Google Unveils 2018 Chromecast: 1080p at 60 fps, Chromecast Audio Support
by Anton Shilov on October 9, 2018 6:00 PM EST- Posted in
- Media Player
- Android
- Chromecast
Google on Tuesday introduced its newest Chromecast dongle for media streaming. The updated device adds support for 60 fps streaming at 1080p, but does not support a 4K resolution, which is why the Chromecast Ultra remains Google’s top-of-the-range media player. In addition, the new dongle supports Chromecast Audio technology.
The third-generation Chromecast is based on an SoC that is 15% faster when compared to the chip that powers the second-gen Chromecast dongle. These limited performance improvements naturally did not allow Google to significantly improve the feature-set of the device (e.g., add 4K streaming support). As a result, the only tangible streaming advantage that the new Chromecast has over its predecessor is support for 1080p60 video. In addition, the updated device will support Chromecast Audio functionality, which lets a Chromecast play back music in sync with other speakers connected to Google’s devices (this capability will be added later in 2018).
When it comes to connectivity, the Chromecast continues to feature an HDMI interface, 802.11ac Wi-Fi support for both 2.4Ghz and 5GHz, and has a Micro-USB connector for power (5V, 1A) or an optional Ethernet adapter. As for compatibility, the Chromecast can work with devices running Android, ChromeOS, iOS, macOS, and Windows. Besides, the Chromecast can also work with Google's Home device, Google's Assistant speakers, and other smart home electronics.
Just like before, the 2018 Chromecast device will retail for $35.
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Source: Google
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andyveryhandy - Thursday, October 11, 2018 - link
Hey, what’s a use case for Bluetooth headphones with a Chromecast? I can see multi-room audio, I can see external speakers - but if you’re wearing headphones, it seems like it would be easier to directly connect the og device and the headphones. Never mind the obvious latency and quality issues that come from Bluetooth.Impulses - Friday, October 12, 2018 - link
I imagine he uses the Chromecast for video/streaming so that *is* his device (may not have an AVR in between with BT or the outputs for a BT adapter), and he wants BT so he can use headphones wirelessly on the couch. WiFi is definitely preferable in the house but there's no great WiFi solution for headphones...I use headphones a lot and I end up using them either wired (if I care a lot about quality, with a specialty amp etc) or thru BT with a MEE adapter that has optical in and AptX LL... Works alright with my particular BT adapter for the house (Fiio BRT1) but that can be pretty hit or miss. I use a different BT adapter when out and about and headphones with BT built in are another roll of the dice.
I've not even tried my Shield's built in BT but I've heard it's not great...
PaoDeTech - Monday, October 15, 2018 - link
Correct. My setup is minimalist: wifi - chromecast - tv (and phone as "remote"). No other input. What I miss is the ability to switch to wireless headphone when wife goes to sleep. If Chromecast provided BT audio connectivity with the correct audio/video latency adjustment (or AptX LL) then I'm set. I did try BT headphone with my PC watching youtube; the latency was unbearable. Yet having a wire crossing the living room is also not acceptable.