Google launches surprise new Chromecast to rival Fire TV and Roku

It sounds enticing although it’s worth noting that it can’t stream in 4K, doesn’t support Dolby Atmos audio and simply comes in snow white rather than the three shades of its more expensive cousin.

Despite missing some key features, if you haven’t yet upgraded to a 4K telly this new cheaper Chromecast will be a great option if you want to experience Google TV.

The new Chromecast will still be able stream in 1080p HDR, will come with a voice remote that supports Google Assistant, lets you play Google Stadia games and will also allow you to cast what’s on your phone onto the big screen.

Google has described its new Chromecast as “super affordable”. The Made By Google Twitter posted: “The new #Chromecast with Google TV (HD) is super affordable and lets you.

“Stream in 1080p HDR. Browse 700,000K+ movies and TV episodes, plus live TV. Get personal recommendations for what to watch. Talk to Google on the voice remote.”

It’s also the cheapest Chromecast you can get directly from Google now, as the third-generation model (which launched in 2018) has been discontinued.

Software support will still continue for the old Chromecast, and if you really want one you can still purchase it from stores such as Argos.

While this newly launched Chromecast offers a cheaper way to try out Google’s streaming dongle, whether it’s enough to tempt you away from a Fire TV Stick or a Roku device is another matter entirely.

The Fire TV Stick range is available from £29.99, with the Lite (which offers HD streaming) the cheapest model available.

It’s £5 cheaper than the new Chromecast HD while the Fire TV Stick which supports 4K streaming is available for £49.99 – which is £10 cheaper than the Chromecast which supports 4K.

However, if you wait till sales such as Prime Day or Black Friday you can get these Amazon devices for far cheaper thanks to deals running for these events.

Likewise, Roku streaming devices are also priced from £29.99 – but right now you can get the cheapest Roku streaming stick for £19.99, thanks to a promotional offer available at the moment.