It’s been three years since Google last refreshed the Chromecast, and today the tried-and-true streaming dongle is finally getting an update. The new, third-generation Chromecast has an updated design, trading in the glossy colors and Chrome logo for a matte black finish and Google’s trademark G. But more importantly, it’s also getting some small tech and feature improvements.
Google says the new Chromecast is 15 percent faster, which isn’t much, but is apparently enough to add support for streaming 60fps video at 1080p, instead of 720p like last generation. This Chromecast is also getting the ability to act like a Chromecast Audio and let you play music in sync with other speakers connected to Google’s smart devices; that feature won’t launch until later this year, however.
Otherwise, everything is the same. There had been rumors of the Chromecast adding Bluetooth support, but it isn’t present here. Other rumors pointed to stronger Wi-Fi, and while that could still be true, it isn’t mentioned on the spec sheet either.
So this is really the same Chromecast as ever. It has no TV interface and instead relies on you to stream things app by app. This model still doesn’t do 4K, so the Chromecast Ultra, from 2016, is sticking around. As before, it’ll sell for $35 through the Google Store, and other retailers, like Walmart and Best Buy.
Comments
Why does the Chromecast Ultra still exist? 4K TVs have become more accessible, it would make more sense to have a singular Chromecast that supports 4K and potentially HDR.
By SRPat on 10.09.18 12:44pm
I imagine it sticks around because people hang on to TV’s for a while and they still sell non-4K TV’s. People remarkably still buy DVD’s as well.
By My Only Name Change on 10.09.18 12:49pm
Most people still don’t have 4K TVs, so it allows Google to have a lower price of entry for most people
By awesomerobot on 10.09.18 1:03pm
People may not have 4K TVs now, if they do get one, having to buy a new Chromecast could be frustrating. Considering both Roku and Amazon offer 4K devices for a similar price, this new Chromecast is disappointing.
By SRPat on 10.09.18 1:41pm
But after I spend $1K+ on a good new TV eventually, I’ll be happier knowing I’m getting the Ultra 2/3 instead of keeping my 1 around for a while.
And I’m fine paying half the price to have it work in 1080p today.
By BigBryC on 10.10.18 11:18am
Sure, they’re cheap now, but I think you grossly underestimate how many people still have old, dumb, tvs in their homes, with zero interest in buying new ones until their tvs actually die. It’s easy to live in a tech bubble.
By fueledbygin on 10.09.18 1:21pm
I live in a tech bubble, but like hell I’m giving up my plasma for a smart TV where the smart software will become obsolete (and abandoned) well before the TV does. Plus then I’d need to use a remote. Why not just use a Chromecast that gets security updates and I can use from my phone, which is already nearby.
By monkeybars on 10.09.18 1:35pm
I don’t think most tech folks use the apps on their TVs for long. Even with my Samsung 4K tv, navigating apps on a 4K Fire Stick or any other current gen streaming devices works waaaaaay better.
I was sad to see my 55" plasma go, but the power it sucked down and heat it gave off finally pushed me to upgrade.
By crevassier on 10.09.18 2:11pm
Why would that matter?
The Chromecast could still do 1080P.
By The Artgineer on 10.09.18 2:13pm
More importantly, will the Chromecast Audio continue to exist? I can’t find it on the Google Store!
By Ollieollieollie on 10.09.18 2:00pm
https://store.google.com/product/chromecast_audio
By The Artgineer on 10.09.18 2:15pm
Yea, not available to buy… I want one too, but was hoping for an update yesterday so held off. Now it seems to either be dead or waiting until this re-launch of the multiroom stuff.
By wdowell on 10.10.18 3:53am
I guess it’s because I’m in Canada, because I have the buy button in the top right.
By The Artgineer on 10.10.18 3:24pm
Because not all streamers and TVs support both HDR standards and 4K youtube. I do agree that Google needs to add another worthwhile feature because it’s starting to become a complete afterthought.
By lawrence_akwa on 10.09.18 4:45pm
Does that means it could possibly sync from the TV to a remote speaker
By moromi_ken on 10.09.18 12:54pm
I don´t understand, if i stream Netflix on my old Chromecast it will run 720p?
By userv on 10.09.18 12:59pm
No, it can do 1080p, just not at 60fps
By Bluephoria on 10.09.18 1:00pm
Minor interest…
By ChrisCW on 10.09.18 1:12pm
My take: They eventually put their game streaming on the chromecast. I suspect they wanted to do it on this device, hence the spec boost, but it isn’t quite ready for prime time yet. I think it may have bluetooth support for controllers but that will lay dormant until they have a wider, more public release of their game streaming service.
$35 chromecast + $15 controller + 10$/month subscription to give you all the latest AAA games is very compelling. All predicated on the streaming service actually working well. A big if.
By jonomacd on 10.09.18 1:22pm
Hopefully they do it with the Ultra, or something that supports ethernet.
By monkeybars on 10.09.18 1:36pm
What does audio sync even mean with something connected to your tv? Or does it mean you can use it as a dongle for your tv OR as a dongle for your speakers?
By fueledbygin on 10.09.18 1:23pm
Cast your movie to your Google Homes, so when you get up to get a drink you can still hear what’s happening in the kitchen.
By monkeybars on 10.09.18 1:37pm
https://www.reddit.com/r/Chromecast/comments/5hlptk/chromecast_2_finally_at_60fps/
i thought cc2 did 60fps as per reddit thread.
By sdavisnz12 on 10.09.18 1:23pm
At lower res (720) it did.. not sure if the article was edited after you made this comment or not.
By crevassier on 10.09.18 2:12pm
Are they really not adding the multi-room audio to the 2nd gen chromecast?
By bofis on 10.09.18 2:51pm