Speaking of the older Chromecasts, a Dec. We've already mentioned the 4K Chromecast with Google TV, but check out our 1080p Google Chromecast (3rd Generation) review to learn more about the more affordable entry-level model. You can cast an Oculus Quest 2 to your TV with either model. There are two current Google Chromecasts. You can also use it to stream almost any kind of content from the Chrome browser on a laptop or desktop computer. Using your smartphone or computer as a remote control, you can use Chromecast to access video content from Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, the Google Play Store and other services ( Xfinity Stream just got Chromecast support). It can be built right into a TV, and our list of the best TVs with Chromecast built-in can help you consolidate the number of items plugged into your TV's HDMI ports. That said, Chromecast functionality isn't just in a dongle. While the Fire TV Cube isn’t overpriced at $140, we ultimately find it to be a bit too specialized compared to the meat-and-potatoes value boasted by our picks, especially considering that every major streaming device includes a voice remote that’s only marginally less convenient than the hands-free functionality offered here.Chromecast is a device that you plug into your TV's HDMI port, powered by a USB cable (included). And much like Amazon’s other media devices, the new Cube still puts Prime Video content at the forefront. While its ability to integrate set-top-box functions into the realm of voice control may appeal to Alexa diehards, many modern cable/satellite remotes already include voice search functionality. The Cube was always a bit more complex than the average streaming stick, and the third-generation model stretches the definition a bit further, adding HDMI pass-through (to allow Alexa integration with a separate source device) and Wi-Fi 6E compatibility to its already touted hands-free operation. In 2022, Amazon revamped its hands-free Fire TV Cube, and it continues to occupy an odd spot amongst the panoply of media streaming devices. This is the best Apple TV device yet, but its flag is still firmly planted in Camp Apple, and our picks will serve the average buyer better at less expense. Even the more affordable $130 version is still significantly more expensive than our picks, and despite the slick appeal of the Apple TV interface and its interrelated services, the box is not abundantly more powerful (where streaming is concerned) than something like the Roku Ultra. As usual, the latest Apple TV 4K impressed us with its zippy processing and intuitive user interface, but it still puts Apple’s ecosystem of content at the forefront-which is a boon for hardcore Apple users, but less desirable for folks who aren’t subscribed to services like Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and Apple Music. And both are powered by the same A15 bionic chip found in some of Apple’s phones and earbuds. Both boxes support 4K resolution, can handle Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos content, and include the newer Siri-based remote control with a standard directional keypad. Without improvements to the Ultra’s processing components, the more affordable Streaming Stick 4K and 4K+ are still more practical, and holistically we prefer the latest Chromecast experience to what Roku offers.Īpple released two third-generation Apple TV 4K boxes in 2022: A $130 WiFi-only version with 64 GB storage and a $150 version with 128 GB storage and an ethernet (LAN) port. Beyond that, the new Ultra doesn’t significantly upgrade or change the user experience, and we still think this box is overkill for most people-unless you really need features like an Ethernet (LAN) port and expandable storage. The Voice Remote Pro complements the Roku Ultra handsomely: It has a built-in rechargeable battery (though it uses Micro-USB and not USB-C), a microphone that can be always-on or push-to-talk, two buttons you can program to be custom shortcuts, a remote finder, and a private listening mode with a headphone jack. However, the new Roku Ultra (which is a box, not an HDMI stick) comes bundled with Roku’s Voice Remote Pro for $100. Our testing revealed that the device itself is just a refresh of the 2020 version, delivering essentially the same hardware and processing as the older model. In 2022, Roku released a new Roku Ultra-sort of.
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