Google Unveils Fleet of New Chromecast Products
An Updated Chromecast, Chromecast Audio, and a Chromecast app
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Google unveiled a new roster of Chromecast products on Tuesday at a special media event in San Francisco. In addition to updating its TV streaming device, the Chromecast, the company also announced a new dedicated music-streaming device called Chromecast Audio.
Chromecast Audio is a new device that turns any speaker set into Wi-Fi speakers. Users can plug Chromecast Audio into existing devices using a 1/8-inch headphone jack (AUX), RCA cables or optical input. Once it’s plugged in, users can control the speaker using the Chromecast App. That means that any existing Bluetooth speakers, surround sound speakers, bookshelf speaker, or regular desktop speakers can be turned into smart home speakers.
The new audio device works just like existing Chromecast products. Once you’re in a supported app, you just tap the Cast button, and the audio begins streaming directly to your Chrome product. There is no pairing required.
The device also features a Guest Mode, so friends and family can easily play music from their speakers. From the Chrome browser, users can stream from their Android phone, tablet, or even laptop. Chromecast Audio is also compatible with a large list of music apps including Spotify, Google Play Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Songza, TuneIn, Rdio, NPR One and more.