Google wowed us with the Chromecast when it launched two years ago. At the time, the idea of a $35 device you could plug into your HDTV to watch streaming media was remarkable. It no longer seems as novel, with other inexpensive solutions on the market, even still the Chromecast remains a top-notch media streamer. And now it gets a refresh. The newly released Chromecast is slightly different in design, and a bit faster in operation, but it keeps the same $35 price tag and mobile device control scheme that made the original so popular. Don't rush out to buy one if you already own the original Chromecast, but as a new iteration it's every bit as strong an option, and earns our Editors' Choice for media streamers. New DesignA small plastic puck with a glossy, colorful front side (it's available in black, pink, or yellow versions), the new Chomecast has a matte gray bottom side. A short, flat cable comes out of one end and terminates in an HDMI connector. A micro USB port sits oppos...
The new Google Chromecast doesn't make any big changes from the original media streamer, but it's a bit quicker and every bit as handy, for the same very reasonable $35.
Inexpensive; Easy to set up; Compatible with many apps and services; Responsive
No major new features over the original Chromecast; Requires a smartphone, tablet, or PC to control