What does the Google Chromecast ultra do?

Is Chromecast Ultra discontinued?

For a while, it was unclear whether or not the ultra-cheap streaming dongle would be available beyond its initial launch.

It looks like Google has finally made up their mind and taken the Chromecast Ultra to storage.99 USD.

It's clear that the company has no interest in chasing after the next-generation Chromecast, and they would rather leave it behind. This means that the current generation is going to stick around until it's time to get that new HDMI stick. You can still get one though. In case you're wondering, you can order the Chromecast Ultra on Amazon.

We saw the device a couple of weeks ago when it first launched. And at the time, it looked like Google might pull the plug on it.

But now it seems as if we have some sort of clarity from the company as to what the future holds. Chromecast Ultra is discontinued. You won't be seeing it on any Google Play page anymore. And it's no longer available through the Google Store.

But, you can still get it. Because it's been announced that it will continue to work until a newer version is released. That means that you can still use it for a while. But once the next-gen Chromecast gets into the hands of users, you're going to want to consider updating to the latest version.

The only exception to this is if you're still using your Chromecast with an older version of Android. You can also keep using your Chromecast with an older version of Chrome.

As for the device itself, you still get the same experience. There are still no official apps for the Ultra, so you're going to need to use one of the third-party ones.

We're talking about the likes of Kodi, Plex, and Netflix here. However, you can still use the Chromecast Ultra with Google Home speakers. So if you want to use it with voice commands, it can still be used.

What does the Google Chromecast ultra do?

The Google Chromecast Ultra is a new video streaming device from Google that offers Google Cast technology built-in.

While you can use any compatible HDMI TV, monitor, smartphone or tablet to cast content to the Google Chromecast Ultra, this is a great way to connect your smartphone or tablet to any TV with an HDMI port. This allows you to stream content from YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, VUDU and others. The Chromecast Ultra streams full HD, and is perfect for home media streaming, and even works with Google Play content. The Chromecast Ultra also has the ability to play Google Play games via your TV, and has the Google Assistant built in for voice control of content.

For example, a few years ago when I first got my smartphone, I would go to my living room and watch Netflix shows on my Samsung Galaxy Note 8. It was great to be able to have everything stored on my smartphone, then play on my TV. But after awhile, I realized that I was spending more time staring at my phone then I was looking at my TV. It was like being glued to a screen.

This is where the Google Chromecast Ultra comes into play. You can use it to stream content from your smartphone to your TV, and then when you are done, put your phone away and just sit back and enjoy the TV.

So how does it work? It's easy. First, get the Google Chromecast Ultra and plug it into your TV. Then, launch the Chromecast app on your phone or tablet and tap Cast. Here you will see all the content you can cast to the Chromecast Ultra. If you click the Cast button, then you can select what you want to cast to your TV.

On the left side of the screen, you will see the apps that can be cast. On the right side, you will see what you can cast to the Chromecast Ultra.

Once you select the content you want to cast to your TV, the Google Chromecast Ultra will connect to your TV automatically. You can then enjoy the content from your smartphone or tablet on your TV.

What's the difference between Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra?

The new Chromecast Ultra is the most powerful of the two new Chromecast dongles.

The biggest change over its predecessor is that it now supports 4K HDR, which means it will be able to stream videos in a much higher quality.99 price point of the first Chromecast dongle.

Chromecast Ultra (left) and Chromecast (right). What's in the box? Both new dongles are only available from Google Play and come in an "unopened, white cardboard box." Once you've purchased them, you'll also get a "white instruction manual," a USB cable, and some extras including a remote, the power adapter for the dongle, and a cleaning cloth.

Design and specs. Both new Chromecast dongles have the same design, although the first model is a lot smaller and lighter, making it more suited to travel. When you purchase a Chromecast Ultra, the first model is actually sent to you while the upgraded version is stored at the fulfillment center. In either case, once you receive your Chromecast, it will be shipped immediately.

Both new Chromecast dongles run the same software. You'll find the Chromecast at the top of the Google Assistant UI, while it controls all other devices connected to the smart display.99 when it launched in late 2025.

Both Chromecast dongles have a single HDMI port, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and support Wi-Fi 802.11ac.

Performance. Like previous Chromecast models, both new dongles feature an HDMI port and will plug into any HDTV. However, the Chromecast Ultra features support for 4K HDR, so you'll be able to stream high-quality video content on the new TV without any additional software or hardware.

The Chromecast Ultra supports Dolby Vision, UHD Blu-ray, Web casting, and DLNA streaming for photos. That means you can play videos on YouTube, Netflix, HBO Go, Amazon Prime Video, Plex, and Vudu as well as streaming music.

Do I need Chromecast Ultra if I have a smart TV?

Chromecast Ultra is a pretty much must-have for 2025.

I don't think I can go through life without one. Even if I do have a regular/non-smart TV it would be good to have at least one of these to play Chromecast content on.

I wonder how easy is it to set up the Chromecast Ultra and is it enough to make it worth the relatively high price tag? For example if I have a smart TV, do I still need the Chromecast Ultra? I understand if you really want the extra features (like 4K and HDR) but if you just want to play videos or images on a TV it is not clear to me that the Ultra should be any better than the standard Chromecast. 3 Answers.
It depends how much you are willing to pay for your TV. If your TV does everything Chromecast Ultra does (except for 4K) in a smaller form factor, then Chromecast Ultra might just be enough.

If your TV doesn't do much by itself, but does have a "plug-n-play" HDMI port (meaning you just plug the TV into the monitor and turn it on), then Chromecast Ultra will likely just work when you plug it in. For those that want to spend more (and for those with smart TVs, there will be less to spend more on), if you own an LG 2025 smart TV that supports Dolby Vision/HDR10 then you will have the same benefits (in real quality) without needing to buy a Chromecast Ultra. However, if you own an older non-smart TV, then I wouldn't recommend buying a Chromecast Ultra as there is no performance difference vs. Just plugging it in via USB like normal Chromecast.99 USD price premium, you would better served purchasing a Smart TV like LG 2025 if you are looking for a value purchase. If you just want to play/cast content onto your TV, then Chromecast Ultra will do what you need.

I understand if you really want the extra features (like 4K and HDR) but if you just want to play videos or images on a TV it is not clear to me that the Ultra should be any better than the standard Chromecast. Even if your TV supports 4K and HDR, do you need them?