You’ve already upgraded your TV to one with 4K and HDR, so it’s time you get a streaming device that supports those same technologies. If you’re looking for the most affordable option, Google’s Chromecast Ultra just might offer the perfect fit.
Retaining the puck-shaped form factor that dangles out of your TV’s HDMI port, the new streaming device should still be as convenient as ever. This time, however, it gets a darker finish that should make it blend in a whole better with the rest of the gear around your TV.
The Chromecast Ultra can stream 4K videos with HDR picture quality (it uses the Dolby Vision standard) at speeds 1.8 times faster than the previous generation. Google promises that will lead to minimal buffering and a smoother streaming experience, with a built-in Ethernet adapter allowing you tether it to the network for even faster speeds. As before, it’s designed to work with your phone, allowing you to send content to the TV by simply tapping on the Cast button, which it plays without draining your battery (since Chromecast will connect directly to your network).
Aside from streaming movies and video clips, it can also stream photos (so your TV becomes a giant picture frame), mirror any Android screen (in case you want to see a mobile game in the big screen), or mirror your browser. And, yes, it works with Google Home, so you can start streaming content even without your phone.
Available now, the Chromecast Ultra is priced at $69.