Google has introduced the third generation of its Chromecast streaming media dongle, called the Chromecast Ultra. This $69 device will be available in November.
As VentureBeat reported last month, this new device will stream 4K video content, powered by HDR and Dolby Vision support. It’s been reengineered to load content 1.8 times faster while also having “major Wi-Fi performance” updates. It also includes an ethernet port for the first time, connected to the power adapter. Of course the device also is small enough to hide behind your television.
Not only will you get YouTube, but Netflix and Vudu’s library of 4K content are compatible. Google also revealed that starting in November, Google Play Movies will be releasing 4K movies that can be streamed through the Chromecast Ultra.
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Originally unveiled in 2013, the 2-inch hardware device was billed as being the “easiest way to enjoy online entertainment on TV.” It became Google’s response to Amazon’s Fire TV stick, Roku, and Apple TV set-top boxes. Two years later, the Chromecast was redesigned with a bold circular design and an integrated HDMI cable that folds up.
The company once again touted that more than 30 million Chromecasts have been sold and that it’s become so popular that watch time increased 160 percent in the past year.
