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 premium Chromecast quadruples the pixels for double the money, but lacks the bells and whistles of other high-end steaming devices.

Google Cast technology fundamentally works well; Low entry price for 4K HDR streaming; Ethernet and speed boost are welcome improvements

Short on convenience features like private listening; captive portal; and consistent playback controls; Google Home app needs streamlining and easier...

The 2015 update streamlined the design, increased the selection of apps, and gave us faster speeds, making it even better value at ￡30.

4K HDR support; Intuitive and easy to use; Fast and stable streaming; Plenty of content

Lacks Amazon Video app; Lip-syncing issues; Needs constant mains power; Double the price of the standard one

Judged purely on whether it's a good gadget or not, the Chromecast Ultra is a success. It streams well, is simple to use, and is supported by most streaming services (other than Amazon's Instant Video).

Simple to set up; Effortless 4K streaming; Casting Chrome tabs to a TV is handy

Most TVs have in-built 4K streaming; Missing Amazon Instant Video; Expensive

Chromecast Ultra: Cheap and beautifully easy to use, but currently the Chromecast Ultra is largely redundant

Reasonably priced; Optional Ethernet connectivity

Must be plugged into the mains; No support for Amazon Video

Chromecast Ultra is a great 4K TV streamer, but you almost certainly shouldn't buy it – yet

Simple to set up ; Effortless 4K streaming; Casting Chrome tabs to a TV is handy;

Most TVs have in-built 4K streaming; Missing Amazon Instant Video; Expensive;

Love Chromecast. It's a tool we use everyday to share videos and music to our TV. It has truly become an indespensible part of our entertainment toolbox.

I specifically created a costco online account so that I can share my dismay at this garbage product. I give zero stars, not one. Firat of all, you need to buy a subscription from google to be able to cast from your mobile devices.