Walmart’s Onn 4K Plus Streaming Device Resurfaces: A Chromecast Challenger?

Walmart has quietly relisted its highly anticipated Onn 4K Plus streaming device, powered by Google TV, sending ripples of excitement through the tech community. This budget-friendly alternative to Google’s discontinued Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is priced at a tempting $30, making it a potentially disruptive force in the streaming market. The reappearance of the Onn 4K Plus comes after a brief period of mystery, following leaked early customer reviews and a fleeting website listing that was quickly taken down. Now, with the official listing back online, Walmart is seemingly gearing up to launch this compelling device.

The Onn 4K Plus aims to fill the void left by the Chromecast, offering a similar streaming experience at a significantly lower price point. At just $29.88, it undercuts the original Chromecast’s price by approximately $20, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers seeking a feature-rich streaming solution. Its compact design and compatibility with short HDMI cables further enhance its appeal as a direct Chromecast replacement.

However, the Onn 4K Plus is more than just a budget alternative. It addresses one of the major criticisms leveled against the Chromecast: limited storage capacity. While the Chromecast suffered from insufficient storage, often leading to frustration for users wanting to download numerous apps, the Onn 4K Plus boasts 16GB of internal storage. This generous storage capacity alleviates the primary pain point of Google’s streamer, allowing users to install a wider range of applications and content without constantly managing storage space.

Beyond storage, the Onn 4K Plus is packed with features that rival, and in some cases, surpass those of its competitors. The device is powered by a quad-core processor, ensuring smooth and responsive performance while navigating menus, streaming content, and running applications. It also supports Wi-Fi 6, the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology, providing faster and more reliable wireless connectivity for seamless streaming experiences.

The device’s inclusion of the Google Home Panel is another notable feature. This panel, which recently rolled out widely, provides a centralized hub for controlling smart home devices directly from the TV screen. Users can effortlessly manage their smart lights, thermostats, and other connected devices, enhancing the overall smart home ecosystem experience.

Similar to the Onn 4K Pro launched last year, the Onn 4K Plus features a dedicated "Free TV" button on its remote. This button provides instant access to free, ad-supported streaming content, expanding the entertainment options available to users. This feature caters to the growing popularity of free streaming services and offers a convenient way to discover new content without subscription fees.

The official listing also confirms several key specifications of the Onn 4K Plus. The device is equipped with 2GB of RAM, which contributes to smooth multitasking and overall system responsiveness. Furthermore, it supports both Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, delivering immersive audio and visually stunning picture quality for a truly cinematic experience. Dolby Atmos provides multi-dimensional sound that flows around the listener, while Dolby Vision enhances the dynamic range and color accuracy of the displayed image.

The launch date of the Onn 4K Plus remains uncertain, but the reappearance of the listing strongly suggests that it is imminent. Walmart’s history of unconventional product launches means that the device may already be available in some local stores. Eager consumers are encouraged to check their local Walmart outlets for potential availability.

The Onn 4K Plus is poised to disrupt the streaming device market with its combination of affordability and features. It represents a compelling option for consumers seeking a Chromecast alternative or a budget-friendly way to upgrade their streaming experience. The device’s generous storage capacity, powerful processor, Wi-Fi 6 support, and Dolby Atmos/Vision compatibility make it a serious contender in the increasingly competitive streaming landscape. As the official launch approaches, the Onn 4K Plus is generating significant buzz and has the potential to become a popular choice among streaming enthusiasts.