At Google’s keynote event today, where the new Pixel smartphone was showcased, the tech goliath also announced the Chromecast Ultra. The device is a 4K/HDR update to Google’s standard Chromecast — it’s also the fastest Chromecast that Google has ever made. Thanks to its improved wi-fi connectivity, the Ultra loads videos (both 4K and not) 1.8 times faster than the current-model Chromecast.
When it launches this November, the Ultra will stream 4K content from YouTube, Netflix and Vudu, and will support Google Play Movies after a software update later in the month. The Chromecast Ultra will cost $69, which is significantly more expensive than the standard $35 Chromecast, but less expensive than Roku’s recently announced 4K streaming device, the Roku Premiere ($80). Like other Chromecasts, the Ultra is small and hides behind your TV, connecting via HDMI. It also boasts an ethernet port in case your home Wifi network can’t handle 4k streaming.