## Miss the Chromecast? The Thomson Cast 150 Offers a Familiar Experience (If You’re in Europe)
Google’s decision to replace its popular Chromecast dongles with the TV Streamer set-top box left some users longing for the simplicity and affordability of the original. If you’re among them, and happen to live in Europe, you might be in luck. The Thomson Cast 150, launching May 28th, bears a striking resemblance to the discontinued Chromecast and offers a similar streaming experience.
The Cast 150, as its images reveal, is a wide, flat, white dongle featuring a built-in HDMI cable, echoing the Chromecast’s design. But the similarities go beyond aesthetics. This device runs on Google TV and fully supports Google’s video casting technology, promising a familiar user interface and seamless integration with your existing Google ecosystem.
Under the hood, the Cast 150 supports 4K resolution, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos audio, ensuring a crisp and immersive viewing experience. It comes pre-loaded with popular streaming apps like Netflix and Disney Plus, and features Google’s mandated “Live TV” button on the remote, providing quick access to free, live streaming channels. The only spec that might raise an eyebrow is the 8GB of internal storage, which could be limiting for users who plan on installing a large number of apps.
[Image of the Thomson Cast 150 surrounded by other devices. Caption: The Cast 150 looks an awful lot like a Chromecast.]
While the Google TV Streamer was arguably “an upgrade in every way,” it also came with a higher price tag and a form factor that doesn’t appeal to everyone. The Cast 150, priced at €69 (approximately $78), aligns with the price point of the old 4K Chromecast, making it an attractive alternative for budget-conscious consumers.
[Image of the Thomson Cast 150 connected to a TV with a remote on the table. Caption: *The Cast 150 can be kept hidden behind your TV.* | Image: Thomson]
Unfortunately, there’s a catch. The Thomson Cast 150 is initially launching in Europe, with a UK launch planned “eventually.” There are currently no plans for a US release. So, if you’re a Chromecast enthusiast on this side of the Atlantic, you’ll have to admire this tempting alternative from afar. For those in Europe, however, the Thomson Cast 150 offers a compelling and familiar way to bring streaming to your TV without breaking the bank or cluttering your entertainment center.
Bir yanıt yazın