Google on Tuesday introduced its newest Chromecast dongle for media streaming. The updated device adds support for 60 fps streaming at 1080p, but does not support a 4K resolution, which is why the Chromecast Ultra remains Google’s top-of-the-range media player. In addition, the new dongle
supports Chromecast Audio technology.
The third-generation Chromecast is based on an SoC that is 15% faster when compared to the chip that powers the
second-gen Chromecast dongle. These limited performance improvements naturally did not allow Google to significantly improve the feature-set of the device (e.g., add 4K streaming support). As a result, the only tangible streaming advantage that the new Chromecast has over its predecessor is support for 1080p60 video.
In addition, the updated device will support Chromecast Audio functionality, which lets a Chromecast play back music in sync with other speakers connected to Google’s devices (this capability will be added later in 2018).