Thomson Unveils Cast 150: A New Take on Chromecast with Google TV

In an interesting development within the streaming device market, the European brand Thomson has introduced the Cast 150, a product that revives the concept of Google's compact Chromecast with Google TV. This announcement comes after Google discontinued its affordable Chromecast model earlier this year.

The Thomson Cast 150 bears a striking resemblance to the Chromecast with Google TV, featuring an oval casing and a short integrated HDMI cable. However, instead of the familiar Google logo, the device showcases the Thomson brand. Notably, it operates on Google's TV user interface, which is also found on the now-defunct Google TV streamer and the original Chromecast with Google TV.

One of the key differences between the Thomson device and its Google counterpart lies in the remote control. The Cast 150 adopts Google's reference design but adds a dedicated 'Live TV' button, a feature introduced in new hardware guidelines by Google for devices using the Google TV interface.

The remote also includes shortcuts for popular streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and Prime Video, enhancing user convenience. Despite these features, Thomson has not disclosed specific details regarding the hardware specifications or the Android version running on the device. However, it has been suggested that the Cast 150 may be powered by a quad-core Amlogic S905Y chip, supported by 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of flash storage. This setup offers modest capabilities, especially when compared to the original Chromecast with Google TV, which had similar RAM but more storage at 16 GB.

On the software side, the Cast 150 is based on Android 14, though details regarding future updates, including a potential upgrade to Android 16, remain uncertain. The device supports various codecs, including AV1, VP9, H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and Dolby Atmos, which are essential for quality streaming.

Thomson plans to launch the Cast 150 on May 28, with a retail price set at EUR69. It's important to note that the Thomson brand is actually operated by StreamView, an Austrian company established in 2019. StreamView not only produces this streaming device but also offers smart TVs and streaming boxes under the Nokia brand. Positioned as a European enterprise, StreamView assembles its devices in Europe, which may instill greater confidence in customers compared to cheaper alternatives from other regions that have faced scrutiny for pre-installed malware.

As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, the introduction of the Thomson Cast 150 could present an appealing option for users seeking a reliable and compact streaming solution that leverages Google's established technology.