Google Chromecast met Google TV

Sometimes, a product is so far ahead of its time that it can last for years without requiring a substantial redesign or going out of style. That was the case for the iPhone and iPod, and the same is true for the Chromecast – the HD streaming video player from Google that will make any TV smarter and more user-friendly almost instantly. 

Released in 2018, the third generation Chromecast works by hooking directly into the HDMI port on the back of your TV, drawing power from its USB port and can then act as a receiver for streaming video links sent from your phone or tablet. 

The magic happens when you press the Google Cast button that’s built into most streaming video apps which sends a link to the Chromecast and immediately starts streaming. It’s an incredibly intuitive system when you use it, and circumvents the need for a discrete remote control.