Google held a big hardware event today where they announced their new Pixel 3 phones. While it wasn’t part of the mentioned during the main presentation itself, Google also announced a refreshed version of the Chromecast. The new 3rd generation model now bumps up 60 fps video playback from 720p on the previous generation to 1080p. Also being added is support for Chromecast Audio which allows the device to be included in multi-room audio groups.
Google says the new Chromecast is 15% faster than the model it replaces, but not much has changed, other than the already mentioned new capabilities. It still doesn’t have a remote or user interface and relies on a smartphone to send video to the Chromecast. There’s still no support for 4K video, so the aging Chromecast Ultra remains the only option from Google for UHD video.
Google has dropped the Chrome logo and glossy finish of the previous model for a matte charcoal (gray) or chalk (white) housing that now features the Google “G” logo. The device is still powered through a micro USB port with a button next to the port that reboots the device. The new Chromecast is available starting today from Google for $35.
@AFTVnews
AFTVnews
Afaik the previous CCs also had a button.
I’m guessing they wont be adding CC Audio functionality to the previous model? Is it just a software issue or is there actual hardware reasons to justify it?
You’re right about the button. I’ve updated the post. I don’t know why CC Audio is only on the new hardware.
I don’t understand why these thing sell so well. Seems like a cheap Roku or FTV would serve most people so much better.
Totally agreed.
Some comments I’ve read say they prefer casting.
There are some benefits of the CC, for example, they dont ‘age’ as badly and you can stream from Chrome.
Although overall I do prefer the rivals and only keep one one the side which I got due to some discounts.
From my experience, the Fire devices do sell better than the CC.
I agree with you. I think some people, who live in their phone all day would rather grab their phone, than a remote. Personally, I don’t get it either. It’s way to much effort to watch a Youtube video, for example.
Initially, I think it sold a lot, because it is cheap.
I took his comment to mean, “Why buy a Chromecast when you can just buy another device for about the same price, that has way more functions, and you can also cast to it.”
Afaik the Roku and FTV support DIAL but not the full Cast protocol.
So they wouldn’t necesserily be a better alternative, unless maybe you get an suitable app, if casting is a primary motivator.
Personally, I took the comment to mean what you said up to the bit about casting.