Google to Attract Viewers With Chromecast, Nexus 7 Update

by Michelle Maisto

Google calls Chromecast the “easiest way to enjoy online videos on your TV.” It’s compatible with Android, iOS and Windows Phone devices and is available now for $35.

The Chromecast dongle connects to an HDTV via the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port. Quick access to content, says Google, is three steps away: Plug in Chromecast, connect it to WiFi and then “cast” online content to your TV using your smartphone, tablet or laptop.

Casting looks like this. Whichever type of device you use, an icon in the top, right corner lets you know that a cast is in session.

Chromecast offers access to content from Google Play, as well as Netflix, YouTube and, soon, apps like Pandora. Google is offering three free months of Netflix with a Chromecast purchase, which should give Netflix subscriptions a considerable boost.

The new Nexus 7 is the first device to run Android 4.3. This latest version lets different users have their own home screens and set up customizable spaces on a device, and enables parents to manage younger users’ experiences and even set up application spending limits.

The new Nexus 7 is 2mm thinner and nearly 2 ounces lighter than the older model. A quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor and 2GB of RAM ensure even 3D graphics render smoothly and quickly, says Google.

The Nexus 7 features 323 pixels per inch—or a total of 2.3 million—making it the highest-resolution 7-inch tablet ever made. Google calls it “sharper than the printed page.”

The Google Play Store will begin selling the Nexus 7 July 30. Best Buy is already taking preorders, selling a 16GB version for $229 and a 32GB version for $269. Google says versions with 4G LTE connectivity from T-Mobile and Verizon will also be available.