Google Unveils 4K Chromecast Ultra

As expected, Google on Tuesday unveiled a new version of its Chromecast media streamer, complete with 4K and High Dynamic Range (HDR) support.

The $69 Chromecast Ultra, slated to launch in November, also offers speed and Wi-Fi improvements over previous models. Look for "crisper picture with higher resolution and more vibrant colors," Engineering Director Suresh Kolla wrote in a blog post.

At launch, you'll be able to stream a limited selection of 4K content from Netflix, YouTube, and Vudu. Later this year, Google Play Movies & TV will be rolling out 4K content as well. Although it would obviously be best to use this with a 4K TV, it's not necessary that you have one.

"Even if your TV isn't 4K-ready, Chromecast Ultra automatically optimizes your TV's picture," Kolla wrote.

Meanwhile, the new Chromecast Ultra is able to load videos 1.8 times faster than its predecessors and those Wi-Fi improvements mean you can watch streams ranging from full HD to Ultra HD "without a hitch," Kolla wrote. It also now supports Ethernet for a wired connection, if you so choose.

The new Chromecast also plays nice with Google's new voice-activated speaker Home, meaning you'll be able to control the media streamer with just your voice. You can, for instance, say "OK, Google, play the Jungle Book trailer on my TV," to fire up the YouTube video on your big screen.

Like the original Chromecast, the Ultra version lets you beam content from thousands of apps to the big screen with your phone, tablet, or laptop. You can, for instance, mirror any content from your Android device, or from a browser tab on your laptop via Chrome.

If this sounds like exactly what you need, you can join the waitlist and Google will let you know as soon as the device launches. It's expected to go on sale next month via Best Buy, the Google Store, Target, and Walmart in the US.

Google today also unveiled its new Pixel smartphones and a new Wi-Fi router.

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade.

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes.

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app.

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth.

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light.

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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