When Google killed its diminutive Chromecast line to replace the dongles with the TV Streamer set-top box, not everyone was happy about the change. Fortunately, if you’re hankering after a new version of Google’s old streamer, the Thomson Cast 150 might just fit the bill — but only if you live in Europe.
The Cast 150 looks suspiciously similar to Google’s discontinued Chromecast, with a wide, flat white dongle including a built-in HDMI cable. Even the software’s the same: this runs on Google TV and supports Google’s video casting tech too, so the day-to-day experience should be about the same.
The Cast 150 includes support for 4K, along with the HDR10 standard and Dolby Atmos audio. The only worrying spec is the 8GB of storage, which might be limiting if you intend to install a lot of apps. A few come preinstalled, including Netflix and Disney Plus, and it includes Google’s newly mandated “Live TV” button on the remote for quick access to free and live streaming channels.
We thought the Google TV Streamer was “an upgrade in every way” over the Chromecast, but it also just about doubled the price, and not everyone wants a set-top box on display next to their TV. At €69 (around $78) the Cast 150 costs the same as Google’s 4K Chromecast used to, but it’s only going on sale in Europe, where it launches on May 28th. A UK launch will follow “eventually,” but a US release isn’t on the cards.
