, like hundreds of feet. Moreover, these can amplify low sound pressure levels from a distance and reduce ambient sounds simultaneously.

How to use the parabolic microphone?

The device uses a reflector for the unique geometrical properties of the parabola. Hence, you must know about a parabola, an open curve appearing as a V with a rounded point. It represents the two arms of the curve which go on forever ( according to the mathematical definition). In this case, the axis is a straight line that passes it through when a vertical line is drawn through the center of a V.

In the specific position, you can see the mic placed. Sound waves which enter the parabolic microphone dish are parallel to the axis. Thus, these are focused on the mic and are amplified.

Usages:

There are different applications of the device. We have given here a few of them.

• You can use it for nature sound recording, like recording bird calls, and field audio for sports broadcasting. 
• Besides, it is suitable for eavesdropping on espionage and law enforcement conversations. 
• People used these devices in World War II and other wars worldwide. Japanese mainly use it.
• It is perfect for sporting events, surveillance, sound library collections, search & rescue, wedding shoots, and videography.

How does parabolic microphone work?

The collector comes in a unique design shape. Therefore, if something comes towards the dish parallel to the dish's center line, it will make it focus on a point. Understanding a parabola's mathematical formula helps you learn this specific shape concept. It is the reason behind the naming of the dish.

In this case, the energy you want to focus on within the dish does not matter. The reason is that the dish can focus light, sound energy, or electromagnetic energy. Besides, the dish works same as a satellite dish that collects electromagnetic signals from satellites in space.

How important is the shape of the dish?

Remember that the dish shape is cruial. You won't get the best performance if manufacturers don't make the dish in the exact shape. In this case, try to match the perfect geometric shape of the parabola.

A few brands can withstand only a few thousandths of an inch. However, it is possible to pick up the sound from a dish. It doesn't matter if the dish is made poorly. Hence, you can find the sound garbled and distorted.

Moreover, the sound energy ends up scattered when the shape is not perfect. As a result, it cannot focus on a point reducing the amplification.

Conclusion:

These dishes are available in several parks, museums, and science centers. Besides, you find any dish enabling a whisper to be heard across a long distance while standing at the focus point. We know them as "Whisper Dishes." These are all you come to learn from our article. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Q. Do these really work?

These are able to amplify the audio signal by concentrating all sonic energy. It first collects the large dish at a focal point. The unique geometry of the paraboloid shape has made the concentration.

• Q. What is it used for?

People use them on the sidelines of televised football games. Besides, ornithologists use them to record bird calls.

• Q. Can it hear through walls?

Glass and walls block sound waves. So, it is impossible to hear sound for parabolic microphone through walls.

Motorola Edge 30 Ultra

Motorola has recently announced the release of its Edge 30 Ultra model to join the two from earlier this year. It joins with the earlier versions of vanilla and the Pro. Besides, this model packs some important hardware.

It has a 200 MP primary camera and a 50MP ultrawide shooter with AF. In addition, it comes with a 12MP 2x telephoto unit. Moreover, there exists a 60MP selfie unit that can complete the picture on the front.

The product comes with a 144Hz OLED panel. Its shape is curved. Besides, the modern Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 indicates that the performance department hasn't been ignored. In addition, its 125W charging capability is an outstanding specification. It is of 161.7 x 73.5 x 8.4 mm size and weighs 199 gm.

The product has the model number XT2241-2 on the BIS certification. It ensures that this new version will be available in India. Flipkart has started teasing this model. Therefore, people in India can have it soon.

Motorola Edge 30 Ultra price & availability:

The cost of the model is EUR 899 for only 12GB RAM + 256GB storage option. It was already available in Interstellar Black and Starlight White colour options in Argentina, Brazil, and Europe. This model will be available in a few markets in Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia very soon. The expected date to launch is 13th September 2022.

Motorola Edge 30 Ultra specifications:

Display: 

This dual-SIM (nano) model can run the Android 12-based My UX skin model. It has a 6.67-inch full-HD+ (1,080x2,400 pixels) pOLED curved display, which can provide a 144Hz refresh rate. In addition, it is compatible with HDR10+, DCI-P3 colour space, and a peak brightness of 1250 nits. Its operating system is Android v12. The display features 1080x2400 px (395 PPI) and 144 Hz Refresh Rate.

