So... My new Chromecast with GoogleTV arrived. And this thing is actually pretty ****ing cool.
Quick rundown:
It's actually running Android TV 10, and not just native Android OS, it's running the actual TV version like the Nvidia Shield. Which is a pretty big deal for HDCP DRM purposes. Your normal cheap Android box that's meant for hooking up to your TV only runs normal Android OS and not the Android TV version of Android. Android TV allows for HDCP passthrough, which allows you to watch DRM protected streaming services in full HD. Which is the difference between running Netflix/YoutubeTV/Prime/Disney+/etc in 1080p/4K as opposed to 480p limit on native Android OS devices. Being an unlocked Android TV device, that also allows you to sideload any .apk files you want. Meaning easy install for Kodi, Cinema, Mobdro, etc.
The video quality is really impressive even compared to my FireTV. Performance itself is very good. The only possible drawback is that it's wifi only, with no ports on it other than the USBC power port. Would be nice to use an ethernet adapter. Which may be possible with a dongle of some sort, I haven't looked into it.
EDIT: This hub is reported to work just fine:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FX2LW35
The remote is very cool. It has built in IR functionality that allows it to control your TV's native power/volume via the remote. You just tell it what TV you have, and it configures the remote to work with your TV and then allows you to test it. Very cool feature allowing me to ditch my old TV remote which was only used to turn the TV on and adjust volume. Has direct keys on the remote for YoutubeTV and Netflix. Protip: Can use your phone as a gyro mouse using an app called Android Box Remote. Allowing you to use basically any Android app.
The home screen is similar to FireTV, but works much better. Gives good offerings of movies and TV that are available from the services you subscribe to. In addition to offering rentals that don't feel forced. Allows integration with almost all the normal streaming services to offer content in one integrated menu.
Anyway, I'm crazy impressed with it already. Didn't think Google would use standard AndroidTV OS and allow all developer options available on a device like this. Crazy potential for this device. For $50, this will probably be my go-to recommendation for streaming services going forward.