Along with its new Nexus phones, Google today introduced two new Chromecast devices and an updated app.
First, the new Chromecast is shaped like a hockey puck and has a flexible HDMI dongle that can magnetically attach to the back of the Chromecast when not in use. The new Chromecast also includes dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi support and an “adaptive antenna system” that will adapt to changing Wi-Fi conditions and keep your connection strong.
Also announced today is Chromecast Audio, which is meant to help you beam content to any speaker. Simply plug the black puck into a speaker with a 3.5mm, RCA, or optical connection and start pumping the tunes.
The new Chromecast will launch in 17 countries today, September 29, at the Google Store and other shops. It’ll be available in black, yellow, and pink color options for $35, the same price as the original Chromecast. The Chromecast Audio is also launching today in 17 countries for $35.
Finally, Google has announced a refreshed Chromecast app. The new app has three tabs: What’s On for showing popular content, Devices for letting devices on your network control playback, and Get Apps for helping you find Chromecast-compatible apps. The updated app also includes Fast Play, which can begin pre-loading apps as soon as you launch them to get them ready to Cast faster. Finally, Google has released Remote Display APIs for iOS and Android to let you do things like play games on your TV with Chromecast and your phone.