I am returning my CCwGTV and here is why

by Uranium_Donut_

After trying to get the new chromecast to work for a whole month, I am sending back this device. The home screen is littered with ads, even for services which I did not subscribe to. It does NOT show recommendations for anything non prime/netflix/disney. No arte, no plex, no local services (ARD/ZDF in Germany).

I have tried everything from tweaking buttons and installing different launchers but I cannot get it to work completely. Wolf Launcher gets rid of the ads and lag, but ambient mode doesn't work. The "apps only" mode is NOT A VIABLE OPTION. It forces you to use a row with maximum 20 apps (no columns??????) It still shows ads in full screen on the top. Assistant and ambient mode stop working. The only reason "apps only" exists is to kick the user right back into "ad mode".

These are all things that work on other android tv boxes and are deliberate decisions by Google. My house used a multitude of google products (like a ton of minis) but the new chromecast will not be one of them.

tb21666

Wolf Launcher is a hacked/pirated app, ATV Launcher Pro that it was 'stolen' from works just fine IME.

Se7enLC

I actually got Google to open a support ticket with me. I just wanted them to tell me whether the ads for services you're not subscribed to are intentional or not. They have so far insisted that this should not be happening, but have not been able to correct it of course.

I'm not 100% convinced that it's intentional. Google is just really really awful at fixing bugs.

I AM really bummed that they don't support Storage Access Framework, though. That's just lazy to not fully implement Android and leave it crippled. Devices like this one that don't implement SAF cannot write to external USB devices. Period. What a dumb limitation! Especially given how limited the internal storage is.

I know you can adopt an external drive as internal storage. It's an ok work around to get more space but it's not perfect.

VitoCorleoneJr

Wolf Launcher? Scrap it. Try ATV Launcher Pro

True, it does not show recommendations from other apps, not all. I only know a fix only when it comes to voice commands, you can search up a movie in other apps. You can uninstall updates & disable Google that have right now and install this one

https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-app-for-android-tv-android-tv/google-app-for-android-tv-android-tv-4-3-0-331205520-release/google-app-for-android-tv-4-3-0-331205520-android-apk-download/

pawdog

Not for everybody I guess. I don't know if Tivo Stream 4K is availble in your country. It's straight Android TV almost.

lincolnlogtermite

There have been articles on decrapifing it. I do agree with though, it is a hot steaming mess that's sole purpose is to extract more cash from you. I bought one just to try it, I went back to using my 2015 ShieldTV almost immediately.

My other TVs still have the Chromecast and Ultra, I don't want all that ad crap.

elister

Did you use a gmail account tied to your phone or some throwaway gmail account?

XADEBRAVO

I think its good to have a summary of what's available, doesnt mean I am forced into buying it. Where else would I find out what's on release these days?

teteroon

I'm from Germany too and I happily use two of these things almost from day one. I used to use Shield TVs but they are unreliable AF when it comes to Casting to them. Never had an issue with the CCwGTV.

To be honest I like that I get recommended movies from other sources. I'm only subscribed to Disney+ (Which is garbage but I got a few months for free) and Netflix. No Prime no whatsoever. In the end that way you get the chance to see if there are services out there which contain the movies you want. For example I never heard of Joyn before owning the Chromecasts. In the end it is up to you to decide if you want to subscribe/buy or not - but in my opinion that is a good thing.

Lawdawg74

It forces HDR on you and no way to turn that off. This thing isn’t ready for primetime and i’m wondering if Google paid all the reviewers to gove it glowing reviews. Junk. I returned it within 2 hours of activating it. Back to Apple TV 4k. You get what you pay for.