I was part of the Google fans who were ecstatic when Google announced the original Chromecast . I mean, it was nothing revolutionary, but something that was genuinely missing. Especially as the wireless world dominates ever-so, unifying our mobile devices and TV was an important step.

For just $35, you get a full-fledged media streamer that won't take up much space in your home entertainment center. It's simple to setup, and the new Chromecast app sweetens the deal even further with how easy it is to find new content.

Inexpensive; Compatible with most popular video streaming services; Supports dual-band 802.11ac for faster and more reliable WiFi; Improved app makes search and discovery easier

Still just 1080p; Needs a separate device to act as a remote control; Doesn't have native support for Amazon Instant Video

Google's original Chromecast media streamer proved to be nothing short of revolutionary in my life. The $35 stick was significant not so much for what it did but rather how it did it: The device took the overcomplicated task of Internet-to-TV streaming and made it as simple as can be.

The product is good and useful.

Even if you're already committed to another streamer, the Chromecast's new app alone makes picking one up well worth the 35 bucks.

New design fits any port; Slightly faster load speeds; New app is a huge improvement; Cross-platform search at this price is impressive

Search could use a bit of work; Still can't control playback from main app; What's On could stand some more personalization

Along with the new flagship Nexus smartphones, the Nexus 6P and the Nexus 5X , Google also unveiled an updated version of the Chromecast HDMI dongle, boasting a new look, multiple color options, and of course, faster hardware and enhancements on the software side of things.

Chromecast (2015): Though somewhat odd; the design makes it easier to tuck back behind the television Faster performance; though marginally compared to original New application is a hub for all compatible media applications Still really easy to use - just hit the button for Chromecast Enhanced...

Chromecast (2015): A few missing applications for media - mainly; Amazon Prime Games library is still bare; needs to prove itself for gaming Chromecast Audio: Niche product - not an essential unless its functionality is specifically searched for Audio quality is pretty standard; not really above...

There's this thing Netflix does after you've watched three episodes of something in a row. You might have seen it before. You're just finally settled in, a you-shaped dent is forming in the couch, and a little message pops up: "Are you still watching? Press play if so.

Chromecast is just absurdly easy to set up; There's a lot of stuff to watch here; The new app makes finding all that stuff much, much easier

Your phone isn't always a very good remote; No 4K, no Amazon

Combining a small design and a price tag to match, Google's Chromecast has proved to be a popular way for people to easily stream video from a computer or mobile device to their television.

Redesigned app makes it easier to find streaming content; Improved Wi-Fi connectivity; Support from a vast array of streaming apps; Easy to set up and use

New design means device will dangle when plugged into an HDMI port; Requires computer or mobile device

When Google created the Chromecast, they took a little bit of a different tack on a streaming media device. Instead of trying to build in services and platforms, the Chromecast is focused solely on providing a wireless connection between a user's devices and their television.

The original Chromecast is a nifty little device that let you wirelessly 'cast' what's on the screen of your smartphone, tablet or laptop to your monitor or TV. You simply connect the HDMI dongle to your TV and pair it with your portable device via a Wi-Fi connection.

Reliable streaming; Easy setup and operation; Greatly improved app

No separate interface; No 4K streaming