When Google killed its diminutive Chromecast line to switch the dongles with the TV Streamer set-top field, not everybody was pleased concerning the change. Luckily, for those who’re hankering after a brand new model of Google’s previous streamer, the Thomson Cast 150 would possibly simply match the invoice — however provided that you reside in Europe.
The Solid 150 appears to be like suspiciously much like Google’s discontinued Chromecast, with a large, flat white dongle together with a built-in HDMI cable. Even the software program’s the identical: this runs on Google TV and helps Google’s video casting tech too, so the day-to-day expertise needs to be about the identical.
The Solid 150 consists of help for 4K, together with the HDR10 normal and Dolby Atmos audio. The one worrying spec is the 8GB of storage, which could be limiting for those who intend to put in a variety of apps. Just a few come preinstalled, together with Netflix and Disney Plus, and it consists of Google’s newly mandated “Dwell TV” button on the distant for fast entry to free and dwell streaming channels.
We thought the Google TV Streamer was “an improve in each approach” over the Chromecast, however it additionally nearly doubled the worth, and never everybody needs a set-top field on show subsequent to their TV. At €69 (round $78) the Solid 150 prices the identical as Google’s 4K Chromecast used to, however it’s solely occurring sale in Europe, the place it launches on Could twenty eighth. A UK launch will comply with “ultimately,” however a US launch isn’t on the playing cards.