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Google, as rumored, today announced a newer, cheaper Chromecast with Google TV and one that tops out at HD resolution and doesn't better support 4K UHD resolution.
The new US$ 30 dongle looks and functions exactly like the US$ 50 model, except this one is limited to 1080p and 60 frames per second. It still supports HDR, however, it's limited to HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, and it doesn't have Dolby Vision.
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Otherwise, you're looking at exactly the same device we enjoyed a few years ago. Same remote control. Same operating system. The same intelligence as Google.
The question, then, is why have a limited device like this when virtually every new television sold today will have a 4K panel?
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The simplest answer is (as always) that it almost certainly comes down to money. Both Roku and Amazon Fire TV – the two biggest players in the TV dongle space – have more than one device priced under US$$50. Google does not, until today.
But Roku offers a 4K dongle for US $ 40.00. And while it sells for US$$50, it's also not uncommon to see it drop below that price. All that said, it at least brings Google into the conversation. And it's not like there aren't 1080p televisions out there.
So this is a perfect way to save US $ 20 to make one of these appliances a little better, or boost a stupid TV in a spare room, perhaps.
It is also only available in the off-white “Snow” color. And to sweeten the deal, you'll get six free months of Peacock Premium.
