Google launches the Chromecast App to help you find content
So you just bought a shiny new Chromecast 2.0 for $35. Now what? Google is trying to help folks do more with their shiny purchase with the new Chromecast App. The idea is to help you discover new content so that you have more to cast than just your desktop and YouTube videos. Under “What’s On,” you can see what’s trending on the Play Store, YouTube and apps you may have on your Android device, like Netflix or Showtime. If you’re looking for a specific show, say, X-Files, you can use the search feature to find out which of your streaming apps have it.
Another interesting feature called Fast Play pre-caches shows before you even hit “play.” The idea is that if you’re watching an episode of a show, you can preload the next one if you get in the mood for a binge session. You won’t have to wait for the new app, as it’s coming today along with the release of the Chromecast 2.0 hardware.
Get all the news from today’s Google event right here.
UK pricing for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C and new Chromecasts
It’s Android day today, with Google announcing a whole host of new products including the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C and two new Chromecasts. Whether you’re interested in some, or all of the company’s latest devices, we’ve got all available UK pricing right here.
Nexus 5X
That’s right, LG is back with another Nexus device: the 5X. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 2GB of RAM, 12.3-megapixel rear-facing camera with laser-assisted autofocus, dual flash and can capture 4K video. Of course, it’ll ship with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and includes Google’s new Sensor Hub chip inside that’s designed to deliver notifications and keep background processes updated without drawing too much power. There’s a USB Type-C port for faster charging data syncing and a fingerprint sensor in the back to authenticate payments and other app processes. LG’s stuffed a 2,700mAh battery inside and it comes in 16GB and 32GB versions. As for colours, you’re looking at black, white and ice blue.
| 16GB | 32GB | Pre-order date | Release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus 5X | £339 | £379 | Today | October 16th |
Nexus 6P
While LG is back with a Nexus device, we’ve also got a new entrant: Huawei. It’s launched the Nexus 6P, featuring a 5.7-inch screen running at 1440p resolution (or 518 PPI). It’s powered by a Snapdragon 810 chip with 3GB of RAM and like the Nexus 5X, the 6P includes a 12.3-megapixel rear-facing camera with the same autofocus and f/2.0 aperture, 8-megapixel front facer with a f/2.4 aperture and can shoot slow-motion video at 240fps as well as capturing footage in 4K. It’ll be available in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB configurations in frost white, aluminum and graphite.
| 32GB | 64GB | 128GB | Pre-order date | Release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus 6P | £449 | £499 | £579 | Today | October 26th |
Pixel C
In previous years, Google has unveiled a Nexus tablet to complement its new smartphones. The same happened this year, but it’s not a Nexus device, it’s called the Pixel C. It’s the first tablet that Google has built completely on its own and comes with a full-size keyboard that attaches magnetically and USB-C charging. Think of it as Google’s answer to Microsoft’s Surface. The 10.2-inch device is powered by NVIDIA’s Tegra X1 with 3GB of LPDDR4 RAM, features an extra-bright 308 PPI display and comes in both 32GB and 64GB variants. Unfortunately we don’t have a UK price for the Pixel C yet, but we do know it’ll cost $499 (£329) for the 32GB model and $599 (£395) for double the storage when they launch in November. As for the attachable keyboard, that’ll set you back $149 (£98).
| 32GB | 64GB | Pre-order date | Release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel C | £N/A | £N/A | N/A | November |
Chromecast and Chromecast Audio
Smartphones and tablets aren’t the only devices Google announced today. There’s the new circular Chromecast and Chromecast Audio, giving you improved video and audio streaming over the original stick. According to Google, the improved antenna in the Chromecast allows it to stream higher-resolution videos faster with less buffering and “Fast Play” allows you to get streaming even quicker. The Chromecast Audio, however, is a bit different. It sits between your old audio system and your speakers — via RCA jacks, standard 3.5mm auxiliary and optical input — allowing you to output music via supported music streaming services. The good news is that both devices are available to buy via the Google Store for £30 today.
Source: Google Store
Spotify will finally beam tunes to Chromecast
If you’ve been itchin’ to use Spotify alongside Google’s streaming dongle, you’ll soon get that chance. The music streaming service will finally be available for use on Chromecast. As you might expect, Spotify will play nice with the new version of the streaming accessory and you can also play songs with the newfangled Chromecast Audio, too. Before now, Spotify users weren’t privy to Google’s Cast tech for speakers, having to use Bluetooth or the service’s own Connect feature to wrangle wireless connectivity directly from its app. Chromecast compatibility is set to arrive via a firmware update “over the next few weeks,” so you should be able to use the duo together soon enough.
Source: Spotify
Spotify will finally beam tunes to Chromecast
If you’ve been itchin’ to use Spotify alongside Google’s streaming dongle, you’ll soon get that chance. The music streaming service will finally be available for use on Chromecast. As you might expect, Spotify will play nice with the new version of the streaming accessory and you can also play songs with the newfangled Chromecast Audio, too. Before now, Spotify users weren’t privy to Google’s Cast tech for speakers, having to use Bluetooth or the service’s own Connect feature to wrangle wireless connectivity directly from its app. Chromecast compatibility is set to arrive via a firmware update “over the next few weeks,” so you should be able to use the duo together soon enough.
