Samsung TVs just gained native Google Cast, and my Chromecast is officially pointless

Samsung is rolling out native Google Cast support to its 2026 TV lineup, with updates also coming to 2024, 2025, and select 2023 models via a Tizen OS update (version 2115.3 or higher). This eliminates the need for a Chromecast dongle, freeing up HDMI and USB ports. Unlike Samsung's own Smart View, Google Cast works across all devices and platforms, lets the phone act as a remote without screen mirroring, and keeps notifications private. The update also brings Google Photos integration with AI-powered slideshows and improved contextual content search.