Once attached to the TV, you can control the Chromecast from the palm of your hand. The remote ability makes it a far better device than auto-tuning headphones, pressure-sensitive displays and other wearables.
How does Chromecast Ultra Perform
Chromecast Ultra offers no user interface and requires no dedicated remotes. It simply puts content from your smartphone and lets you enjoy it on your TV. This magnificent device allows you to stream videos and audios from multiple platforms.
What makes Chromecast Ultra so special?
Chromecast Ultra is a successor of Google’s Chromecast which was released in 2013. However, it earns the ‘Ultra’ tag for a few unique upgraded features. That’s also because the Chromecast Ultra can add HDR and 4K playback videos. In addition to improved internal components, the device features an Ethernet port.
These upgraded features not only make Chromecast Ultra special but also load videos at a much faster speed. It is less vulnerable to lagging and delivers a superb user experience.
Design
Considering the design, Google has not changed Chromecast Ultra too much from its immediate predecessor. However, you can’t power the new Chromecast (Ultra) by a USB port on your TV. At one end, an HDMI cable juts out of the disc. There is a micro USB port on the other end which you can connect to a wall outlet using the included adapter.
In the past, Chromecasts were available in fun hues, but Google has launched the Chromecast Ultra in just one colour (black).
Setup
Setting up the Chromecast Ultra is just like plugging in the HDMI. The installation process takes around five minutes, but you don’t have to do much physically as you can handle all through the app.
Once you have attached the Chromecast Ultra, you need to download the Google Home app on your smartphone. You can download it from the App Store or Play Store, depending on whether you have an iPhone or an Android phone. After that, the Chromecast Ultra will take a minute to download the latest firmware.
Performance
The Chromecast Ultra delivers excellent performance and lives up to expectations, especially if you compare it with previous Chromecasts. We tested the Ultra for its performance, and it compiled with most of what Google claims.
The Chromecast Ultra supports a number of audio and video codecs. It supports VP8, MPEG-4, H.264 720 x 480 and H.264 1080p video quality. The ultra supports Vorbis, PCM/WAV, MP3, FLAC, eAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus), AC3 and AAC-LC audio files.
The device delivers faster load times with less buffering on an HD screen as compared to 2nd generation Chromecast. However, if you own a 1080p TV, don’t bother to buy the Chromecast Ultra as it doesn’t upscale content. On the contrary, if you buy a 1080p screen, you will miss out on HDR and 4K functionality.
However, the Ultra provides superb visuals on the right screen and maximises the user experience. You would experience snappy load up while watching 1080p videos on YouTube or Netflix. Likewise, while using Spotify, Pandora and Deezer, you can switch with less dead air.
The Chromecast Ultra enters a screensaver mode when you aren’t streaming something on it. The device either starts showing images from curated artwork, Flickr, Facebook and Google Photos or displays headlines from top news sources.
Verdict
The Chromecast Ultra is arguably the best way to watch 4K content if you have the right screen and platform. It provides the highest video and audio quality without costing you much. In addition, you can put smartphone content on your TV without any additional attachments. You could enjoy powerful, fast and high-quality streaming with a smart, compact device.