Albeit deprived of the bells and whistles, Chromecast — Google's $35 media streamer — wowed its aficionados ever since it was debuted two years ago. Now, Google has given the device a refreshed makeover.
The new Chromecast, billed Chromecast 2, was updated but still boasts a $35 price tag — not bad for a person who only wants a simple solution to stream almost every media source they always use on their laptops or smartphones.
Let's take a closer look at what experts have to say about this new HDMI dongle that touts to transform an ordinary TV into a smart TV as long as there is a smartphone, computer or tablet nearby.
Let us do the rundown.
New Look
On the outside, this next-generation media dongle has received a total redesign. Now, the device looks like a mini disk equipped with a flexible, short HDMI cable extending from it.
"It’s a big change-up, and while Chromecast has added some splashy new colors (with names like Lemonade and Coral) the new shape does more for utility than aesthetics: The smaller HDMI connector and contorting cable make it a little easier to get into tight spaces for those hard-to-reach ports," writes Digital Trends.
Faster Than Its Predecessor
Since it is a revamped version, it should be expected that it is faster in operation than its predecessor.
Sure, the device is dependent on network speeds, but as reviewers have compared the old and the new models side by side, they claim the new Chromecast is without a doubt speedier and more responsive that the original variant.
"It loaded Netflix, Twitch, and YouTube streams rapidly, never taking more than a second or two to play video or respond to a command, while the old Chromecast lagged behind slightly," notes PC Mag on its post. "It's not a huge performance boost, but it's a welcome one."
Supports Dual-Band 802.11ac
The new device has a 2.4/5Ghz WiFi antenna and supports 802.11ac wireless connectivity.
"This means that the streaming should not only be faster, but also perform better in congested areas like apartment buildings since the 2.4GHz frequency is typically more crowded than the 5GHz one," Engadget does points out.
Improved Chromecast Application
Google is throwing in a new and improved Chromecast app to sweeten the deal even further. With this new app, it is now easy to discover new content.
The app features a user-friendly interface, encouraging the user to explore more content. It is also worth pointing out that it shows users content from existing Chromecast-compatible apps users already have.
Product Cons
A few of the product cons include:
- It still has the same display resolution of 1080p.
- It does not have native support for Amazon Instant Video and iTunes.
- It needs a separate device to act as a remote control.
Bottom Line
Although it seems that the 2015 version of the well-received Chromecast is not any newer, it is still worth the cash for its users. The Chromecast 2015 is quicker and more versatile than the predecessor as it works in tandem with a cord instead of just a dongle.
