Google Chromecast Gets an Upgrade, Google Home Support

Amidst the launch of the Pixel 3, Pixel Slate, and Abode Hub yesterday, Google also quietly released a new Chromecast media streamer.

Featuring a new design, the third-gen Chromecast is 15 percent faster than its predecessor and supports streaming in 1080p at 60 frames per second for "a more than lifelike image," Chromecast Product Manager Jess Bonner wrote in a weblog post.

"When you lot're watching the game, it will feel even more like you're there," Bonner promised.

It works with Google Home, and then y'all can command it with voice commands such every bit "Hey Google, play Cobra Kai from YouTube" or "Hey Google, play The Crown on Netflix" (as long as you take a Netflix subscription).

When it's not in use, the new Chromecast can turn your Television set into a digital photo frame displaying images from Google Photos. With Google's new Live Albums characteristic, also available on Habitation Hub, yous can "enjoy a constantly updating stream of photos of the people and pets y'all care well-nigh and skip blurry ones and duplicates," Bonner wrote.

Afterward this year, you'll be able to add Chromecast to speaker groups, so you tin pump the jams throughout your house.

Similar previous versions, the new Chromecast is $35. It comes in ii new colors, chalk and charcoal, and is available for purchase now in the U.s., Australia, Canada, Kingdom of denmark, Finland, Britain, Nippon, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, and Sweden.

The 2d-generation Chromecast, released in 2022, earned an "fantabulous" rating in PCMag'south review, and our Editors' Pick for media streamers. We praised its affordable price, piece of cake setup, and noted its compatibility with many apps and services. The main downside we noted is that it requires a smartphone, tablet, or PC to control.

Almost Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo is PCMag's expert on fitness and smart home products. Teaching yoga for nearly ten years has helped her in evaluating a range of continued health products including fitness trackers, center rate monitors, rowers, smart scales, stationary bikes, strength training machines, treadmills, and more. Angela also tests smart domicile devices from her ranch in Florida, including air purifiers, kitchen appliances, and robot vacuums, but to name a few.