Chromecast is a streaming media adapter from Google that allows users to play online content such as videos and music on a digital television. The adapter is a dongle that plugs into the TV's HDMI port; a cable connects to a USB port to power the device. A mobile app makes it possible to essentially use a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer as a TV remote. Once the streaming begins, it's not necessary to keep the app open, and the device can be used for other purposes. You can also use it to stream almost any kind of content from the Chrome browser on a computer.

• The Chromecast stick includes a USB cable for power and a power adapter. If your TV has a USB port, you can plug the power cable right in.
• Chromecast acts as a transmitter between your TV and your streaming video provider, like a cable box or an antenna. Just plug it into your TV, have a smartphone or computer handy, and follow the instructions.
• As soon as Chromecast and your controller device connect to the same Wi-Fi, they should recognize each other and walk you through the rest of the process. Different Version of Chromecast are:

First Generation

• The original Chromecast measures 2.83 inches (72 mm) in length and has an HDMI plug built into the body.
• It contains the Marvell Armada 1500-mini 88DE3005 system on a chip running an ARM Cortex-A9 processor.
• The SoC includes codecs for hardware decoding of the VP8 and H.264 video compression formats.
• Radio communication is handled by AzureWave NH–387 Wi-Fi which implements 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz).
• The device has 512 MB of Micron DDR3L RAM and 2 GB of flash storage.

Second Generation

• The second-generation Chromecast has a disc-shaped body with a short length of HDMI cable attached (as opposed to the HDMI plug built into the original model). The cable is flexible and can magnetically attach to the device body for more positioning options behind a television.
• The second-generation model uses Marvell Armada 1500 Mini Plus 88DE3006 SoC, which has dual ARM Cortex-A7 processors running at 1.2 GHz.
• The unit contains an Avastar 88W8887, which has improved Wi-Fi performance and offers support for 802.11 ac and 5 GHz bands.
• The device contains 512 MB of Samsung DDR3L RAM and 256 MB of flash storage.

Chromecast Audio

• Chromecast Audio is a variation of the second-generation Chromecast designed for use with audio streaming apps.
• In place of the second-generation model's flexible HDMI cable is an integrated 3.5 millimeter audio jack.
• It allows Chromecast Audio to be attached to speakers and home audio systems.

Chromecast Ultra

• Chromecast Ultra is similar in design to the second-generation model, but features upgraded hardware that supports the streaming of 4K resolution content.
• High-dynamic range through the HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats.
• Google stated that the Chromecast Ultra loads video 1.8 times faster than previous models.
• Unlike previous models that could be powered through a USB port, the Chromecast Ultra requires the use of the included power supply for connecting to a wall outlet.