Chromecast
Changing a regular TV into a smart TV has been done by
Chromecast since it was first introduced in 2013. Now, after selling around 20
million units of Chromecast, Google is ready to present the second generation
of Chromecast which gets many improvements, both at inside and outside
components.
The new version of Chromecast is not made in square shape
just like the USB flash drive. Now this device has rounded and flattened body;
it looks harmonious with Chrome symbol which also has rounded shape. Google
claims that this design makes Chromecast easier to be mounted to TV where the
rear panel is often crowded with a lot of cables.
Chromecast function is basically still the same, i.e.
bridging the mobile device with the TV, facilitates the process of content
mirroring wirelessly. Plug the Chromecast via its HDMI cable to the TV, and
then open the YouTube app on smartphone - or other apps that are compatible
with Chromecast - and you can pass on the contents with only one touch.
Chromecast don't need to be paired first, there is only one
condition to use it, your smartphone and TV have to be in the same Wi-Fi
network. The second generation of Chromecast itself also supports Wi-Fi AC
technology and is equipped with three antennas that are able to adapt to the
fluctuations of Wi-Fi signal in the house.
However Chromecast still has another surprise: the games.
Chromecast now also comes with some games that are specially designed for it,
such as Angry Birds GO, WGT Golf, Monopoly and others. Here your smartphone
acts as the controller and you can play in multiplayer mode, similar to that's
offered by Apple TV.
Chromecast Audio
Besides the Chromecast, Google also introduces a new device
called Chromecast Audio. As expected, this device is a Chromecast for the
speakers. Chromecast Audio has a mission to change the regular speaker into a
wireless speaker which has multi-room capability.
Chromecast Audio has the same shape with the standard
Chromecast, but with different finishing, and certainly it doesn't use the HDMI
cable, but the standard 3.5 mm audio cable. Just connect the Chromecast Audio
to the speaker, and then you can forward the music from a smartphone or tablet
via Wi-Fi network.
The music playback is not limited only for Chromecast
companion application. The Chromecast Audio is also compatible with popular
music streaming applications such as Pandora, Spotify, and of course Google
Play Music. Since this device utilizes Wi-Fi network, the forwarded music won't
undergo compression and the sound quality is supposed to be better.
Both Chromecast and Chromecast Audio are now sold at a price
of $ 35 each, but unfortunately only in 17 countries.
Pixel C
Google also briefly shows off a new tablet called Pixel C.
This is the first tablet that's designed by Google itself, without interference
from other vendors just like in the Nexus line.
One of excellences of Pixel C is the presence of a Bluetooth
keyboard that also acts as the tablet's docking, following the concept that's
introduced by Microsoft Surface. Uniquely, you will not find any kickstand
here; the Pixel C is really supported by a strong magnet. At the same time, the
position of the screen can also be set with a slope of up to 135 degrees.
Pixel C has a 10.2-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 2560
x 1800 pixels (308 ppi). It's powered by Nvidia Tegra X1 chipset with octa-core
processor, 3 GB RAM and Maxwell GPU - the same as found in the desktop graphics
card. Following the latest standards, Pixel C is also packed with USB-C port for
charging, data transfer, and so forth.
Pixel C looks similar to the Chromebook Pixel. Even so, it
runs the Android Marshmallow OS rather than Chrome OS. The price is also much
cheaper: $ 499 for the 32 GB variant, $ 599 for the 64 GB variant, while the keyboard
is sold separately for $ 149.