While we wait for the new $179 Apple TV 4K, the humble and much cheaper $49 Chromecast with Google TV has been updated with useful features and improved security.

Reddit user u/firefighter2021 discovered the update on his Chromecast with Google TV, and Google is now distributing the update to other users in stages, the first since December 2020. In addition to the Chromecast security update, the patch allows for finer control over video playback. [Specifically, the patch notes include "advanced video control settings for fine-grained HDR formats, resolution/refresh rates, and color formats," allowing for various tweaks to the way movies and TV shows look depending on what your TV supports It allows you to make various tweaks to the way you view movies and TV programs depending on what your TV supports. The update also improves HDMI hot-plugging, making it easier for Chromecast with Google TV to detect the best settings for a particular screen.

There are also improvements to unspecified Wi-Fi for 5Ghz bands and mesh networks, which will further improve wireless performance by reducing stuttering when using Bluetooth devices such as headphones with certain Chromecast apps.

Chromecast with Google TV's HDMI-CEC feature (which allows streaming devices to communicate with connected TVs) also receives a small upgrade; Chromecast settings allow the device to remain activated while the TV is turned the device is activated and the TV can be turned off.

To download and install the 166MB update, Google TV owners and Chromecast must hit the main settings menu, "System," then "About," then "System Update." ... There is also an update for the new Chromecast voice remote control, which you should download while you're at it.

When the Google Chromecast launched last year, we were immediately hooked on Google TV. The new Apple TV 4K is rumored to be released on May 21, so hopefully we won't have to wait long to see if Google's support for the Chromecast with Google TV will help Apple's more premium streamers.