Category: Chromecast

Google has rolled out another update to the Chromecast app for Android phones and tablets that brings a new Offers page off the menu.  The updated version is 1.13.13 for those keeping score at home and has been published to the Google Play Store.  That means that if you have the app already installed on one of your Android devices, you should see the OTA update at any point now.

Functionally you are not going to see much difference between this update and the previous version except this new Offers page.  As you may know, when you buy a Chromecast (and they are on sale – 2 for $55 & $20 in Google Play Store credits) you will receive various offers from Google and other companies that you can use with it.  These offers vary from time to time (generally every quarter they change a little bit) and range from free movies to trials of services (like Google Play Music).  Previously finding these offers was tricky and the fastest way I found was by going to the Offers website – not exactly handy while you are on-the-go.  Now all you do is tap the menu button in the upper left corner and tap on Offers.  There you will see all of the current offers available and you can tap on any one of them to get the details or to sign up.

If you are considering getting a Chromecast, take a look at my review.

If you are using a 1st generation Chromecast and are a Spotify customer, good news is coming your way today.  The latest firmware update to the 1st Gen Chromecast brings support for the music streaming service casting, something that the 2015 Chromecast users have enjoyed for a couple of weeks now.  Google made it clear that the update would be coming and it appears that it is finally here.  The update is rolling out to now so you can check your Chromecast app and see if it is available to you.  If so, reboot your Chromecast and the new firmware will be applied.

At the Google event last month we heard the announcement that Spotify would be updating their app and supporting Chromecast casting.  That update has happened and it is now available in the Google Play Store.  The update is version 3.8.0.800 for those keeping score at home and not only includes support for Chromecast but also supports the music streaming service built into 2016 BMW 7 Series cars.

Spotify for Android – Free (In-App Purchases) – Download Now

Among the many things that Google announced last week was a 2nd generation Chromecast.  For those who don’t know, the Chromecast devices connect to your television via HDMI and allow you to show (“cast”) apps, photos and app content to your television.  For example, you can cast Netflix using your Android phone or tablet as a remote control and telling your Chromecast what you want to view.  It then streams that content over your Wi-Fi network to your television.

There are a lot of things that make the 2015 model really attractive.  First is the price.  At only $35, you have a lot of functionality you are adding to your television at a minimal cost.  Second is the ease of use and setup.  You can literally be up and running in 5 minutes after you plug in the device to your television.  Finally, there is powerful and significantly improved app for Android that not only shows you apps you have installed that support casting, but gives you content at your fingertips you can easily start streaming content.

This new 2nd generation Chromecast isn’t without its faults but for the majority of users out there, this update is the a step in the right direction and if you are well entrenched in the Google ecosystem, is most decidedly a no-brainer to purchase.

Google Chromecast 2015 – $35 – Google Store

With two new Chromecast devices announced today by Google, it is only fitting that the app for Android has been updated as well.  The updated app is available now in the Google Play Store and it brings a huge number of updates to support better content searching and apps that can use Chromecast already installed on your device. The update is version 1.12.32 for those keeping score at home and is designed for both Android phones and tablets.

Chromecast for Android – Free – Download Now

The Google event is tomorrow and there is a lot that we are going to see.  From a new version of Android to new Android devices, we are going to get a wide range of things to ponder and lust over and there will likely even be a few surprises.  There are some things that are a given:  Two new Nexus phones, Android Marshmallow and a new Chromecast device.  But what else could we see?  I think there is a greater that zero chance we will see a lot more from the Googlers.

New Nexus Phones – Probability 100%

Again, this one is a given.  We will see not one but two new Nexus phones.  The Nexus 5X is 5.2″ device powered by the Snapdragon 808 processor while the Nexus 6P will be a 5.7″ device running the Snapdragon 810 processor.  The Nexus 5X is expected to be full HD while the 6P will be QuadHD and both will have over 400PPI so they are going to be ultra crisp and clean viewing displays no matter which size device you choose.  The Nexus 6P will come with the option of 128GB storage on board, a first for a Nexus device, while the 5X will come in 16/32/64GB of storage.  From a camera perspective, the 6P will have a 20MP camera while the 5X will only have a 13MP rear shooter.  Finally, both will have a fingerprint scanner for authentication, something that is supported in Android Marshmallow which these devices will be running.

Most of what we know on the Nexus 5X and 6P are already leaked so I don’t think we are going to see any surprises with the actual release tomorrow.  I suspect both devices will go on sale in October.