If two Pixel phones, a VR headset and an Amazon Echo-like home assistant wasn't enough, Google also announced a brand-new model of its Chromecast media streamer at its #MadeByGoogle launch event. The Chromecast Ultra will be able to cast video in 4K and HDR, and it even has Dolby Vision support, too, giving it plenty of flexibility when it comes to providing the very best in picture quality across a wide range of TVs.
Like previous Chromecast models, Chromecast Ultra has a small, compact design that lets it easily slot behind your TV. All you need to do is plug it into an HDMI port and you're ready to go. Of course, while Chromecast is traditionally controlled via Wi-Fi from the Google Cast app on your phone, tablet or computer, the Chromecast Ultra adds an Ethernet port into the mix to help with all that high-resolution 4K content. You'll find this built straight into the power adapter, too, giving you the option of using a faster, more stable internet connection than your home Wi-Fi.
It's not just the resolution that's received an upgrade since last year's Chromecast, though, as Chromecast Ultra is also 1.8x faster than its immediate predecessor, allowing you to get to your content much quicker and play it with fewer hitches in performance.
You'll also find all the same content and apps you know and love from older Chromecast models, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, BT Sport and Google Play Movies, making it a great way to add new services to your TV. However, I'm not entirely sure who will actually need these extra features, as most 4K TVs already have several built-in catch-up apps.
Samsung and LG, for instance, both have Netflix and Amazon Instant Video built-in, as well as Youtube, so the need to have these via Chromecast is fairly limited. It might be more useful if you want to cast something to a 4K monitor, for instance, but otherwise your 4K TV is going to be fairly well covered. As a result, I'm not sure Chromecast Ultra will have as much appeal as its cheaper, non-UHD siblings.
The only major service it does have that isn't largely supported on 4K TVs is Sky's Now TV, but it seems like a pretty expensive way of getting your Game of Thrones fix. Available in November for a £69, Chromecast Ultra is a lot more expensive than a Now TV box, but we'll have to wait and see how it fares once we get one in for review. I'll be updating this article as soon as we have our final verdict on Chromecast Ultra, so make sure to check back soon to see whether it's worth the extra expense over the regular Chromecast.