Look out, Amazon - Chromecast is here.

Google’s Chromecast device first debuted in 2013. At the time, it was simply used for mirroring content from a laptop or mobile device to one’s TV. It couldn’t run native apps like the Fire Stick or Apple TV, so it wasn’t useful for applications like digital signage. In 2020, however, Google released the 4th generation Chromecast. This latest model comes in HD or 4K versions, runs Android 10 and comes with the user-friendly Google TV interface, which lets users install apps like HBO, Netflix, and of course XOGO Player.

The 4th generation Chromecast comes with a powerful Amlogic chipset, a voice-capable remote control, blazing fast 802.11 b/g/n/ac WiFi, and there’s even an alternate power supply available for users that want to plug in an ethernet connection. Here are some of our favorite things about the 4th generation Chromecast.

Low Cost

At the time of writing, Chromecasts are available for $30 (HD) or $50 (4K) on Amazon. The 4K version comes in a choice of color options; choose standard white, or opt for the new pink or pastel blue shades. Chromecast comes with a voice-capable remote control that allows one to connect to WiFi quickly and download apps like XOGO Player from the Google Play Store. There’s an alternate power supply available from Google ($20) for those that wish to connect via ethernet. The power plug on the device is USB-C like most devices nowadays, and of course the Chromecast’s output is HDMI so you can plug it into any modern TV or projector.

Easy Setup

Once you download XOGO Player from the onboard app store, simply launch the app and you’ll see our familiar PIN code screen. Open our XOGO Manager app and add the device to your XOGO account using this PIN code in order to send it playlists of content. Your digital signage content will play whenever you have the XOGO Player app running on the Chromecast.

Available Globally (Mostly)

Google’s Chromecast is currently available throughout North America, Europe and the United Kingdom. It’s rumored to be coming soon to Taiwan, New Zealand, South Korea, and India. With its low price point and excellent performance, this device is an excellent option for digital signage customers around the world that need to deploy XOGO on a tight budget.

Runs XOGO Flawlessly

We ran the 4K version of the latest Chromecast in our labs and were delighted with its performance. It took only a few minutes to set up our device, connect to WiFi and install the XOGO Player app. We sent various playlists of content to the device, which included 4K images and videos, XOGO widgets for time and weather, and dynamic content feeds from our partner Seenspire. The Chromecast played back everything flawlessly, with no lag or stuttering. Pretty impressive for a $50 device.

Does Double-Duty

Similar to Amazon’s Fire Stick, the Chromecast can run hundreds of different apps. When you’re not using it to display your digital signage content, why not use your Chromecast to binge the latest series on Netflix or HBO, or play your favorite Spotify music?

Summary

The 4th generation Chromecast is a powerful media player that comes with a surprisingly low price tag. It makes an excellent digital signage player for those that need to deploy a handful of digital signs on a budget. While the Chromecast is not designed for 24/7 use, and doesn’t have cloud-based device management features like devices that cost hundreds of dollars, we would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a high-performing media player at a low price.