14 DAY TRIAL // Google’s Chromecast became a popular way of smart streaming data and videos on your TV. Today Google announced the continuation of that success called Chromecast as well.
During the Google event today, Google unveiled the new Chromecast that continues the tradition of streaming media from your smartphone to your TV. Although not many technical features have been unveiled, Google did announce a dual radio antenna addition on the device for better signal receiving given the changing wireless signal power usually Chromecast users encounter in their homes. The new antenna features 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11ac WiFi support.
Probably, because of the new dual radio antenna addition, the device’s shape has also changed, from a simple dongle-like device to a larger hanging round thingy so it can easily fit in your HDMI slot even when multiple other devices are being plugged in ports nearby the Chromecast.
Google makes the Chromecast easier to use with many more features
However, the real features of the new Chromecast come in the shape of new video streaming features and improvements, like the elimination of video buffering before the stream starts via Fast Play feature. Before that, the buffering sequence was a great annoyance for Chromecast users.
New as well is some sort of “multitasking” feature that allows the user to use their phone more or less freely while they’re casting photos or videos on Chromecast. What’s nice as well is how users will be able to download a small portion of the next episode in the series they’re currently watching before the current one ends, so the transition will be much smoother between shows.
Additionally, Google has announced that it plans to bring NBA, NHL, and other sports leagues content to Chromecast together with Sling TV. Another new feature is letting the user find programming from across different apps, and there’s also a new Device tab that gives users playback controls so that they can play, pause or mute any time they want no matter what’s playing.
The new Chromecast device will be available in 17 countries starting today for $35 (€31).
