Google today announced a new version of its Chromecast product. The TV dongle uses HDMI to plug into today's television sets and includes dual-band 802.11ac WiFi for improved performance with other devices and the local wireless network. Google says the new Chromecast can sustain higher-quality video and audio with less buffering. Google also showed off a smaller product called Chromecast Audio. This product is specifically meant to help people cast music from their handset to in-home speakers. It connects via 3.5mm, RCA, or optical inputs. Moreover, the Chromecast app for Android and iOS has been fully redesigned to help people discover content much faster. For example, it shows what's on YouTube, Play Movies, Hulu, and live TV. The app knows to limit content selections based on the apps already installed on the handset in question. The app also boosts the ability to search for online content. The app will be rolling out over the next few weeks.


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