We knew that Google’s Chromecast Ultra was coming to Canada as it was up for pre-order back in early October. We are happy to announce that you can pick up one from the Google Store for a cool $90, although it does say it is in “limited quantities.” The first Chromecast was a cheap way to cast YouTube or Netflix to your TV, but it has expanded in specifications and now includes many other apps as well as games. Google has redesigned it to be even better and now it offers 4K playback providing your HDTV can handle it – if not, Chromecast Ultra automatically optimizes for the maximum resolution your TV can deliver.
Google claims that Chromecast Ultra does all the things that made the regular Chromecast a great little dongle as well as adding picture quality up to 4K Ultra HD and HDR. It has stronger processing power and offers faster streaming and an optional built-in Ethernet adapter. It includes apps for YouTube, Netflix, Pandora, Hulu, CBS, Nick, NPR, Spotify, ESPN, and many more. Hook up is a breeze – plug Chromecast Ultra into a power source and in your TV’s HDMI port. Download the Google Home app and follow the on-screen instructions. Next, open up one of the Chromecast compatible apps and tap the Cast button. Like magic, the entertainment jumps from the small screen on your smartphone to the big screen on your TV.
Google is taking incremental steps to form their own ecosystem, much as Apple has done over the years. Google wants you to buy into their system so you will want to purchase Google Home and a Google Pixel smartphone to work with the Chromecast Ultra. Google’s Assistant is built into their new Google Pixel smartphone and Google Home. You can issue a directive through your Google Pixel to your Google Home and it will send the command to Google’s Chromecast Ultra to manipulate your TV. Did you notice all of the ‘Googles’ in that progression – that is their ecosystem and Google is counting on people to buy those pieces to form a chain of command.
The device is small, measuring only 2.29-inches in length to 2.29-inches in height. It comes in black, handles WiFi 802.11ac (2.4GHz/5GHz), and supports Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows. For your $90, you will get the Chromecast Ultra, Power cable, and Power adapter with Ethernet port.