Google has been introducing several “MadebyGoogle” device including the latest Chromecast Ultra support 4K and HDR, but it’s not the only 4K HDMI dongle to stream videos from your phone that’s about to be release as EZCast sticks are also getting an upgrade with EZCast 4K dongle supporting 4K Miracast, DLNA, and EZCast own protocol.
Chromecast Ultra
Chromecast Ultra specifications:
- Connectivity – 802.11ac (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) WiFi, Ethernet port (on power adapter)
- Video Output – HDMI 2.0 up to 4K resolution, HDR support
- USB – 1x micro USB port for power and data
- Dimensions – 58.20 x 13.7 mm
- Weight – 47 grams (device); 101 grams (power adapter)
Chromecast Ultra ships with a power cable (2m) and a power adapter with an Ethernet port. The device can be used with devices and/or computers running Android 4.1 and higher, iOS 8.0 and higher, Mac OS X 10.9 and higher, Windows 7 and higher.
It will start selling for $69 in November. More details can be found on Chromecast Ultra product page.
EZCast 4K
EZCast 4K specifications:
- SoC – Actions Semi AM8270 dual core processor @ 1.0+ GHz
- System Memory – 512MB DDR3 RAM
- Storage – 256 MB NAND flash for firmware
- Connectivity – 802.11ac WiFi
- Video output – HDMI up to 4K resolution @ 30 Hz with MHL support
- Video Codec – 4K H.265 decoding
- Wireless streaming/mirroring standards – Miracast, Airplay, EZCast, DLNA
- USB – 1x micro USB port
- Power Supply – MHL or USB (5V/1A) selectable through switch
EZCast 4K is said to work with platforms running Android 4.4+, Windows 7+, iPhone 4S+(iOS9+), Mac 10.10+, and Chrome OS 39+ with EZCast app. One advantage of the stick is that it can work without external power supply thanks to MHL support.
Price and availability information has not been released for far. EZCast 4K can be bought for $49.99 with coupon EZCast4K81N03. Delivery is scheduled for November 1st. Some more information may be found on EZCast 4K page.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Big problem I found with my Android casting stick is my Tablets or Phone battery goes flat after a film or couple of shows, worse still if you get a phone call.
It is the reason I first bought a Android TV dongle RK3066 1GB Android 4.1.
Now I have Android TV boxes and several of them support display casting, never understood the Chromecast fad.
@Theguyuk
Well that’s only with display mirroring or serving the video. With chromecast you phone can send the video information only and chromecast can grab the video directly and your phone can go to sleep. But I agree android sticks/boxes are more useful because not all content sources support chromecast and they can work standalone.
I have two android TV boxes that I use a lot, but for Netflix or YouTube Chromecast is the king, much better than the Android box in usability and quality. I would like to try EZCast but at the same price as Chromecast there is no point for my use.
A 4K wifi dongle ? Really?
Even google had the good sense to include an Ethernet port. The 4K in the name seems more like a marketing label than anything else.
@Theguyuk
I have rk3066 android dongle which can’t play h265, that’s why i bought anycast dongle which apparently can’t play h265 via dlna. So, I play h265 from my phone and miracast to the dongle, with frameskip 🙁
Maybe this 4k dongle is the answer for my need.
EZCast 4K is now on GeekBuying for $59.99 -> http://www.geekbuying.com/item/EZCAST-4K-Happy-Casting-802-11AC-Wireless-Display-Dongle-375802.html
at Geekbuying they sell the EZCAST 4k for $59, is it the same version?
@daneil
Yes the item on GeekBuying linked in comment #6 should be the same product.