Google launches Chromecast audio

MUMBAI, INDIA: Google has refreshed its original Chromecast, and has introduced Chromecast Audio.

Chromecast is a flash drive-shaped device that allows users to beam media content and on-screen activities from smart phones, computers, and tablets to TV and other big screens, the company launched Chromecast Audio, a device that turns any speaker with an auxiliary input into an Internet-capable device.

It features guest access that allows your friends to stream even if they are not connected to your Wi-Fi network. Chromecast Audio supports high-quality audio, 2 watt RMS and an optional optical digital out that sits in the hybrid port. Plus it doesn't compress audio and thereby, wouldn't compromise on audio quality. It works with Android and iOS devices, apart from PCs.

Secondly, Google announced refresh to the Chromecast app support for Spotify streaming and Google Photos support.

The company also announced that it has partnered with Spotify to support streaming on its new device, as well as the both the old and new Chromecast dongles. Available for a short while, Spotify will support multiple users at once, allowing one to skip a song if they don't like it.

Overall, the Chromecast refresh includes new design, an HDMI cable looped inside a circular Chromecast logo-shaped unit, three antennas and 5 GHz 802.11ac Wi-Fi for stutter-free high quality streaming.

It comes with a new feature called Fast Play that allows the Chromecast to start a video or audio streaming much quicker once users press the Cast button.  The company also announced that developers will now be able to render games on both: smart phone and the large screen (TV).

Also new if the Feeds feature which can be controlled via the new Chromecast app, letting users choose what content the Chromecast will display on screen when on standby. This ranges from social media or image feeds.

Google announced that more content is on its way to the Chromecast. Sling TV, and Showtime are now available for Chromecast while MLB, CBS Sports and other services will be announced at a later date. For pictures, you will be able to check out Getty Images, Flickr, Facebook, and 500px. Google Photos support was also announced, with the upgraded photo library app.

The company made the announcements on the sidelines of the launch of two new Nexus smart phones—Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P and Pixel C tablet.

Unlike the first generation Chromecast dongle, the new media streaming device will be available in three colours—Black, Red, and Yellow. It is launching in 17 countries on Tuesday, for $35.