In 2013, Google released its first ever Chromecast for $35. Back in the day, this device had completely changed the streaming experience of its customers. It was a novel idea as the Chromecast was small, easy to use and install and most importantly it was travelling friendly. Therefore, streamers were pumped up and found this device extremely convenient. Let us know more detail about ‘Chromecast 2nd Generation Vs 1st Generation’.
Chromecast 2nd Generation Vs 1st Generation
Then, in 2015, came the second generation Chromecast, the speed and advanced technology imbibed in the second generation Chromecast started talking and showing its real benefits about itself. The second generation Chromecast came along with the Chromecast Audio which is another very intelligent device that boosts up your normal speakers.
The best part about having a Chromecast is that your streaming activity gets fuss free as there are no cables and the Chromecast connects to your smartphone.
Hardware: Chromecast 2nd Generation Vs 1st Generation
- The second generation Chromecast comes with completely new hardware which includes a plastic body with a rubber-like protective jacket which is specially made for the cord this highly contrasts the first generation Chromecast which bears a resemblance to a thumb drive.
- Unlike the first-generation Chromecast, The second generation Chromecast dangles once connected to the port.
- Its hardware makes it easy to fit in congested places. The main part measures 2 inches only. For example, if you have a thin wall-mounted TV, then the second generation Chromecast will fit just fine.
- Both the Chromecast can fit into apple and android devices.
- The first generation Chromecast has an extender, looks like a USB stick and is quite old.
- However, both are small devices with HDMI cables on the ends and both need USB power.
- Unlike the first-generation Chromecast, the second-generation Chromecast has extra few inches, it has a magnet but the internal storage is deeply saddening, which is covered in the latter part of the article.
- Both Chromecasts have HDMI connector ability however the second-generation Chromecast magnetically attaches to the main circular body.
- The second-generation Chromecast comes in three colours mainly red black and yellow.
Speed-
- The best part about the second generation Chromecast which is also a massive shift from the first generation Chromecast is its speed and that it supports 2.4 GHz as well as 5 GHz of Wi-Fi.
- The first generation Chromecast only supports 2.4 GHz of Wi-Fi.
- The second-generation Chromecast is 83% faster than the first-generation Chromecast.
Speed noted on different platforms-
| 1st generation | 2nd generation | |
| Netflix | 22.16s | 10.02s |
| BBC player | 26.91s | 16.05s |
| Screen mirror | 3.84s | 1.95s |
Set up
- The second-generation Chromecast takes very little time to set up as it is extremely easy and only requires two very small updates.
- This is because of its ability to support 5 GHz Wi-Fi, it has a faster downloading speed which again helps it to update faster.
- The setting up process takes only two minutes in contrast to 1st generation Chromecast, the first generation Chromecast takes five minutes to update only and set up process takes another few minutes.
- The second-generation Chromecast runs faster, downloads faster, and reboots faster as compared to the first-generation Chromecast.
Storage –
- The first generation Chromecast comes with 2GB of storage and 513MB of RAM.
- While in this scenario the second-generation Chromecast has suffered a major dip as its internal storage space has dropped down to 256 MB.
Who should one buy the second-generation Chromecast and is there a need for it?
There is no doubt that the second-generation Chromecast has created a much-needed speed obsession and it makes a real difference in the real world but not everyone needs to upgrade from their first-generation Chromecast to the second-generation Chromecast.
If you are someone who resides in a low Wi-Fi zone with extremely high congestion then upgrading to the second generation Chromecast is the only way to live a buffer-free lifestyle.
However, if you are someone who is comfortable with your current speed and does not experience extreme buffering or congestion then sticking to your first-generation Chromecast should be fine.
Also, if you are someone who is happy with streaming under 1080p then the entry-level Chromecast will work just fine for you.
Conclusion
As of 2022, Google has produced various tech-savvy products. Today we have first generation, second generation, Chromecast Audio, Chromecast ultra, third-generation et cetera. The Obsession with speed and technology will make you want to upgrade to the latest version but it is advisable to stick to a particular product if you are satisfied with the results it generates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- For how long will the first generation Chromecast work?
Answer – The first generation Chromecast was released in 2013 and just like an apple, even google will stop sending updates to this device in the near future. Goggle will be limiting its future updates. Therefore, the first generation Chromecast will not be getting any better with speed and its tech-savvy nature will deplete.