Google’s Chromecast was a hit when it launched in 2013. Its flexibility and cheap price made it an inexpensive way to turn a TV into a smart set. It used your mobile device to run apps, with Chromecast streaming to your TV. All you needed was decent wifi.

Google has updated the device with a new look and a bit of extra tech. The old version of Chromecast, as a dongle, was difficult to fit into some HDMI ports without an extension.

The new version has a built-in HDMI cable, which allows you to ditch the extras and plug it in to your HDMI port, even if it’s a little crowded back there. (It still requires an external power source.)

Google has also improved its streaming performance. I can’t say I’ve noticed a huge difference, but buffering was never an issue for me with the older device.

chromecast.com