Finally Chromecast Gets the Android 14 Update!

The long-awaited Android 14 update for Chromecast with Google TV has officially started rolling out, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Google’s popular streaming device. This upgrade is not just a routine system bump—it brings a range of performance improvements, privacy enhancements, and new features that improve the overall experience for users in the United States and worldwide.

In this in-depth article, we will explore every aspect of the Chromecast Android 14 update, including performance benchmarks, privacy features, UI changes, app compatibility, developer enhancements, known issues, and more. Our goal is to deliver the most comprehensive breakdown of this update to help you stay ahead in the Google TV ecosystem.

What Devices Are Getting the Android 14 Update?

As of June 2025, the Chromecast with Google TV (HD and 4K variants) are receiving the Android 14-based Google TV update. This rollout is staggered by region, but U.S. users are reporting early access, especially those enrolled in the Preview Program.

Key Devices Supported:

• Chromecast with Google TV (4K) – Model GZRNL

• Chromecast with Google TV (HD) – Model G454V

Older Chromecast models (1st-3rd generation) that do not run Google TV UI will not receive Android 14.

New Features in Android 14 on Chromecast

1. Revamped User Interface

The most noticeable change is the cleaner, faster, and more responsive Google TV interface. Android 14 enhances UI transitions, animations, and menu navigation:

• Smoother scrolling across Home and Live tabs

• Optimized remote input lag reduction

• Simplified settings layout

• Larger font rendering for improved readability on TVs

2. Enhanced Privacy Controls

Google has prioritized user privacy and control in Android 14. New privacy options now allow:

• More granular microphone and camera access control

• Real-time app activity indicators

• One-time permissions for sensitive access

• Automatic permission revocation for idle apps

This means Chromecast is now more secure than ever before, offering users control over what data apps can access.

3. Improved System Performance

Android 14 introduces deeper optimizations that significantly reduce buffering times, app loading delays, and general UI lag:

• Faster cold-boot and restart sequences

• Improved RAM management on HD (1.5GB RAM) models

• System cache handling improved for large streaming apps

• Background app restrictions for better foreground focus

This translates to a smoother experience across apps like Netflix, YouTube TV, Hulu, and Max.

4. Accessibility Upgrades

Google has expanded accessibility options in Android 14, a welcome move for visually impaired or hearing-impaired users:

• Text scaling up to 200%

• High-contrast mode for menus and overlays

• Improved TalkBack screen reader for TV interfaces

• Audio descriptions enabled globally across system apps

These features ensure Chromecast is inclusive and easier to navigate for a wider range of users.

Changes for App Developers

Target SDK Requirements

With the Android 14 update, Chromecast now enforces a minimum target SDK version of 33 for new app installations and updates. Developers must align with newer APIs to:

• Maintain compatibility with new permission models

• Utilize improved media session handling

• Integrate with enhanced notification architecture

This encourages a higher baseline for app quality on Google TV.

Media Session API Enhancements

Android 14 brings expanded media session controls, allowing better interactions with playback from remote devices. Developers can now:

• Create custom remote actions

• Support seamless resume and pause across input sources

• Build robust integrations with Google Assistant

This is crucial for apps like Spotify, Plex, Tubi, and others focused on rich media playback.

Gaming on Chromecast: Is It Better on Android 14?

Yes, significantly. While Chromecast is not marketed as a gaming console, Android 14 enhances cloud gaming and casual gaming performance. Improvements include:

• Reduced input latency via optimized Bluetooth stack

• Enhanced support for wireless game controllers (Xbox, Stadia, DualSense)

• Better frame rate management in services like GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming

• Native support for Vulkan graphics API

Games such as Asphalt 9, Steam Link, and RetroArch emulators see noticeable performance bumps post-update.

Network and Connectivity Enhancements

Android 14 includes upgraded network handling modules, particularly beneficial for Wi-Fi streaming stability and Bluetooth device pairing:

• Prioritized QoS (Quality of Service) for 4K streaming apps

• Improved detection of captive portals in public Wi-Fi environments

• More stable Bluetooth audio sync with TWS (True Wireless Stereo) devices

• Reduced packet loss on 5GHz networks

Streaming high-bitrate content on services like Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video is now more consistent than ever.

System Settings: What’s New in Configuration Options

Android 14 on Chromecast adds more user control under system settings:

New Additions Include:

• HDMI CEC advanced control: Customize input switching behavior

• App hibernation settings: Free up space automatically

• Energy Saver profiles: Adjust CPU cycles during sleep mode

• Remote locator: Audible tone for finding misplaced remotes (4K model only)

These settings improve the customizability and usability of Chromecast with Google TV.

Battery Saver and Eco-Conscious Features

Though Chromecast is not battery-powered, Android 14 still integrates Eco Mode to reduce power draw when idle. Features include:

• Smart Standby: Automatically puts apps to sleep

• Auto-Dim Display: Reduces brightness on idle

• App Freeze: Halts background processes unless in use

This not only reduces electricity consumption but also extends device longevity.

Android 14 Security Patch Details

The update includes the June 2025 Android Security Bulletin, addressing multiple vulnerabilities:

• Fixes for CVEs affecting Media Framework

• Patches for Bluetooth remote code execution vulnerabilities

• Hardening of system services from privilege escalation attacks

These updates ensure Chromecast remains a secure choice for streaming and smart home integrations.

Known Bugs and Issues After the Update

No system update is without its quirks. Here are the current confirmed issues with Android 14 on Chromecast:

• Some users report audio sync lag when using AVR sound systems

• VPN apps (like NordVPN or ExpressVPN) are experiencing random disconnects

• Occasional frame drops in HDR10+ content during Dolby Vision switching

• The Chromecast app on iOS may crash during setup (Google has acknowledged this)

Google is actively releasing hotfixes and patches, with the next firmware slated for July 2025.

How to Check and Install Android 14 on Chromecast

To check if your device is eligible and install the update:

1. Go to Settings > System > About > System Update

2. If Android 14 is available, you will see a prompt to Download and Install

3. The process takes around 10-15 minutes

4. A restart will be required

Ensure your Chromecast is plugged into a stable power source, not just TV USB.

Future Roadmap: What’s Next After Android 14?

While Android 14 is a major leap, there are rumors of a next-gen Chromecast device launching later this year with:

• 8GB RAM, 64GB storage

• Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support

• Full-fledged Google Assistant speaker integration

• Native multi-user profiles with fingerprint recognition

Meanwhile, Android 15 is expected to focus on spatial audio support, adaptive refresh rates, and even native sideloading detection and warnings.

Comparison: Chromecast vs Competitors After Android 14

How does Chromecast with Google TV (Android 14) now compare to Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV 4K?

Chromecast wins in terms of value, app availability, frequent updates, and overall integration with the Android ecosystem.

Final Verdict: Should You Update to Android 14?

Absolutely. The Android 14 update for Chromecast with Google TV is not only about system refinements—it fundamentally elevates the device’s:

• Performance

• Security

• Accessibility

• App compatibility

Whether you’re streaming 4K HDR content, playing games via the cloud, or just watching YouTube, Android 14 brings a more fluid and personalized experience than ever before.

For users serious about their home entertainment setup, this update is essential. It keeps Chromecast competitive in 2025 and ensures a more future-proof smart TV environment.

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