Google launches Chromecast, Chromecast Audio in India

Google announced the launch of its two new Chromecast devices for the Indian market at a press briefing in New Delhi on Wednesday. The devices had been unveiled last year in September and will be available in India now.

Both the devices have been priced for Rs 3,399 each, are listed on Google Play store and will be available on popular e-commerce platforms such as Snapdeal and Flipkart.

The second generation Chromecast dongle has got a completely new design circular design. It plugs into the HDMI port on the TV and can be connected to the Chromecast app over WiFi. Google claims to have improved the connectivity on the Chromecast as it has three onboard antennas and dual-band 5GHz 802.11ac Wi-Fi. This helps in smooth, high quality streaming. Google has also updated the Chromecast app where users can control the volume and can play and stop the streaming from the app itself. The app has also got various tabs which makes it easy for the consumers to find more content and access more apps that are compatible with the Chromecast. The Fast Play allows quick streaming as soon as the Cast button is pressed. This new media streaming device will be available in three colours - Red, Yellow, Black.

Along with the Chromecast media streaming dongle, Google has also launched the Chromecast Audio. When plugged into any speaker with auxiliary port, the Chromecast audio turns it into a wireless smart speaker. It also needs to be connected to the power. Operated via Chromecast app, the Chromecast Audio streams music over WiFi. The Chromecast Audio works can be operated from iOS devices, Android smartphones and tablets, Windows laptop, Mac machines and Chromebooks. The Chromecast Audio supports 3.5mm (comes with AUX cable), RCA, and optical inputs. Even multiple speakers with Chromecast Audio can be grouped together and paired with the Chromecast app for playing same music from multiple speakers.

"The new Chromecast brings favourite entertainment from mobile devices to the big screen with ease. With improved connectivity, a new design and an updated app, friends and family can share the fun of streaming movies, music, games and shows," said Mickey Kim, head of APAC Chromecast Partnerships.

Till date, Google claims to have sold over 20 million Chromecast devices worldwide.