> They aren't getting rid of the Chromecast streaming.

I understand that, but the new Chromecast devices and presumably the devices replacing them require you to log into the device before you can even use it as a Chromecast stream destination, and then when the video is done instead of going back to nice photos they try to shove algorithmic recommendations in your face. I want the old Chromecast back.

And if you aren't logged in to that app on the Google TV, you aren't allowed to cast. It's incredibly annoying.

Really?

Just to try, I just logged out of my Google Chromecast with Google TV (yes folks, it may time to rebrand...), and started playing a stream from Spotify using my phone.

And now I'm listening to Spotify.

I did this with both Google Cast and Spotify Connect (Spotify, at least on Android, allows selection of this).

No issues.

Am I not holding it right? It sure has the appearance of working correctly, but we may not be observing the same things.

That is not the case. Only YouTube and Netflix have exceptions where the Android app on Google TV / Android TV intercepts the standard Chromecasting where the TV just pulls up the receiver web app in an ephemeral browser. And even for YouTube it'll automatically log you in in a temporary way when you cast. For anything else, casting to an Android TV device is exactly the same as casting to an old-school Chromecast.