Despite announcing it was discontinuing the Chromecast family of media streamers, replacing the iconic devices with the Google TV Streamer, your humble HDMI dongle is getting a useful free upgrade including features from Google’s new box.
9to5Google reports that the Google Home panel that was launched on the Google TV Streamer will appear on Chromecast. The panel lets you control your smart home devices on your TV, including lights, thermostats, cameras, and smart locks.
Read our full Google TV Streamer review
The catch? The Home panel for Chromecast is currently only available as a preview via Google’s Public Preview program. This can be accessed via the Home app on iOS and Android, underneath the Settings tab at the bottom.
You’ll need to be an owner or member of a Home in the Google app, and your device must be in standard mode with an adult profile. There must also be one other smart device in your home.
9to5Google reports that they haven’t yet seen the panel appear on their device, which may mean the feature is being rolled out gradually. You can also read up on how LG OLED TV owners are getting a surprise and big upgrade for free.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication M3 and was translated and adapted from Swedish.
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