Google recently unveiled some amazing gadgets that include the Pixel 3 smartphone and the Pixel Slate tablet. Alongside the Pixel family devices, they also introduced a new Google Chromecast Streaming Media Player. This third-generation streaming media player is designed to make the most of the apps and entertainment that are on your devices. It does this by placing them on the big screen, your TV. Watch movies, shows, live TV, YouTube, and even stream photos on your television from your family’s devices.
Whether you’re looking to save money by cutting the cord to cable or you simply like having all the new gadgets, you’re going to love the new updated version of the Google Chromecast Streaming Media Player (model GA00439-US).
What is Google Chromecast Streaming Media Player
Google Chromecast is a line of digital media players that were developed by Google. These small dongles provide an affordable way to stream content from your devices right to your high-definition TV. It works with Android smartphones and tablets, iPhones and iPads, Windows and Mac laptops, and Pixelbook. All you need is at least one of these devices, an HDTV with a spare port, and a Chromecast dongle along with a Wi-Fi connection. Then you can enjoy your favorite movies and shows along with photo galleries and more. Choose from over 200,000 TV shows and movies, 30 million songs, plus radio, sports, games, and more.
Chromecast is a one-time pay device and does not require any subscription or fees. The dongle lets you cast content on your TV/HDMI device over Wi-Fi. Content that you can cast for free includes free YouTube videos, your local media, personal photos, your own smartphone screen, and more. If you wish to subscribe to services such as Netflix, you will have to pay for the subscription fees.
Google Chromecast Models
The very first Chromecast video streaming device was introduced by Google in 2013. The second-generation Chromecast and an audio-only model called Chromecast Audio was released a couple of years later in 2015. Another version, Chromecast Ultra, debuted in 2016 alongside other products such as Google Home and Google Wi-Fi. In October 2018, Google introduced the third-generation Chromecast, model GA00439-US.
What’s New
The new third-generation Chromecast has a faster performance than its predecessor. It’s now capable of supporting 60fps (frames per second) video streaming at full HD 1080p resolution instead of the previous HD 720p resolution with 60fps streaming. It gives you a more lifelike image. So when you’re watching the game, it will feel even more like you’re there!
The new model has the ability to let you connect with your Google Home speaker. You can control your TV by simply using voice commands. Use your voice to stream from compatible apps, mute the volume, rewind, and more.
The updated Chromecast dongle has a sleeker design and a bit more improvement in hardware speed. It has a new design and two colors, Chalk and Charcoal, which blends in with your decor and the rest of the Made by Google family.
What’s in the Box
Inside the box, you’ll find the Chromecast dongle, a USB power cable, a power supply, and an owner’s manual. It’s important to only use the cables that come in the Chromecast box; other cables may not work.
How Does it Work
The Google Chromecast acts as a transmitter between your television and your streaming video provider. The streaming service, such as YouTube, broadcasts content to your Chromecast, which then displays on your TV. The Chromecast dongle plugs into your TV and grants easy access to multiple streaming services, from YouTube and Netflix to Hulu and Google Play.
You can even show content from your Chrome browser to the big screen. Mirror your laptop screen to your TV with your Chrome browser and surf the web or view media. Just tap the Cast button in any compatible app to turn your Android or iOS tablet into an entertainment device.
Stream hands-free and control the Chromecast exclusively with your computer or mobile device rather than a remote control. Use the Google Home speaker or Google Assistant and say what you want to watch from compatible services, like Amazon Prime Now or HBO Now, and control your TV just by asking. Try, “Hey Google, play Star Wars from YouTube,” or “Hey Google, play Gone With The Wind from Netflix. You can cast videos and music to your TV with just a few words. Browse for entertainment, control playback, and adjust the volume by using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
When you’re not streaming, you can personalize your TV with new Live Albums from Google Photos. This user-personalized content feed called “Backdrop” can constantly stream photos of your loved-ones photos, removing duplicates and skip blurry ones all without lifting a finger. Plus, new photos will show up automatically on your TV. You can also stream artwork, weather, satellite images, news, and more.
How to Cast
You can connect the Chromecast dongle to your TV in a few simple steps.
Step 1: Plug one end of the USB power cable into your Chromecast and the other end of the cable into the power supply. Use the USB power cable and power adapter that is included in the box for optimal performance.
Step 3: Download the Google Home app from the Google Playstore or Apple iTunes Store on your mobile device, tablet, or laptop.
Step 4: Set up Chromecast. The Google Home app will walk you through the steps to set up your Chromecast device.
Step 5: Cast from Chrome to your TV or cast from Chromecast-enabled apps to your TV.
Where to Buy
Pick up your Google Chromecast Streaming Media Players at a Best Buy location near you or order online from Best Buy, which is currently offering free shipping and 2-day delivery to some areas.
29 thoughts on “Google Chromecast 3rd Generation Streaming Media Player: See It. Stream It.”
Looks like a great product, with some amazing features. My hubby would surely love it!
These are cool to have as I love watching youtube and it is better to watch on tv.
I am defo getting one of these, they look so good and fit perfectly with my family lifestyle.
The Google Chromecast seems really nice! My husband is a big techie so I think this would make a very good gift for him!
I will have to try this out for sure! I’ve been wanting to quit cable anyway, and this sounds like it would come in handy.
I have been seeing this around lately, I guess I need to look into it. Looks very interesting.
I really would love to have this Chromecast when we get the internet hooked up here. I know that we would use it a lot, I had no idea they had different generations, this one looks fantastic!
It’s interesting to learn about the Google Chromecast. So instead of a remote you run it through your phone or laptop? We got rid of cable and I would like to check this out.
Looks like Google is really trying to up the competition! It has great features and we definitely need to check this out!
It is very hard to keep up with all of this technology! Thank you for sharing as this is the first I’ve heard of this ~
Ok this is literally the third time i’m hearing about this Google product! I definitely need to check this out! It sounds so amazing
A great product review with installation steps. Seems like a must-have device.
I am loving the sound of this Google gadget. It is definitely on my wishlist for Christmas. Love the sound of the device.
Great products. Thanks for all the tips and info. Will give this a try.
i definitely need this product! i love how you can use it to stream media from your phone.
This looks like a great gadget to own. I would love to stream directly from my computer.
This looks like such an awesome product. Can’t wait to try it out!
Such a cool device to have, I love all the features and the all in one function of this device will definitely check this out.
I have a lot of good things about this new device and as I can see it is really a good one as I love a device who works all in one.
I was telling another blogger that I can’t live without mine. I use it daily.
Very cool! I have a Fire TV stick and I love it. I’ve always wondered what the differences were between the Fire stick and Chromecast – they seem like very similar products, just from different manufacturers/brands.
Wow Chromecast is definitely a popular media player. I love some the features it has especially the streaming directly to the tv.
while I do have a Google Home Mini, I have not used very many Google home devices, usually going for anything with Alexa, however, you showcased a pretty cool system, so I might have to rethink that – after all, we could use an entertainment system upgrade sometime soon – thanks for the idea! Blessings!
Looks like good gadget, I will give it a try. I need to change my current system.
I have this and I LOVE IT. Totally worth the money
Looks like Google is really uping the competition! Need to check this out!
Ohhhhh I would love to have this! We do have a media player but it might need replacement, so this would be a good one. 😀
Looks like a system we should check out – so many awesome features
The more I read about this Chromecast the more I think I am fool for not getting it. Retired so tv on a lot. Right now I pay over $40 a month versus a one time pay out for the chromecast. Time to go shopping