Meet the Thomson Cast 150: A New Chromecast-Style Google TV Dongle Hits the Scene

Remember the Chromecast with Google TV? The handy little dongle that plugged straight into your TV’s HDMI port, turning any screen into a smart entertainment hub? While Google officially replaced its dongle lineup with the box-shaped Google TV Streamer last year, the desire for that compact form factor hasn’t disappeared. Enter the Thomson Cast 150, a brand-new streaming device that looks remarkably familiar.  

Unveiled recently by European electronics brand Thomson, the Cast 150 appears to be a spiritual successor to the discontinued 4K Chromecast with Google TV dongle. It seems Thomson even received Google’s blessing for the similar design. Let’s dive into what this new Google TV contender offers.  

What is the Thomson Cast 150?

The Cast 150 is a compact, dongle-style streaming device designed for portability and ease of use. It plugs directly into an HDMI port and connects via USB-C for power, much like the Google device it resembles. It runs the official Google TV operating system (reportedly based on Android 14), providing access to the vast library of apps available on the Google Play Store and integrating Google Assistant for voice control.  

Part of Thomson’s new “GO” line of portable entertainment devices, the Cast 150 aims to let you take your streaming setup anywhere – hotels, vacation rentals, or just different rooms in your house.

Key Features:

• Google TV Interface: Get the familiar Google TV experience, organizing content from services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, Apple TV+, and more onto a single home screen.  
• 4K HDR Streaming: Enjoy your favorite movies and shows in resolutions up to 4K Ultra HD at 60 frames per second. It supports HDR10 for enhanced contrast and color. (Note: Initial reports are conflicting on Dolby Vision support, with some sources stating it is not included.)  
• Dolby Atmos Audio: Supports immersive Dolby Atmos sound (likely via HDMI passthrough to a compatible sound system or TV).  
• Compact Dongle Design: Plugs directly into your TV’s HDMI port, keeping clutter minimal.  
• Voice Remote with Google Assistant: Includes a voice remote for easy searching and device control using Google Assistant. The remote features more buttons than Google’s original dongle remote and likely includes the new standard “Live TV” or “Free TV” shortcut button seen on recent Google TV devices.  
• Casting Built-In: As expected with a Google TV device (and hinted at by the name), you can cast content directly from compatible apps on your phone, tablet, or computer.  
• App Access: Download thousands of apps from the Google Play Store.  

Thomson Cast 150 Specifications:

• Operating System: Google TV (Reportedly based on Android 14)  
• Resolution: Up to 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 60fps  
• HDR Support: HDR10 (Dolby Vision support unconfirmed/unlikely)
• Audio Support: Dolby Atmos (via HDMI passthrough)  
• Processor: Quad-core Cortex-A35  
• GPU: ARM Mali-G31
• RAM: 2GB  
• Storage: Uncertainty exists here. Official specifications mention 8GB, but Thomson representatives reportedly stated 16GB at the launch event. Confirmation is pending.  
• Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz), Bluetooth
• Ports: HDMI output, USB Type-C (for power)

Availability and Price

As of late April 2025, Thomson has not announced the official pricing or release date for the Cast 150, although it’s expected later this year. Since Thomson is primarily a European brand, initial availability will likely be focused in Europe. It remains unclear if or when the Cast 150 will be officially available in the US or other regions without importing.

The Thomson Cast 150 emerges as an interesting proposition for those who preferred the Chromecast dongle’s form factor over Google’s current Google TV Streamer box. By combining the familiar design with the modern Google TV interface and 4K HDR capabilities, it fills a potential gap in the market, albeit under a different brand name. Keep an eye out for official pricing and availability details – if priced competitively near the old Chromecast 4K’s level, it could be a compelling alternative for European consumers missing the dongle.

Keywords: Thomson Cast 150, Google TV, Chromecast alternative, streaming dongle, 4K HDR streaming, Dolby Atmos, Google Assistant, Thomson GO, Android TV, streaming device, new tech 2025, HDMI dongle, smart TV upgrade, European tech