Source: Spotify
Forget the shape, the Chromecast 2 is all about an app
The first thing you’ll notice about the new Google Chromecast is its form. But more interesting by far is its function. The new Chromecast app solves the biggest issue with the first iteration of Google’s streaming pendant (née stick): finding stuff to watch. The app pulls in information from compatible services like Netflix and Hulu and will let you search for and stream shows and movies without having to jump in and out of 17 apps. It’s a simple idea, but it transforms the Chromecast from a standard “casting” device into a legitimate competitor for more “functional” set-top boxes.
I tried the UK version of the discovery app, which is apparently identical to the US app aside from the content on offer. It’s simple to use, with Netflix-esque carousels of shows to scroll through, divided into apps and categories. The search function is more useful. It was only working with a handful of services (namely Netflix and Google Play Movies) in the limited demo, but I’m assured Google’s making it easy for all of its partners to plug their apps into search.
There are some other meaningful additions to the Chromecast formula here. The new shape, Google says, will drastically improve its WiFi strength, and video will be cast in 1080p whenever available. With the improved discovery options, universal search functionality, higher picture quality, and same low price, Google is offering a lot for just $35 (£30).
Live from Google’s Nexus event!
Now that Apple had its day in the sun, Google’s ready to take the stage for an event of its very own. And just like how the folks in Cupertino announced a couple of new phones, we’re expecting the Alphabet company to reveal two of its own handsets as well. Leaks suggest we’ll see the Nexus 5X and 6P — the 5X appears to be made by LG and features a 5.2-inch display, while the 6P seems to be a Huawei handset with a larger 5.7-inch screen instead. Both are purported to have fingerprint sensors and will ship with Android Marshmallow, which, whaddya know, has support for fingerprint sensors right out the gate. We’re also expecting a couple of new Chromecast announcements; it looks like a second-gen Chromecast could make an appearance tomorrow along with a brand new Chromecast device for audio (Intriguing!). Check out all those details in our preview and join us right here at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET for our liveblog to see if it all turns out to be true.
[Image credit: Shutterstock]
Google’s Chromecast 2.0 is faster and more colorful
Google has just announced its next-gen Chromecast streaming stick, and just like earlier reports said, it’s taken on a smaller circular form and has donned more colorful shells. The company says its antenna system allows it to stream higher-resolution videos significantly faster, with less buffering. It even comes with a feature called “Fast Play” that gives it the ability to establish a connection with your TV more quickly than the original version can. Fast Play works by preloading content — it can, for instance, start downloading a series episode — the moment you fire up the media player’s app. In addition, Mountain View has redesigned the Chromecast app (for both Android and iOS) to list Cast-enabled applications installed on your device, find content within them and to display its latest offers and updates.
According to Google, the streaming stick’s new design (smaller, with an integrated HDMI cable) makes it easier to plug into the HDMI port even if you have other devices plug in. It will be available in lemonade, coral and black starting today in 17 countries and will set you back $35. By the way, the company has also confirmed that you can now Cast Spotify on your TV, as well as Google Photos, BBC iPlayer Radio, Showtime, NBA and MLS.
Get all the news from today’s Google event right here.
Chromecast Audio connects your existing speakers
One of the biggest draws of Chromecast is its ability to easily push audio to your home audio system. Google is taking that one step further with the introduction of Chromecast Audio. From the sounds of it (no pun intended, or was it?), ease of use is going to be the main draw here. Mountain View says that Audio will support a standard 3.5mm auxiliary input, RCA jacks and an optical input. What’s more, it’ll mirror the audio of most Android devices — not just music, if that’s the sort of thing you’re into. Same goes for “any” music streaming site’s output from your computer. Just like the rumors said, Chromecast Audio will support longtime holdout Spotify as well as Google Play Music, Deezer and the BBC iPlayer. Much like the original Chromecast made dumb TVs smart, the Audio version wants to do the same for the speakers you already own — a direct shot at companies like Sonos.
Setup doesn’t stray far from its forbearer, either. Download the app, plug the device into your speaker and a power source, connect your device and Chromecast to the same WiFi network and you should be good to go.
Watch Google’s San Francisco event live stream right here!
It’s the moment we’ve been waiting for all day, the live-stream coverage of Google’s Nexus announcement. This is where we will see the LG Nexus 5X and Huawei Nexus 6P handsets revealed, the second-generation Chromecast devices and app, and, if that isn’t enough, the new Pixel tablet. And who knows, maybe Google has a surprise up its sleeve that didn’t leak yesterday. You can check out the live stream coverage of the Google announcement right here.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Let us know which Device you are more excited about in the comments below.
Come comment on this article: Watch Google’s San Francisco event live stream right here!
Here’s how to watch Google’s Nexus event
We’ve barely recovered from Apple’s “Hey Siri” event a couple of weeks ago, but already we’ve got another huge press conference on our hands. Today, Google’s taking the floor, with two new Nexus smartphones expected to be the biggest announcements. A second-generation Chromecast is also in the cards, and we’ll undoubtedly be hearing more about Android Marshmallow, the latest iteration of Google’s mobile OS. We’ll be liveblogging the whole event when it starts in just over half an hour (at 12PM ET), of course, but you can also follow the live broadcast if you want a front-row seat yourself. The livestream will be found on Google’s YouTube channel when the press conference kicks off, but we’ll also embed it here if possible.
Get all the news from today’s Google event right here.
[Image credit: Getty]
Source: Google (YouTube)
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