Chromecast Lives On? Thomson’s Cast 150 Offers Google TV Streaming in Familiar Form Factor
The spirit of the Chromecast lives on, but perhaps not quite in the way you'd expect. When Google shifted its focus to the TV Streamer, many mourned the loss of the compact, affordable Chromecast with Google TV. Now, a new contender has emerged: the Thomson Cast 150, a streaming dongle bearing a striking resemblance to its discontinued Google counterpart.
Dominic Preston notes that the Thomson Cast 150 looks "suspiciously similar" to the original Chromecast, sporting the same wide, flat white dongle with a built-in HDMI cable. Even the software is familiar, running on Google TV and supporting Google's video casting tech. This means the day-to-day user experience should feel virtually identical.
But there are key differences. While the Cast 150 supports 4K, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos, it only offers 8GB of storage. This might be a limiting factor for users who plan to install numerous apps. Pre-installed apps include Netflix and Disney Plus, and the remote features Google’s newly mandated “Live TV” button for quick access to free streaming channels.
The remote control adopts Google's reference design and sports a “Live TV” button. Under the hood, specs are similar to the Chromecast with Google TV (4K), potentially running on an Amlogic chipset with 2GB of RAM. The Thomson Cast 150 runs on Android 14 out of the box.
One major catch? Availability. As of now, the Cast 150 is primarily aimed at the European market, launching there on May 28th in Europe for €69 (around $78). A UK launch is planned, but there's no word on a US release.
The device is manufactured by StreamView, an Austrian company that markets streaming devices under the Nokia brand.
The Thomson Cast 150 begs the question: Is this a worthy successor to the beloved Chromecast? While lacking in storage, its familiar design, Google TV interface, and affordable price point might make it an appealing option for those seeking a simple, streamlined streaming experience. Will its limited availability hinder its success? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
