Walmart chromecast 4k android#
Walmart chromecast 4k tv#
Walmart chromecast 4k free#

Third, it's running a newer Android version, which means you have access to some newer features introduced in Android 11.

Walmart chromecast 4k tv#

First, the build is completely bloatware-free, unlike the stock firmware that many cheap TV boxes ship with. Walmart declined to comment on whether the hardware is profitable or if it makes money from the device in some other way (like, perhaps, sharing in whatever ad revenue the device generates).As for why one might be interested in installing LineageOS 18.1 on their Android TV box, there's a couple of benefits. Seeing as Walmart doesn’t operate any streaming services-at least not since selling Vudu last year-it’s not clear what the retailer’s angle is in undercutting the likes of Roku and Amazon.

The Walmart Onn FHD Streaming Stick and UHD Streaming Box are as compelling as they perplexing. While the device does offer to pre-load some apps like ESPN and Starz during setup, I didn’t detect anything that would qualify as offensive bloatware. On balance though, Android TV finally has a cheap streaming device on which to shine, and Walmart, to its credit, doesn’t mess with it.

Walmart chromecast 4k free#

Compared to Roku and Amazon, Google doesn’t do nearly as well at recommending free things to watch either, which is surprising given the company’s ad-centric business model. The home screen could also integrate with more services-Netflix is notably absent from the “Discover” section and “Play Next” home screen row-and unlike the Chromecast with Google TV, there’s no menu for aggregating live TV sources. Fast-forward and rewind controls remain inconsistent across apps, with some requiring extra clicks to reach their on-screen buttons. Some aspects of Android TV still need improvement. (Sadly, Google still doesn’t let Android TV players partake in multi-room music setups with other Chromecast devices around the house.) That means you can play media on your TV using the music or video apps on your phone, and you can set images from Google Photos as your screensaver. Like other Android TV devices, the Onn streamers act as Chromecast devices as well. (Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K and the Chromecast with Google TV support both formats, while the Roku Express 4K+ offers HDR10+.) Dolby Atmos support is missing as well, so those with Atmos systems won’t able to hear object-based surround sound.ĭetailed genre searches remain one of Google Assistant’s strengths. Unfortunately, there’s no Dolby Vision or HDR10+, which optimize those colors on a per-scene basis. While only the UHD box supports 4K video, both devices support HDR10, which can make colors look more vibrant on compatible TVs. It also includes Bluetooth, so you can hook up a game controller or use wireless headphones for private listening. Scrolling through menus was generally smooth across the board, and while I wish Google Assistant loaded a little faster, my experience never seemed out of step with other cheap streamers like the Roku Express 4K+ or Amazon’s Fire TV Stick.įor connectivity, both Onn streamers support dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi like most other modern streamers (save for Roku’s $30 Express, which only offers 2.4GHz 801.11n). But in practice, performance is pretty similar on both, with perhaps an occasional edge for the UHD box in switching between apps. The UHD box also has 2GB of RAM, versus 1GB on the FHD stick, and it ships with Android 10 instead of Android. While both devices use microUSB for power, the FHD box’s cable is built into the power adapter, so you can’t plug it into your TV.