Google’s Nexus event yesterday was also the venue for the
announcement of its updated Chromecasts. This year, the search giant is betting
on two types of Chromecasts – one that’s for your TV and another for your audio
equipment.
First, let’s talk about the one for the TV. It’s basically
an update to the first generation streaming device and is a very convenient way
of turning an ordinary TV to a smart device. Just like the first one, the new
Chromecast is still offered at $35 but has a completely new design. Gone is the
thumbnail drive look and it’s in with the round medallion look.
Apart from the new design and a choice of three different
colors, the new Chromecast functions exactly the same as its predecessor. It
can stream content to a TV screen from an Android device, mirror any website
and play games using their phone.
The second Chromecast model is called the Chromecast Audio
and is designed to connect your speakers and other audio equipment to your
Wi-Fi network in order to stream music.
The device is compatible with different platforms including
iOS, Mac and Windows (in addition to Android and Chromebook) and connects to
your speakers via RCA, 3.5mm audio jack or an optical cable.
Just like the Chromecast for your TV, Chromecast Audio can
be remotely controlled using an Android phone and users can search, play,
pause, adjust the volume and queue songs to their speakers. The concept is pretty
much the same as in other wireless music
streaming devices like the Moto
Stream but this one uses Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth.
The Chromecast Audio will also be priced competitively at
$35 and is now available on the Google Store as well as other retailers
including Walmart and Best Buy.
