Filling a notable gap in its streaming line, Google added the Apple TV app – the only way to get Apple TV Plus service – to its newest Chromecast device.
Starting on Thursday, users with the $ 50 Chromecast with Google TV adapter will be able to access Apple TV. In addition, the Apple TV app is available on smart TVs from Sony and TCL that have the Google TV interface, and Google says it will be released on more Android TV devices in the coming months.
The agreement between the two tech giants – competing on several fronts – was announced in December.
The Apple TV app (not to be confused with the Apple TV 4K streaming set-top box) provides access to the Apple TV Plus. Normally priced at $ 4.99 a month, the VOD subscription package is available to Apple device buyers for a free one-year period (an offer that Apple extended until July this year). The original Apple TV Plus program, film and documentary line-up includes series such as “Ted Lasso” (nominated for two Golden Globes this year), “For All Mankind”, “The Morning Show” and “Servant”, as well as films as “Greyhound” starring Tom Hanks and “Palmer” starring Justin Timberlake.
Apple TV also allows you to buy or rent more than 100,000 iTunes movies and shows (and access titles you previously purchased from Apple). You can also subscribe to channels like Showtime, Starz, AMC Plus and CBS All Access (set to become Paramount Plus next month).
To access the Apple TV app on Chromecast with Google TV, users can navigate to the “Apps” tab or the apps line on the “For you” tab.
In the U.S., Google TV users can browse Apple TV Plus originals in personalized recommendations and search results. Using Google Assistant, you can open the Apple TV app or play an original Apple title by speaking a command.
The newest Chromecast, which went on sale in the United States last September, supports hundreds of apps, including those for Netflix, Disney Plus (and Disney Plus Hotstar), Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, NBCUniversal’s Peacock, YouTube TV, Showtime, Starz, Discovery Plus, Tubi and Pluto TV.
The HDMI-based Chromecast with Google TV is a more robust streaming device than its predecessors. It features Google TV, a newly designed entertainment interface that combines streaming services, live TV, movies, programs and other applications. It also includes a standalone voice-enabled remote control and supports HDR video up to 4K at up to 60 frames per second.