![]() ![]() That's why we test the heck out of these devices. Make sure to format all microSD and USB storage using the FAT32 file system, or they won't work with a Chromecast dongle, no matter what hub you use to connect them.Selecting a streaming device can get pretty tricky, though. Drives using the FAT32 standard can't store individual files greater than 4 GB, smaller than some uncompressed video files that may or may not be in your collection. You won't notice any issues in terms of pure performance, but there's one big limitation with FAT32. A note on file storageīoth recent Chromecast dongles use only the FAT32 file system, which is slower, older, and less versatile than the NTFS or exFAT architectures. If you're still experiencing that issue, make sure you've updated your Chromecast, as later patches have largely mitigated the problem. It's worth noting that at its initial release, the new Chromecast with Google TV had an app storage issue that led to a nearly full internal drive (and, therefore, frequent slowdowns) after just a couple of apps were installed. If you want to access larger video files, you'll have to convert them to a different format with a more efficient codec and get them under the 4GB mark. ![]() This does limit the viewing of external media to files of 4GB or less. Keep in mind these devices must be formatted in FAT32 for the Chromecast to access them. ![]() If you're looking to expand the onboard storage of your Chromecast, a flash drive, SD card, or microSD card can help. Plus, the cord is detachable, which can greatly extend the charger's life. The Nekteck 45W USB-C Charger is the least expensive and will work fine, but the Spigen 45W ArcStation Pro is a few years more recent and built with superior internals. We've highlighted two appropriate USB-C chargers from Nekteck and Spigen. As always, opting for a USB-C charger that's USB-IF certified to protect your devices is a good idea. You'll know if you've exceeded the power supply capacity if your Chromecast freezes or if individual components such as a flash drive, webcam, or mouse freeze or disappear.Īny power supply you choose must support the USB-C Power Delivery protocol and should have a capacity of at least 45 watts to ensure reliable performance. Plus, the more devices you plug into the hub means it takes more electricity to run. ![]() The wall adapter they come with simply can't deliver enough juice to power the streaming dongle and a USB-C hub, which requires roughly 15 watts of overhead. In terms of menu navigation, performance, and ongoing security, it's basically identical to the more expensive option.įirst, know that you likely won't be able to power any of these devices using the power supply that comes with either the new or old Chromecast model. If you're not concerned with 4K resolution or don't have a setup that supports HDR and surround sound, though, the more recent HD Chromecast is an even better deal at just $30. This update even addressed one specific bug that periodically prevented supported USB hubs from working after a reboot. It received an Android 12 update in October 2022, which further streamlines the user experience, in addition to adding more in-depth control HDR, surround sound, privacy, and security options. And don't worry that it's a couple of years older than its lower-resolution relative. If you can afford it, the $50 4K Chromecast is an excellent purchase. It pushed forward into the realm of USB-C while offering up to a 4K resolution and a significantly improved user interface. The 2020 release of the Chromecast with Google TV was a significant step in the right direction for Google. ![]()
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