INQUISITR.COM / Science & Tech

New Google Chromecast: New Design For Same Old Price

By Jonathan Franks
Published on: 09:07 PST, Sep 29, 2015

The newest version of the Google Chromecast has finally arrived – and it looks just like a hockey puck!

At first glance, it is apparently clear that Google decided to stray away from the rectangular stick look of its popular streaming device. For the updated design, as reported by CNET, the multinational technology company created a round puck that comes attached to an integrated HDMI cable.

In addition to the brand new shape and structure, many consumers may be excited by the fact that the new Google Chromecast goes far beyond the standard black color used with its predecessor. On the contrary, the updated version comes available in three different colors: red, black, and yellow.

Google Chromecast
Google CEO Sundar Pichai speaks during a Google media event on September 29, 2015 in San Francisco, California.

Aside from the cosmetic changes of the Google Chromecast, this popular streaming device reportedly had a makeover when it comes to its internal capabilities and overall operations as well – resolving multiple issues experienced with the older model.

WI-FI CONNECTIVITY

One of the major issues that consumers experienced with the older version of the Chromecast was its intermittent Wi-Fi connectivity.

According to the reports given during the Google media day on Tuesday, that issue has been addressed and resolved with the updated model. It works with the most recent 802.11ac standard within the 2.4GHz as well as the 5GHz networks. An adaptive antenna system implemented within the device uses three combined antennas to improve the overall stability of its streaming.

LIMITED SPACE FOR STICK

Not all consumers had enough space available to easily plug their Google Chromecast sticks into an available HDMI port on their televisions.

Depending on the location of the TV and its proximity to the nearest wall, for instance, quite a few consumers were forced to either move their televisions or use the rectangular predecessor on a different TV all together.

Google Chromecast
The Google Chromecast SDK is displayed during a Google special event at Dogpatch Studios on July 24, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

The newly designed Chromecast, on the other hand, comes with an attached cable that is long enough to fit those tough-to-reach ports.

NO REMOTE, BUT THERE’S AN APP

Unlike its top competitors, including Roku, the new Google Chromecast still does not come with an external remote control. Consumers will still need to rely on their own mobile device to access and operate the updated device. However, Google apparently hopes that the development of a new app will make consumers forget about that minor setback.

According to CNET, the Chromecast app is the primary hub for the consumer’s streaming experience.

“It shows all of the…compatible apps you have installed in one central location, so you no longer need to hunt them down…individually. It provides access to all…devices on your network, which also allows other users and their phones to more easily…cast to the TV.”

THE PRICE HAS NOT CHANGED

With its upgraded design and improved operation, it would not have been very surprising to hear that Google raised the base price of this streaming device. However, as reported by The Verge, that is apparently not the case at all. Google has opted to keep the price point of the new and improved Google Chromecast in 17 different countries – including its $35 price tag in the United States.

[Image Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]

Share this article: New Google Chromecast: New Design For Same Old Price
More from Inquisitr