Man, time flies as it doesn't seem like its been 5 years since the 1st Google Chromecast was announced. Google was looking for a way to be more useful in the realms of your TV. Previous attempts like the Nexus Q and others didn't quite hit the mark.
Then in 2013, that all changed when Google's HDMI dongle called the Chromecast was announced. This was originally made to give those w/o a Smart TV access to streaming apps via their smartphone or tablet. Many people had Smart TVs and still bought just to stream content from your phone to your TV. I remember right after being unveiled for only $35, everyone ordered one (including myself).
The real star behind Chromecast is Google Cast.
Back in 2013, trying to share your phone or computer's content wasn't the most easier task to do. The Google Cast feature allowed all of that to happen w/ a simple Wi-Fi-powered HDMI dongle. So who knew being able to just share a YouTube video or music to your TV w/ a touch of a button would be a hot commodity.
However, the idea of casting was utilized w/ other companies but in a larger form-factor. The casting was simplified into a smaller device rather than a set-top box like Amazon, Apple, or Roku did. Making for little or damn-near any clutter behind your TV Ergo cutting on costs, making the price point attractive and leading to selling millions of Chromecasts.
So now in 2018, you have the 2nd-gen Chromecast, Chromecast Audio, and the 4K HDR supported Chromecast Ultra. I don't have a 4K TV yet so the Ultra is the only one I don't own. The Audio dongle doesn't get much use as I have a bunch of smart speakers are the house. But the 2nd-gen Chromecast still used at least a few times a week - mostly on the weekends.
Also, hit the link below to learn a little more on how the HDMI dongle came to be. So we wish the Chromecast a happy 5th birthday as we wish you many more. Do you own a Chromecast and which one do you have?
