At the Google big announcement on September 29, 2015 in San Francisco, there was a big announcement of many things including two Nexus device (the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P) as well as some new things concerning Chromecast with the new Chromecast second generation stick and Chromecast Audio dongle. This is what is currently known about the New Chromecast and Chromecast Audio Review, Release Date, Features, and Price.
The new Chromecast will work much like the previous version that was brought to consumers in 2013. That is, the stick plugs into the back of a TV set via HDMI port, and then allows the user to stream content from the Chromecast mobile application to that TV Screen. The price is about the same at $35, which means that it is the least expensive of streaming devices in the world of Apple, Amazon, and Roku.
There have been some changes to the new Chromecast as it has become circular rather than rectangular, with a bendable HDMI arm so it won't get in the way of other things connected to the TV. In addition to the change in its shape, it is also available in different colors like yellow, red, as well as black. The most welcome change is that the new Chromecast is set up for modern Wi-Fi streaming standards like 802.11 ac and 5 GHz, as well as three different antennae built in for Wi-Fi streaming.
There is also an update to new Chromecast called "Fast Play" which allows Chromecast to "pre-fetch" a video streaming application such as Netflix and the video content, even before you hit play. There are a lot of applications made to run on the new Chromecast like the aforementioned Netflix, Sling TV, Discovery, Google Photos, NFL Sunday Ticket, NHL, and NBA.
As for Chromecast Audio, this works in a similar manner to the new and previous version of Chromecast, only it is made to plug into a 3.5 mm headphone jack, RCA adapter, or optical cables. As the name implies, it is made for streaming audio through services like Spotify, iPlayer Radio, as well as other different applications on iOS and Android devices (except Apple Music and Tidal). Anyone who comes into the Chromecast Audio users home will be able to stream audio if he or she is on the Chromecast Audio user's Wi-Fi network.
Like the new Chromecast, Chromecast Audio has a circular shape, and it costs the same price as the new Chromecast at about $35. It is interesting that Sonos, a company who has made a name for itself with audio streaming, has a new product out known as the Sonos Connect that can do the same thing for $350. This price does include a very nice speaker, though.
The good news about these new Chromecast devices is that they are both available on the Google Store now.
