Chromecast was first released by Google in 2013 as an affordable device that could effortlessly project YouTube, Netflix and other supported Apps from any mobile device to the large screen of your Home Television.
The second generation of Chromecast was released by Google in 2015, along with Chromecast Audio, which is another useful device that can turn any Speaker into a smart Speaker.
In 2016, Google released the Third generation of Chromecast Devices and Chromecast Ultra, which was priced at $69, compared to $35 price of the First and Second Generation Chromecast devices.
Related: How to Use Chromecast on Windows Computer.
Current Models of Google Chromecast Device
Currently, the two models of Chromecast that are available and in active production are known as “Chromecast with Google TV” and “Chromecast with Google TV (HD)”, which come with a Remote Control.
There is also “Chromecast with Google TV (4K), which supports 4K Ultra HD streaming and comes with a Remote and Google TV interface.
Difference Between Current & Older Models of Chromecast
As mentioned above, the current models of Chromecast devices come equipped with a Remote Control and User interface, unlike the older models of Chromecast devices that relied on a mobile device or computer.
The Remote Control that comes with the current models of Chromecast devices allows you to Play, Forward, Rewind, Stop, Start, and Pause the media that is playing on the TV screen.
While the older models of Chromecast did not require the mobile device/computer to be switched ON all the time, they did require the use of mobile device/computer to Pause, Rewind and Forward the media.
Ethernet: The New Models of Chromecast support Ethernet connectivity, which in the older models is only available in Chromecast Ultra.
Differences Between Older Models of Chromecast
Following are the differences between the three models of Chromecast – First, Second and Chromecast Ultra
1. Wi-Fi Network: First Generation Chromecast supports 2.4 GHZ Wi-Fi Network, while the Second/Third generation Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra support both 2.4 GHZ and 5 GHZ Wi-Fi bands.
2. 4K and HDR Playback: Chromecast Ultra supports 4K and HDR Video Playback.
3. Power Supply: Chromecast Ultra can be plugged directly to a power source (wall outlet), while other older models of Chromecast devices draw power from the TV (need to be plugged to USB port of TV).
4. USB Ethernet: Chromecast Ultra supports Ethernet connectivity, which should result in faster/better internet connectivity.
Note: You can also provide Ethernet connectivity to older models of Chromecast by using a power-plus-networking adapter.
Should You Buy the Old Generation of Chromecast
As mentioned above, the older generation of Chromecast (first/second) and Chromecast Ultra (third gen) are no longer in production and less likely to be available for purchase.
However, you can still find the older models of Chromecast devices being sold on eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and other Buy/Sell sites.
Our recommendation would be to avoid buying the first generation of Chromecast device, as Google has stopped providing software and security updates for this model of Chromecast device.
Chromecast Ultra, the Second and Third Generation of Chromecast devices still work flawlessly and are an excellent buy, considering the low prices that they are available for.
Giving Credit Where it is Due
While there are multiple streaming solutions in the market, the Cast protocol was brought mainstream and popularized by the Chromecast Device – Google’s simple solution to project media from small to large screen.
Back in those days, the idea that a simple USB like device could project media from computer to TV, without using an HDMI cable or Adapter of any kind was outstanding.
While Chromecast may not exactly be the most popular steaming device, its soul (Google Cast) is widely supported by major streaming Apps and comes built-in to most major TV brands.
Our recommendation for Google would be to continue supporting the older generation of Chromecast Devices (which it is doing) and bring them back to its online store.