Google Introduces Chromecast with Google TV and Nest Audio Speaker
Google unveils a revamped Chromecast streaming dongle with a dedicated voice remote and a new Nest Audio speaker, both priced aggressively to compete with Apple.
Google unveils two new home devices during its "Launch Night In" event, headlined by the newly branded Chromecast with Google TV. The updated streaming dongle plugs directly into an HDMI port and features a brightly colored design, but its biggest upgrade is the inclusion of a dedicated voice remote. This new remote allows users to search for movies by genre or actor, positioning the device as a direct competitor to the Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV set-top boxes.
The tech giant also introduces the Nest Audio speaker, a new home audio solution that delivers room-filling sound. The speaker works solo or as a stereo pair and uses smart algorithms to adjust its audio output based on the specific environment it sits in. This approach closely mimics the adaptive audio features found in Apple's HomePod, offering similar functionality to consumers looking to upgrade their smart home sound systems.
Both products feature highly aggressive pricing that undercuts Apple's comparable hardware by a significant margin. The Chromecast with Google TV costs just $50 and comes in snow, sky, and sunrise colors, while the Nest Audio speaker is available for $99. Google typically prices its hardware at or below cost, relying on the valuable user data it collects after purchase to offset the financial loss and sustain its business model.