Google Chromecast 2

Search giant’s new and improved media streamer

Google has updated its media streaming device, with the introduction of the Chromecast 2. With improved Wi-Fi and costing just £30, we look at what the updated model offers and ask whether there is a compelling reason to upgrade.

Price

Google has kept the price at £30, which is good value for a media streamer, with most fully-fledged boxes costing £50 and upwards. Newly launched rivals such as the Apple TV cost £130, so going with

Google represents a huge saving. The Chromecast 2 is a bit of a bargain, but there is competition around this price point. The Amazon Fire TV Stick is £34, while the Roku Streaming Stick is £39, so price alone doesn’t make it a winner.

At the time of writing a tempting reason to opt for the Chromecast 2 is that purchasing it from the Google Play Store means you get £20 of credit to spend on content. Google also has an ongoing Chromecast Offers scheme whereby customers get extras such as free film rentals.

Design

As you can see from our images, the Chromecast looks different to its predecessor, with Google opting for a hockey puck style body. This may be partly to differentiate it from the original, but it also lends itself to its new Wi-Fi antenna.

The device is built from plastic, with the Chromecast logo on the front. It’s available in different colours to the original model: black, red (Coral) or yellow (Lemonade). The new design makes more sense with a flexible cable attached. With the original USB stick style shape, the Chromecast couldn’t plug into a great deal of TVs without the use of an extension cable. Now things are simpler and there’s even a magnet to hold the main body on to the HDMI plug.

Hardware

The original Chromecast was limited to 11b/g/n single-band, while its successor features the up-todate 11ac standard – should you have a router with matching specs – and supports dual-band (2.4- and

5GHz). We initially had an issue with the streamer, which took a long time to register on the devices we were trying to cast. We soon solved this problem, though, and it hasn’t returned since.

4K

If you’ve just bought a shiny new Ultra HD TV, then you may be disappointed to read that the Chromecast 2 supports only 1080p output through the HDMI port. We, like you, would have obviously liked 4K resolution, but we can hardly knock the device too much for this. Few devices support this and the does cost only £30. Plus, there is currently a relatively small amount of Ultra HD content out there and by the time its far more prevalent, Google may have launched a new model that supports this.

In terms of hardware, improved Wi-Fi is the main upgrade on the Chromecast 2. It still requires power via Micro-USB and works with a wide range of devices. Features such as screen mirroring work with ‘most’ Android devices.

Fast Play

This option predicts what you’re going to do next and gets it ready to avoid you having to wait for things to load. For example, it might get Netflix ready while you’re deciding what to watch, or start preloading the next episode of a series.

Casting

Google hasn’t changed the Chromecast formula, so you still don’t get a physical remote control. Instead you’ll need to use your phone or tablet to choose what the streamer is going to do.

This remains a downside of the Chromecast as every time we’ve reviewed a rival with a traditional remote and user interface, things are much simpler and easier. You notice the difference when you, for example, want to browse content as a group or want to just quickly pause whatever is playing.

Google has, however, designed a new Chromecast app, which helps things a little. It allows you to see your devices (handy if you have more than one Chromecast), but more importantly helps you discover what apps support casting.

It does this via two sections. The first of these, What’s On, shows you which installed apps (split into visual and audio) will work with the Chromecast, while Get Apps highlights apps you don’t have.

Content

Despite costing just £30, a lot of content is on offer. This includes BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Sky Now TV, BT Sport, and, of course, Google-owned YouTube and Google Play Movies. All 4 (formally 4oD) has just been added, though there are still some gaps that need filling in the portfolio. If you enjoy watching shows on ITV Player and Amazon Prime Instant Video, you’ll be frustrated at not being able to cast these to your TV via the Chromecast.

The best selection of programmes belongs to Roku, which offers a range of devices including a Chromecast-like Streaming Stick. It’s more expensive at £49, but the extra content and remote control currently make it worth the extra.

Verdict

Owners of the original Chromecast have little reason to upgrade, even though Google has improved the

design and Wi-Fi. We also like the new app and the device is a bargain at £30. However, the Roku Streaming Stick outclasses it for £20 extra, with more content available, a remote control and excellent user interface. Chris Martin

Specifications

Android 4.1 and higher iOS 7.0 and higher Windows 7 and higher Mac OS 10.7 and higher Chrome OS (on a Chromebook running Chrome 28 and higher) HDMI output 1080p Micro-USB for power 802.11 b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi (2.4-, 5GHz) 52x52x13.49mm 39g