New $35 Chromecast is Faster, But Lacks 4K Support
Google today updated its $35 Chromecast dongle with a fresh design and better performance, although 4K video support is still missing.
With a new design and two colors-Chalk and Charcoal-Chromecast blends in with your decor and the rest of the Made by Google family.
Thanks to a 15 percent improvement in hardware speed, the newest Chromecast supports smooth streaming in 1080p at 60 frames per second.
Unlike Amazon's Fire TV Stick and Roku's Streaming Sticks, Chromecast does not include a remote control or TV-based menus. Instead, you must use a phone, tablet, or laptop to launch videos from supported apps.
Chromecast and Google Home work together. Just say what you want to watch from compatible services, like YouTube or Netflix, and control your TV just by asking. Try, "Hey Google, play Cobra Kai from YouTube."
When you're not streaming, you can personalize your TV with new Live Albums from Google Photos. You can skip blurry ones and duplicates-all without lifting a finger. Plus, new photos will show up automatically on your TV.
Whether you're listening to your favorites on YouTube Music or Spotify, there's nothing better than hearing on all your speakers-including your high-quality speakers connected to your TV. Later this year, you'll be able to add Chromecast to speaker groups, so you can listen to your music in sync throughout the house.
And, of course, Chromecast is still $35.
The new Chromecast is available from the Google Store starting today.