google chromecast 3rd generation media streamer

Google chromecast 3rd generation media streamer full#
Google chromecast 3rd generation media streamer tv#

Inside, the Chromecast uses an upgraded 802.11 b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi antenna that is likely the source of the 15% performance boost that Google’s touting-but we’ll cover that further down below. The most important part of the Chromecast’s design, however, isn’t anything you can see on the outside.

Google chromecast 3rd generation media streamer tv#

Similarly, the accompanying USB cord is 69-inches and can easily run to an outlet if your TV doesn’t have an open USB port. What matters a bit more in terms of design is the flat HDMI cable that extends from the Chromecast-it’s long enough to slip into the port without interfering with any other cables and allows the Chromecast to hang a few inches off the TV. The subtle palette swap is nice but, considering Chromecast spends all of its life behind your TV, it probably doesn’t matter that much. That being said, the Google Chromecast (3rd Generation) takes this simplicity further than ever before-extending subtlety to the plastic covering of the device: the 2nd Generation model was available in bright red, blue and yellow, while the 3rd Generation only comes in a nearly black, dark charcoal color and off-white chalk. There’s only a single MicroUSB port on the back of the disc that you’ll need to connect to either your TV’s USB port or to the wall using the included wall adapter, and a single button that will factory reset the Chromecast if held down.

(The exact dimensions, in case you need them are 51.9 x 51.9 x 13.8 mm.) The streamer is a small disc no more than two inches across that can covertly hide behind your TV. If you’ve seen a Chromecast in the last few years, you probably know what to expect from the Google Chromecast (3rd Generation). Flat HDMI cable doesn't interfere with other wires.MicroUSB on the back connects to your TV.Google Chromecast (3rd Generation): design Take a look at our Roku Streaming Stick+ review for a streamer with 4K HDR video, which will cost you $49.99 / £59.99. However, a few rivals that were launched at a similar time have a similar price tag, check out our Amazon Fire TV Stick (2020) review, which costs only slightly more at $39.99 / £39.99 / AU$79.Īs you'd expect, it's cheaper than more advanced Chromecast releases, including the Google Chromecast with Google TV, which is $49 / £59 / AU$99. The original launch price is the same as the original Google Chromecast and the Google Chromecast (2nd Generation), and it's low for such a fantastic bit of kit.

Since then, prices in the US and Australia have dropped a little-you'll find it available on the Google store for $29.99 and $49AU currently. The Google Chromecast (3rd Generation) cost $35 / £30 / $59AU at the time of launch. Now we've cleared that up, let's take a look at prices. This is because there might be different versions of the Chromecast now-like the Chromecast with Google TV-but this 3rd Gen device is still the latest regular Chromecast. The Google Chromecast (3rd Generation) is referred to as simply Google Chromecast on the Google store and by some retailers.

Referred to as simply Google Chromecast on the Google store.

Google Chromecast (3rd Generation): price and availability

Google chromecast 3rd generation media streamer full#

Read our full Google Chromecast (3rd Generation) review below to find out more. However, if you're looking for a cheap and simple way to add streaming services to your TV then the Chromecast we're reviewing here still has solid appeal. In Google's own words, the older version is only about 15% slower than the newer version we're reviewing here. The 3rd Gen version is also not all that different from the device that came before it, the Google Chromecast (2nd Generation). On that note, if you're looking for a higher-end streaming device, rather than a stick, check out our best streaming device guide for our top suggestions. What's more, in Google's most recent streaming device, which you can read about in our Chromecast with Google TV review, you'll find 4K HDR with support for the HDR10+ and Dolby Vision formats, as well as significantly upgraded features, like a remote control.