Performance:

 It comes in Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection on both front and back. Besides, there is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC which you can pair with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM. In addition, it comes with Snapdragon Elite Gaming features.

Camera: 

This device has a 1/1.22-inch 200-megapixel main sensor available in 0.64 µm pixel size for images & videos. It is paired with an f/1.9 aperture lens. In addition, the model's camera features Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS). Besides, it can combine 16 pixels into one 2.56μm Ultra Pixel to capture more light.

You can find a 50-megapixel sensor paired with an ultra-wide angle f/2.2 aperture lens. Besides, the camera adopts Quad Pixel Technology and provides a 114-degree field-of-view. Moreover, there exists a Macro Vision to capture macro shots. In addition, it features a third 12-megapixel sensor connected to an f/1.6 aperture telephoto lens providing 2x zoom and capturing portrait shots.

Regarding the rear camera, you can enjoy 4K/30fps videos. Different camera modes exist, including dual capture, Ultra-Res shooting mode, and Pro (w/ Long Exposure) mode. Besides, you can find a 60-megapixel sensor on the front side. It gets connected with an f/2.2 aperture lens. This sensor takes the help of Quad Pixel Technology.

Connectivity & sensors:

It has 256GB of internal storage. Regarding connectivity options, it comes with 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth v5.2, GPS/AGPS, NFC, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB Type-C port. Furthermore, the product has several sensors onboard, for example, proximity, ambient light, accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass. In addition, it has an under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock, and ThinkShield for mobile security purposes.

Battery:

This product is powered by a 4,610mAh battery with 125W TurboPower wired charging. In addition, it can provide up to 50W wireless charging and 10W wireless power sharing. Other features:

It includes an IP52 rating for dust and water resistance, dual stereo speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos, Linear x-axis vibration, and Edge Lights. These features allow the device to illuminate in different ways to inform about notifications and calls.

Pros:

• 125W TurboPower adapter 
• Pre-applied screen protector 
• Clear protective case 
• Plastic-free packaging 
• 6.67-inch full-HD+ curved display 
• IP52 rating water resistant 
• 50W wireless charging 
• Dual stereo speakers are available 
• 10W wireless power-sharing 
• Under display fingerprint sensor 
• Several connectivity options. 
• Adopts Quad Pixel Technology 
• 114 degrees field-of-view and optical image stabilization

Cons:

• No FM Radio

• No 3.5mm Headphone

Conclusion:

Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is available in its newly adopted packaging. The unique thing about the packaging is that it is entirely plastic-free. Besides, it has a sturdy two-piece recycled cardboard box that works as a fancier enclosure. But it contains a lower carbon footprint.

However, the model comes with a 125W TurboPower adapter, a USB-C cable, and a clear protective case. Moreover, it contains a pre-applied screen protector. You can find both available in chosen countries. However, a few countries can get a USB-C headset also.

Mica Alt

Windows 11 features multiple tiny touches designed to make the OS better. Microsoft's signature design material is known as "Mica." If you are unfamiliar with Microsoft's marketing terms, you should know that it is a design material in Windows 11. It can bring small elements from the Windows theme and the desktop wallpaper into the app's title bar. You can see it, especially with the light theme, but it supports mainly dark modes. The new Mica Alt theme is the same, but only with a tweak.

What is Mica?

It is an opaque, dynamic material incorporating the theme and desktop wallpaper. Thus, Mica can help you paint the windows' background, like apps and settings. It is possible to apply to your application backdrop to delight users. In addition, it can create a visual hierarchy, aid productivity, etc.

It is designed for app performance. The reason is that it can sample the desktop wallpaper after making its visualization. In addition, you can use it for UWP apps using WinUI 2. Besides, it allows you to use apps using Windows App SDK 1.1 or higher, running on Windows 11 version 22000 or later.

