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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Impulses - Wednesday, October 10, 2018 - link
Err, AFAIK none of the Chromecasts have BT? I imagine this would be strictly for piping audio via HDMI and straight to a TV or AVR... I think I'd actually have preferred this to using optical out with the CCA in my living room, at least if I had extra HDMI inputs free on the AVR, which I don't so w/e...More people probably buy regular Chromecast review CCAs tho, or at least more people probably plug into HDMI rather than optical for larger speakers, so this opens up the audio end a bit... Still dunno why they couldn't do it with previous Chromecasts tho.
jordanclock - Wednesday, October 10, 2018 - link
Despite the presence of Bluetooth hardware, there are no signs the new CC has Bluetooth support.The group playback for these would be for TVs and those with HDMI passthrough equipment to a stereo.
andyveryhandy - Thursday, October 11, 2018 - link
I was wondering the same thing - your comment makes everything clear. Thank you.Wish the article would have mentioned this.
Duraz0rz - Wednesday, October 10, 2018 - link
I bought a Chromecast Ultra without realizing Chromecast Audio wasn't supported. If they can update the Ultra to have that functionality, that would be baller.Impulses - Friday, October 12, 2018 - link
I thought they had planned that at one point, or maybe it was speakers that they were gonna tie in with the CCA group play functionality... I know my RIVA speaker pairs just fine with my CCAs, and I ended up with both a CCA and a NV Shield in the living room so it could pair be grouped with the rest of the house for audio... Kind of a dumb workaround but for $35 I was like whatever.CheapSushi - Tuesday, October 9, 2018 - link
I bought the first gen Chromecast and honestly for the price it's a really great device. I use it often each week and it's still doing good. Was thinking about trying out this 3rd gen since only $35.YukaKun - Wednesday, October 10, 2018 - link
If they still don't support WPA Enterprise, I don't care.Cheers!
jordanclock - Wednesday, October 10, 2018 - link
Why would you expect a very low price piece of consumer equipment to have WPA Enterprise support? Google isn't going to expect this to be used in a home environment with RADIUS.PaoDeTech - Wednesday, October 10, 2018 - link
I don't care about 4K but I do want:- High Quality HD with minimal artifacts (H.265 1080p 60hz). This seems to be implemented
- Built in BT low latency (aptX?) to connect BT headphones. Will this be supported?product map?
Impulses - Wednesday, October 10, 2018 - link
I think the lowest latency BT codec is a subset of AptX (AptX LL) but I've heard Qualcomm licenses all their variants separately, hence why not every device has AptX LL & HD, etc. BT can be a crapshoot for that and a host of other reasons, I use BT a lot on the go and some at home... If you're in a HT environment can't you just play with the audio delay settings of AVRs tho?