Google rolled out the second-generation Chromecast and the brand new Chromecast Audio in India on April 20.
Priced at Rs3,399, which is around $50, both the media-streaming digital devices are basically dongles that are designed to turn an ordinary television into a Smart TV. The dongles can get connected to any high-definition television set or home audio system that pulls audio or video content directly through Wi-Fi.
"The new Chromecast brings your favorite entertainment from your mobile devices to the big screen with ease. Chromecast Audio, our newest addition, lets you enjoy your favourite music, podcasts and radio from anywhere," summed up Mickey Kim, head of APAC Chromecast Partnerships. Besides providing access to countless movies, TV shows and music through Internet services like Netflix, YouTube, Hooq, and Eros Now, Chromecast also offers gaming options like Fitflap, Angry Birds Go, and Just Dance Now.
Additionally, Google is currently offering a six-month free subscription of Saavn Pro and Hooq with the device, after which the services become payable at a nominal rate.
In terms of specifications, the new model comes with an improved Wi-Fi connectivity that adapts to the fluctuating conditions and produces better video quality with minimal buffering. While the new caching system doesn't require more internal flash storage, the new dongle comes with only 256 MB versus the previous model's 2 GB.
Chromecast Audio, on the other hand, lets the smartphone users enjoy an amplified sound effect, by streaming music through Wi-Fi. It is also compatible with music apps like Saavn and Wynk, and can be plugged to multiple speakers in a living space. Its main selling point is its ability to work independently and offer a better range than Bluetooth adapters that would do nothing to enhance the sound.
The dongle is compatible with Chromebooks, Android devices, Windows laptops as well as iOS devices.
Both the Chromecast devices are now available through online retailers like Snapdeal, Flipkart, and PayTM, as well as offline stores like Reliance and Croma. Google has already sold around 20 million Chromecast devices ever since it first rolled out this product line in 2014.
Photo: TechStage | Flickr
