streaming devices with remotes are the best

There was a time, a few years ago, that I really rejected the idea of ​​continuing to use the remote control in the living room. The thought process went something like this: If I can share everything on the big screen of my phone, tablet, or Chromebook, why would I bother with another device, another remote, and another user interface for navigation?

This was back when the Chromecast Ultra was the best streaming dongle out there, and our house and the houses of many of my family members (at my suggestion) were using the standard Chromecast on a range of available TVs. The formula was enticingly simple, even if the actual execution for those accustomed to using remotes wasn’t always so seamless.

Still, even when the new Chromecast with Google TV came out, I wasn’t convinced to switch back to controlling my TV with a remote. Sure, Roku and Amazon had been doing that for a year or two, but at that point I was still sold on the standard Chromecast method.

I converted again

Let’s move to the present day and I have completely reverted back to the user interface and remote control for my streaming adapter. Due to a move to a new office, I was forced to use my old Chromecast Ultra in the new location where our desks are located. I was immediately frustrated.

The videos I wanted to watch in the background wouldn’t update to 1080p on my phone for some reason, and the clunkiness of having to manage what was on my phone’s screen all day made me immediately wonder why I had chosen this way of watching video instead of the new remote- and UI-based solution that’s now found on all Google TV devices.

In short, I was wrong. Having a remote, a user interface, and a more old-school way of doing things on your TV is the right approach. I have no doubt that this is the case, and while I think the original Chromecast and several devices that came after it were groundbreaking and important in the broader adoption of streaming content, their time has come to an end. Looking forward – at least I am – I am no longer interested if there is no remote control included.

So in that spirit, It’s important to discuss your current equipment and what you might want to purchase if you’re looking for a streaming solution. For us in the office, the answer to that question right now is Onn’s latest Google TV box, which includes some great improvements and keeps the overall price at a very reasonable $50. There are other options out there, but this one is the current champ if you want to stick with Google TV. Below is the link to get it if you want it, and I’m here to tell you that the experience will be better than it is now if you’re still using one of the older versions of Chromecast.