Anycast is good? Everything you need to know about Chromecast's rival

Anycast design

The design of today's AnyCast is an almost exact copy of second generation Chromecast. This applies to Anycast G2, released in 2017, and Anycast G2-4, from 2018. The main difference - very subtle - is the presence of a Wi-Fi symbol in the middle of the base, which is empty in the Google dongle. In addition, the Anycast G2-4 comes in black, blue and gold versions; while the Chromecast 2 was released in black, coral and lemon green colors.

What's more, the circular body with an attached flexible cable, on which there is the HDMI connector, is the same on both models. The manufacturer does not state the official weight or dimensions in the data sheet. From the photos of disclosure, it seems that the size is close to that of the best-known rival: 5.18 cm in diameter, 1.34 cm thick and 39 g weight.

Anycast connectivity and compatibility

AnyCast works with 802.11n Wi-Fi standard, which works only in the 2.4 GHz range. Lower than Chromecast 2 in this sense, because the competitor brings Wi-Fi ac, operating in the bands of 2.4 and 5 GHz. However, the device has points in its favor in terms of connectivity. That's because it supports Miracast, the wireless communication standard for Android and Windows devices, and AirPlay, a similar system developed by Apple.

There is also support for DLNA, present in various electronics. This way, if you have a device that supports these technologies, users will be able to send videos and music to the TV directly, without going over the local network. The end result is an extensive range of compatible products, covering MacOS, iOS, Android, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 and other devices.

Anycast installation and usability

AnyCast installation is also the same as Chromecast. First, connect a micro USB cable to the bottom of the cradle by plugging it into the wall outlet using a power adapter. Then just plug the HDMI connector into the TV to see the main AnyCast setup screen.

After the TV is connected to AnyCast, an IP address is shown on the setup screen. At this point the user must open the browser on the source device and enter the IP code (e.g. 192.168.203.1) in the field for the URL. The home screen displays a QR code to make it easier for your phone or other device to adjust and set the Wi-Fi network.

The dongle also has a small key on the base that switches between Miracast and AirPlay modes. When making this type of connection, the user must place the button in the appropriate position. The interface is in English, which can make it difficult for those who do not know the language.

Anycast technical specifications

The two latest models, Anycast G2 and G2-4, deliver Full HD video resolution (1080p). The maximum speed in G2-4 is 30 frames per second, while G2 achieves 60 fps. This is the same resolution as Chromecast 2, but Google has an Ultra version with 4K support. It has 5V/1A power input, with 5W consumption. The ROM memory is 128 MB and the official warranty is 12 months.

Anycast application availability

AnyCast's equipment is fundamentally a "mirror". He doesn't have native apps like Chromecast. Instead, it allows the TV to play streaming via DLNA server or from applications supporting Miracast and AirPlay.

The mirroring feature makes the screen of the source device (notebook, smartphone, etc.) need to be on all the time. While in Chromecast this does not happen, because the transmitter gadget only controls the streaming.

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Anycast price and market availability

At the moment there are five versions on sale. The two most recent, addressed in this guide, are the AnyCast G2, with a price of $24.993, and the AnyCast G2-4, which costs $ 25.99.

Besides these, the producer has the AnyCast M2 Plus for $15.41; the AnyCast Color, which value is $ 21,99; and the AnyCast K4, also for US$ 24,99.

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