SeekerGoogle Chromecast
The new Google Chromecast doesn't make any big changes from the original media streamer, but it's a bit quicker and every bit as handy, for the same very reasonable $35.
-- As reviewed by PCMag
Product details
- Watch the entertainment you love, including live TV, in up to 1080p HDR[1,2,3]; discover over 700,000 movies and TV episodes, plus millions of songs[2].Power : 5V, 1.5A
- Get fast streaming, and enjoy a crystal clear picture and brighter colors with HDR[3]
- Your home screen displays movies and TV shows from all your services in one place; get personal recommendations based on your subscriptions, viewing habits, and content you own
- Press the Google Assistant[4] button on the remote and use voice search to find specific shows, or search by mood, genre, actress, and more; control the volume, switch inputs, play music, and get answers on-screen
- Chromecast is easy to install and compatible with almost any TV that has an HDMI port; to get started, just plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming[1]
- Manage connected devices from the couch; ask Google to dim the lights, adjust the temperature, or see who’s at the front door, without getting up[5,6]
- Create a kids profile to access movies and shows for the family; pick a playful avatar and theme, set parental controls to restrict what streaming services are shown, limit watching time, and set a bedtime
PROS
+ Inexpensive.
+ Easy to set up.
+ Compatible with many apps and services.
+ Responsive.
CONS
- No major new features over the original Chromecast.
- Requires a smartphone, tablet, or PC to control.
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Expert reviews and ratings
By PCMag on April 01, 2014
The new Google Chromecast doesn't make any big changes from the original media streamer, but it's a bit quicker and every bit as handy, for the same very reasonable $35.
80
By The Verge on July 29, 2013
Google takes on AirPlay and finally puts a browser on your TV
85
By TechAdvisor on October 06, 2014
A brilliant, low-cost add-on for Android device users in particular, providing a blissfully simple way to beam video from your device to the big screen. People who want to stream their own media collection should look elsewhere. The Chromecast is cheap and easy to use, but there aren’t many apps that support it yet. This situation is bound to change over the coming months, but for now you might find your existing smart TV offers more.
80
By The Guardian on October 13, 2015
The new Chromecast is faster than the old one. Netflix and YouTube take much less time to fire up on hitting the cast button, and 1080p video and audio quality is excellent.
80
By TechAdvisor on April 29, 2014
It’s fair to say that neither Chromecast nor Apple TV are the perfect media streamers. However they both get the job done providing you already have the correct hardware/software at home, and that – along with the price difference – is what you should be basing your decision when deciding which device is right for you… that and whether or not you want BBC iPlayer.
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By TechAdvisor on November 25, 2015
Owners of the original Chromecast have very little reason to upgrade the new model. Google has improved the design with the Chromecast 2 and added better Wi-Fi. We also like the new app and, in general, the device is a bargain at £30. However, the Roku Streaming Stick outclasses it for less than £10 extra with more content available, a remote control and excellent user interface.
80
By TechAdvisor on March 19, 2014
Both devices are pretty nifty in terms of turning your HDTV into a Smart TV. Right now, we’d suggest forking out an extra £20 and getting the Roku for more internet and local media streaming functionality. That said you can be sure Google is going to grow in app support for the Chromecast as time goes by, which will make its £30 price tag look incredibly appealing for the average user looking to get BBC iPlayer and Netflix on their TV without having to hook up their laptop each time.
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By TechAdvisor on September 30, 2015
The new Chromecast app is out already, and as far as we know, all of its new features work with the old Chromecast. That means that – aside from the new design and Wi-Fi – the two Chromecasts are basically the same. Which means existing owners shouldn’t rush to upgrade.
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By IGN on August 05, 2013
The Chromecast is by no means a perfect product — third-party app support is meager but growing, its Wi-Fi range is limited, and the design is inelegant — but at $35, it's the most versatile and cost-efficient wireless solution on the market.
81
By TrustedReviews on July 05, 2018
When the first Chromecast came along, video streaming was still a fairly fresh concept. It was the perfect time for Google to carve itself a niche.
80
By TechAdvisor on February 12, 2020
Que vous optiez pour le Fire TV d’Amazon, Chromecast de Google ou Roku, ces trois clés de streaming sont incroyablement performantes.
Elles offrent une belle qualité d’image et un son puissant, le tout à un prix abordable.
Si nous devions choisir, Roku serait notre service de prédilection car il est doté d’un catalogue étoffé, qui n’a rien à envier à ses concurrents, et ne vous contraint pas à joindre un écosystème. Ajoutons qu’il peut être connecté aux TV plus anciennes dénuées de port HDMI et utilisé soit via la télécommande soit via l’app.
En revanche, si vous êtes adepte des services d’Amazon ou de Google, et que vous possédez déjà un de leurs appareils connectés, alors le Fire TV ou Chromecast pourraient vous convenir davantage.
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By The Guardian on March 20, 2014
The Chromecast does what it claims to do very well and makes streaming video from Netflix and YouTube very easy indeed using a smartphone, tablet or computer as a wireless remote.
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