What Is Mica Alt?

Mica Alt is one of the variants of Mica. It has a powerful tining of your desktop background color. Besides, you can apply it to the app's backdrop to offer a deeper visual hierarchy than Mica while making an app with a tabbed title bar. It can support apps using Windows App SDK 1.1 or higher. These are compatible with Windows 11 version 22000 or later.

When to Use Mica or Mica Alt:

Usually, these are available in the backdrop of your application. Every material is opaque. Besides, it can incorporate your theme and desktop wallpaper to make a highly personalized appearance.

When you move the window across the display, the Mica material will adapt to make a rich visualization using the wallpaper below the app. Besides, the material helps you to focus on the recent task. Therefore, we advise you to apply Mica or Mica Alt as the app's base layer. Besides, it helps to prioritize visibility in the title bar area.

Usability and Adaptability:

These materials adapt the appearance for a variety of devices and contexts. Besides, these are designed for performance because they capture the background wallpaper to make visualizations. You keep viewing the familiar background color in High Contrast mode instead of Mica or Mica Alt. Hence, the materials appear as a solid fallback color.

Hence, you should disable transparency in Settings. 

Then, go to Personalization and navigate to the Color.

• Ensure to activate the Battery Saver mode. 
• The application supports low-end hardware. 
• The Windows app supports Xbox or HoloLens.

App Layering with Mica Alt:

It is a foundation layer in the app's hierarchy with features including inactive and active states and subtle Personalization. You can apply it as the app's base player while needing contrast between title bar elements and the commanding areas of your app.

You must use this while making an app with a tabbed title bar. In this case, you can try it as a base layer of your app. Besides, you can add a commanding layer that sits on the base layer's top portion. Next, you must add an extra content layer sitting on top of the commanding layer. Hence, the commanding layer needs to pick up the material behind it using LayerOnMicaAltFillColorDefaultBrush. It is actually a low-opacity solid color. We have given here the names of the layer systems.

• Mica Alt 
• Commanding layer: It needs distinct hierarchical differentiation from the base layer. You must apply the LayerOnMicaAltFillColorDefaultBrush to the commanding areas of WinUI app surfaces. 
• Content layer: It is a contiguous background for large areas. This layer needs a distinct hierarchical differentiation from the commanding layer. In this case, you should apply LayerFillColorDefaultBrush to the container backgrounds of WinUI app surfaces. For example, you can apply it on Grids, StackPanels, Frames, etc.

If you want to offer a seamless appearance to your app's window, ensure Mica Alt must is visible in the title bar if you are willing to apply the material to your app. You may view it in the title bar while extending the app into the non-client area and making a transparent custom title bar.

Recommendations:

We have given here a few recommendations.

• You should apply backdrop material to the back-most layer. Hence, you need to exchange the ApplicationPageBackgroundThemeBrush if available. 
• You must set all background layers you want to view Mica to transparent. 
• Never apply backdrop material more than one time in an app. 
• You must not apply backdrop material to a UI element. In this case, it appears only if all layers between the UI element and the window become transparent.

How to Use Mica:

It is possible to use in UWP apps that use WinUI 2 or in apps using Windows App SDK 1.1 or higher. Besides, you might use it in apps using Windows App SDK 1.1 or higher.

Use Mica with the Windows App SDK:

If you want to use backdrop materials in a XAML app using the Windows App SDK and WinUI 3, you can find Apply Mica or Acrylic materials in desktop apps for Windows 11.

Use Mica with WinUI 2 for UWP:

It is possible to apply in a UWP app with the BackdropMaterial class. We advise you to set the BackdropMaterial attached property on a XAML element. This element is the root of the XAML content because it might apply to the entire content region. Whether the application comes with a Frame that goes many pages, you must set the property on the Frame. Otherwise, it is essential to set the property on the Page of your app.

XAML

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Hello world

Conclusion:

If you speak causally, it is not something you see in each app. Hence, it depends on developers to allow it at the base layer of the apps. It is compatible with UWP apps using WinUI 2 or in apps using Windows App SDK 1.1 or higher.