Google Chromecast 3 review: Compatible with most streaming devices, limited resolution
The device is super easy to install which is an added benefit.
By Hitesh Raj Bhagat, ET Bureau |
Agencies
Price: Rs 3,499
Rating: ****1/2
Specifications: Works with iOS, Android, Mac, Windows & Chromebook, box includes device + microUSB cable + power adapter.
Pros: Smaller, faster, stable wireless connection, supports all operating systems & mirroring.
Cons: Doesn’t support 4K streaming, needs external device for streaming.
We’ve always maintained that having the ‘smarts’ outside of your TV is a better idea than having a smart TV. So, we’ll typically choose an Apple TV, Fire TV Stick or Mi Box any day. These devices are smarter, faster, more customisable, more capable and get upgraded often — which is more than we can say of most smart TV interfaces. You’ll typically be keeping your TV for a long time too, so it makes sense to be able to upgrade to the latest smart hardware while keeping your TV.
Google’s approach to this has been slightly different with the Chomecast. Now in its third revision, the Chromecast requires you to use any smartphone, tablet or computer you have, to ‘throw’ your media to the TV. It’s compatible with all the popular streaming services and the prominent update to this new version is a faster & more stable wireless connection.
As always, it’s super easy to install and setup. If you already have subscriptions to some of the streaming services, you can be watching in a couple of minutes (else you always have YouTube and device mirroring). Unlike the usual streaming box, there’s no remote — your device is your remote control. The best part is you can continue to use your phone for other things while watching your favourite show/movie (this doesn’t apply if you’re using the mirroring function).
We tested it on both full HD and 4K TVs and it works great — though it obviously is limited to 1080p only. If you want the full 4K experience, you’ll need something like the new Fire TV Stick 4K (Rs 5,999) or Apple TV 4K (Rs 17,430 onwards).
Rating: ****1/2
Specifications: Works with iOS, Android, Mac, Windows & Chromebook, box includes device + microUSB cable + power adapter.
Pros: Smaller, faster, stable wireless connection, supports all operating systems & mirroring.
Cons: Doesn’t support 4K streaming, needs external device for streaming.
We’ve always maintained that having the ‘smarts’ outside of your TV is a better idea than having a smart TV. So, we’ll typically choose an Apple TV, Fire TV Stick or Mi Box any day. These devices are smarter, faster, more customisable, more capable and get upgraded often — which is more than we can say of most smart TV interfaces. You’ll typically be keeping your TV for a long time too, so it makes sense to be able to upgrade to the latest smart hardware while keeping your TV.
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The Networking firm NetGear Orbi voice has finally come up with something we had been dreaming about for so long, a smart speaker and wireless mesh router in the same device. This device packs a 3.5 inch front-facing woofer and one-inch tweeters on the top. It offers a tri-band WiFi network which extends up to 4500 square feet. It surely is more expensive than other smart speakers out there but it prevents you from investing in a WiFi booster and smart speaker separately.
(Imagie: www.netgear.com)
Google’s approach to this has been slightly different with the Chomecast. Now in its third revision, the Chromecast requires you to use any smartphone, tablet or computer you have, to ‘throw’ your media to the TV. It’s compatible with all the popular streaming services and the prominent update to this new version is a faster & more stable wireless connection.
As always, it’s super easy to install and setup. If you already have subscriptions to some of the streaming services, you can be watching in a couple of minutes (else you always have YouTube and device mirroring). Unlike the usual streaming box, there’s no remote — your device is your remote control. The best part is you can continue to use your phone for other things while watching your favourite show/movie (this doesn’t apply if you’re using the mirroring function).
We tested it on both full HD and 4K TVs and it works great — though it obviously is limited to 1080p only. If you want the full 4K experience, you’ll need something like the new Fire TV Stick 4K (Rs 5,999) or Apple TV 4K (Rs 17,430 onwards).
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