With more and more TVs running Android and having Chromecast built-in, is the existence of a hardware dongle even justified? And can a dongle survive in a world of advanced TV operating systems with apps? We have used Chromecast Ultra for almost six months now and our answer is: “yes, but”.

Instead of presenting the new $35 Chromecast alongside the Pixel 3 and Home Hub at its event in October, Google simply released it without a word. This is likely because, while it is indeed a new Chromecast, it doesn't actually do anything new. It's the same media streamer as the previous model, with only a slight design change, support for 1080p60, and a claimed performance bump. It remains a useful device, but without 4K capability it's much less appealing than it was a few years ago. A Slightly New Style }{{/ziffimage>The new Chromecast has the same disc shape as the previous version, but with slightly more rounded edges. It comes in matte black or white, and measures 2.1 inches around and 0.4-inch thick. A 3-inch flat gray ribbon cable extends from the Chromecast and terminates in an HDMI plug. A micro USB port (for power, with the included cable and wall adapter) sits on the opposite edge of the disc, with a reset button to its left and an indicator LED to its right. If you'v...

The new Google Chromecast media streamer is almost completely unchanged from its previous version. It's still functional and affordable, but without 4K it's much less appealing than the competition.

Inexpensive; Responsive; Lots of supported apps; Can mirror mobile device screens and display Chrome tabs

1080p maximum resolution; No on-screen interface or remote

4K and HDR compatible; Casting is easy; Easy to set up;

No Amazon Video; Mains adaptor mandatory; Expensive for what it is;

Google's Chromecast Ultra is a slick and simple way to serve up tons of 4K Ultra HD content in glistening HDR.

Simple and affordable 4K streaming; Widest HDR support available; Intuitive interface and setup; Supports YouTube HDR; Dual-band Wi-Fi and Ethernet for strong connection

Cross platform search still mediocre; No Amazon video

Google steps into the world of 4K streaming with the Chromecast Ultra. Just like the regular Chromecast , this little HDMI dongle lets you watch streaming content on your TV from services like Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube, but it supports 4K video in HDR .

Ethernet port for reliable 4K streaming; Relatively inexpensive for a 4K media streamer

Requires a smartphone, tablet, or PC; Almost twice the price of the 1080p Chromecast

The Chromecast Ultra does exactly what it promises to do: reliably stream 4K HDR video to compatible TVs. But the marginal increase in quality, coupled with a dearth of 4K content, means the device is hardly a must-buy.

I already have an Amazon fire stick and I though that this will be a good addition. Well, wrong. This device does not allow to install any standalone apps to be installed like Fire do. This is ONLY for streaming from your phone and selection of apps is very limited.

Apple has followed in Google's steps by announcing a 4K version of its media-streaming box. Though the fourth-gen (non-4K) Apple TV is still available at £149, a 4K version that also supports HDR is now available from £179 (32GB).

Upgraded from the original Chromecast to this model for it's 4K capability, which works well, but overall, the device is much faster to load and also has the option of plugging in to a LAN port Overall, an easy to use, functional streaming device.

I was skeptical at first at how well it would work with my non-smart TV's but OMG love it! I can unplug it and take it to different rooms and still works great. Gave it 4 stars because it needs more apps that are compatible with it without having to have Cable or anything like that.