Introduction
Sometimes you don't realize how thirsty you were until you've had that first sip, and for plenty of HDTV owners, that world-changing moment came three-and-a-half years ago when Google released its first . The tiny dongle wasn't much to look at, but it didn't need to be flashy when it delivered so fiercely in terms of functionality and value.
For little more than the cost of a few movie tickets, you could instantly bring your “dumb” TV into the world of streaming media – and it didn't take long for the accessory to become a global hit.
In the years since, we've seen Google update its hardware with new electronics and a more installation-friendly form factor, as well as introducing a special music-only Chromecast for audiophiles. But maybe the biggest upgrade landed last fall, as Google prepared its streaming solution for the next generation of hi-res screens with the launch of the Chromecast Ultra.
The package contains:
- Chromecast Ultra
- Power / Ethernet adapter
- Quick start card
- Warranty card
Design
When Google first created the Chromecast, it built a device that was untouched in its simplicity: a compact dongle that simply plugs right into an available HDMI port on the back of a television. Connect the power supply – or better yet, tap into an already-existing USB port on the TV – and your wiring job is complete.
Since then, Google's stepped up to refine the design of the Chromecast family of products, most notably ditching that all-in-one stick look for one that's more of a tethered puck. While that's a bit less graceful at first glance, it does solve the serious problem of the original Chromecast being a bit bulkier than your typical HDMI cable, leading to situations where there just wasn't enough space for it behind cable-crowded TVs. Google attempted to address this design failure by packaging in a short HDMI extension cable, but the new Chromecasts avoid that issue altogether.
Since then, Google's stepped up to refine the design of the Chromecast family of products, most notably ditching that all-in-one stick look for one that's more of a tethered puck. While that's a bit less graceful at first glance, it does solve the serious problem of the original Chromecast being a bit bulkier than your typical HDMI cable, leading to situations where there just wasn't enough space for it behind cable-crowded TVs. Google attempted to address this design failure by packaging in a short HDMI extension cable, but the new Chromecasts avoid that issue altogether.
Little things help reveal the refinement of Google's design. While most of us will plug in the Chromecast Ultra behind our TVs and leave it there for all eternity, should you feel like removing the device and stowing it somewhere, its HDMI “tail” artfully snaps in place to the unit's main body with the help of a strong magnet. It's just a small touch, but an appreciated one all the same.
Functionally, the Ultra picks up support for high-resolution 4K content, as well as high-dynamic-range footage for sets able to display such media. But there's also a small exterior change to the new Chromecast, one that give users a new option for how they get this media system online: while past Chromecasts were primarily Wi-Fi-based devices, and offered hard-wired Ethernet support only with the addition of an optional accessory, the Chromecast Ultra ships with a power supply featuring a built-in Ethernet port.
Chromecast Ultra's setup process
Like the second-gen Chromecast, the Ultra upgrades its wireless connectivity options from what was available with the original Chromecast, picking up the same support for high-speed 802.11ac networks, as well working in the 5GHz frequency range. Even with the presence of an Ethernet port, we imagine the vast majority of users are still going to want to hook up their Chromecasts wirelessly.
We put the Chromecast Ultra through its paces on both wired and wireless networks, and while performance was similar on both, setup was a little bumpier over Wi-Fi. The Google Home app has a bad habit of hanging during the wireless setup procedure – maybe that's the wrong word, as the app is still responsive, but more than once it simply stopped making forward progress. It would say “wait while X happens,” and X never did. Once we realized we were getting nowhere, putting the app back on track took little more than hitting back and trying again, but that's still a little frustrating; if something's not working as expected, we'd far prefer the app say something to that effect, rather than just waiting quietly in perpetuity.
To the credit of the Google Home app and Chromecast Ultra, once you get past those hiccups, the setup process is relatively smooth – and unlike the Goole Home smart speaker (which you also manage through your phone on the Home app), the Chromecast Ultra was successfully able to used saved Wi-Fi credentials on our phone, rather than requiring password re-entry.
Interface and Functionality
Chromecast Ultra looks and feels like the old Chromecast you know, but bumps speed up to the next level
While it's all very simple and streamlined when it works, some of the same little usability quirks we've noticed with older Chromecast hardware and software still pop up. For instance, while you can use the volume buttons on your phone to control the audio level at your TV, apps have an annoying tendency to get confused about which volume you're trying to adjust: the Chromecast or your phone. So even when you're actively streaming, sometimes an app won't pass your change-of-volume request along to the Chromecast, misinterpreting your input as on-phone volume adjustment.
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