Lenovo has announced a new media streaming device to take on the Google Chromecast.
The Lenovo Cast was recently unveiled at Lenovo Tech World, the company’s first ever global tech event.
It’s a circular, ice hockey puck-like device much like the Nexus Player. Functionally, however, it’s far closer to the Google Chromecast dongle, with an onus on complementing existing smart devices rather than creating a separate app ecosystem and UI.
Lenovo’s first streaming device primarily allows users to stream media content from their smartphone and tablet to their TV set. It can also mirror whatever’s on the smartphone or tablet screen to the TV.
The Lenovo Cast plugs in via the TV’s HDMI port and utilises Wi-Fi to hook up to smart devices. It requires an additional microUSB connection for power.
One of the big differentiating factors between the Lenovo Cast and the Chromecast is its dual frequency Wi-Fi capabilities, so it supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. Lenovo also talks up its greater range, as you can transfer content to the Cast from up to 20 metres away, and even through walls.
Read More: Amazon Fire TV Stick vs Chromecast vs Roku Streaming Stick
Another point of distinction next to Google’s plug-in solution is the Lenovo Cast’s greater range of connection standards. Besides Google Cast, it also supports DLNA and Miracast.
The Lenovo Cast will be a little more expensive than the Chromecast when it launches worldwide in August. At $49 (£32), it’ll be $14 more than its less able rival.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
