The new Chromecast is here with a great lineup of new features from the Fast Play for quicker streaming to better universal search and gaming.
There is also a new Chromecast app with better content discovery across multiple apps like Netflix, Twitch, WatchESPN, YouTube, and more.
Fast Play
Fast plays preloads content from popular services like Netflix for 80% faster streaming from when you ask it to appear on your TV, to when it starts playing. If you are watching a series on Netflix it will start pre loading the next episode as soon as you start Netflix.
Universal Search
Google brings a new more powerful search to the Chromecast app. Not only will it show Google Play as a place to buy new content but also shows other content stores like Vudu. This could help Chromecast stand out from the Apple TV.
New Apps:
A lot of new apps have been announced for the new Chromecast.
- NBA and NHL apps will come soon
- Sling TV in the next few weeks
- Spotify
- NHL will also have second screen support
From the Sling TV announcement:
“Chromecast has been one of our most requested devices since we first launched Sling TV in February. And today, I’m happy to officially announce that we plan to add Chromecast to Sling TV’s supported device lineup in the coming weeks.”
Hardware
The new Chromecast is a round ball that comes in Yellow, Red, and Black. There is an attached HDMI cable which addresses one of the big annoyances that stick style media players suffer from. The HDMI cable allows you to plug into your TV without worrying what is around it.
The new Chromecast also supports the 802.11ac standard and three WiFi antennas for great WiFi performance.
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