Big news for Chromecast users came out of today’s Nexus event. In addition to showing off two new Chromecast devices, Google announced that a handful of popular services are adding Cast support. Showtime and Spotify support landed on the device starting today, while support for Sling TV, the NBA, and NHL apps are on the way.
While the promise of new app support for the NBA and NHL mobile apps is exciting, Sling TV is possibly the biggest app coming to Chromecast in the near future. The service allows subscribers to watch over 20 channels of live TV for $20 per month, and while it’s had its issues when it comes to handling the inherent volatility of live TV delivered online, adding Chromecast support makes Sling TV more accessible than ever.
Sling TV also shared news about the new partnership on its company blog, revealing that Chromecast will be added as one of the Internet TV service’s supported devices in “the coming weeks.” According to Sling TV CEO Roger Lynch, “Chromecast has been one of [the company’s] most requested devices.” Users are getting their way, with Sling TV on Chromecast set to work with Android smartphones and tablets, iPhones, and iPads. Compatibility for Windows and Macs is in the works.
Although DirecTV’s NFL Sunday Ticket is already supported, the app is getting new features on Chromecast. Through an update, users will be able to stream games on their TV and simultaneously use their phones to check up on scores and stats on the mobile app. As any fantasy football fan knows, that’s huge.
Those who want to try out the latest apps to add Chromecast support may also want to consider stepping up to the second-generation Chromecast. According to Google, the new devices will provide higher video quality and users won’t have to put up with as much buffering because the device is designed to work better with your wireless router.
In addition, search functionality has been improved to make it easier to find TV series or movies you’re interested in, whether you’re browsing or looking for something specific. And while it’s highly likely that the new Chromecast still lags behind there in comparison to the new Amazon Fire TVs, and the new Apple TV, its $35 price point makes it the most accessible streaming device on the block.
