James R | On 06, Oct 2016

Google is joining he 4K race with the launch of its new Chromecast streaming device.

Dubbed the Chromecast Ulta, the upgraded version of its black puck brings Google’s TV smartifying capabilities back up to speed with its rivals, who are all increasingly embracing Ultra HD as the next big thing in streaming. Indeed, with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video both placing a growing emphasis on 4K original titles, Chromecast was starting to look a little out of date, compared to newer Roku boxes and Fire TV devices.

Chromecast Ultra will support both 4K and High Dynamic Range (HDR) visuals, alongside a faster speed and Wi-Fi improvements. Dolby Vision is also supported.

What content, then, can you get in this super-crisp format? At first, you’ll be able to stream 4K content from Netflix, YouTube and Vudu on your Chromecast Ultra, with Google saying it’s “working to bring more 4K and HDR content on board”. That includes Google Play Movies & TV, which will be rolling out 4K content later this year. For those who haven’t yet stumped up for a 4K TV, meanwhile – which is most people, until the prices come down – Chromecast Ultra will aromatically optimises its picture on your telly.

Google announced the new puck at an even this year, claiming that it loads videos 1.8 times faster than other Chromecast devices and includes major Wi-Fi improvements to support streams from full HD to Ultra HD without a hitch. Ethernet support will also be added.

Google also introduced Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. With Google Home, you can play music, get answers from Google, manage your everyday tasks, and control smart home devices, like Chromecast. Combined with Chromecast or Chromecast Ultra, users can use Google Home to control their TV hands free, but saying things such as “Google, play the Jungle Book trailer on my TV”.

Chromecast Ultra will be available in November in the US and other countries.

Add to Watchlist