#madebygoogle Launch Event Chromecast Google Home (Part 2 of 2)

Here is part two of the @madebygoogle launch event summary. Part 1 we covered Google’s new phone Pixel, Google VR headset – Daydram, and Google Wifi. In part 2, we will go into detail with Chromecast Ultra and Google Home

Chromecast Ultra

Google announced their 2nd generation Chromecast roughly a year ago. At that time, it was rumored to offer 4K Ultra HD and HDR support but were dissapointed. Today, Google made the announcement for Chromecast Ultra which did exactly this. As of this day, Google has sold over 30 million gen 1 and gen 2 Chromecasts. chromecast-ultra

Google Play Movies will offer 4K movies soon. It will support Dolby vision, 4K, and HDR. With an adapter, you will be able to connect directly with an Ethernet cable. It is 1.8x faster than 2nd gen Chromecast.

Cost $69 and will be available in Nov.

Here is a quick comparison difference between Chromecast 2nd Gen and Chromecast Ultra.

chromecast-compare-1

chromecast-compare-2

Sadly, the least amount of time was spent on Chromecast Ultra 🙁

Google Home

google-home

A lot of time was spent on demo’ing Google Home. Here we are introduced to Google Assistant again.

Simple things you can do:
Enjoy music, get answers from Google, manage everyday tasks, control devices at home.

Features:
-Exchangeable Base for customization
-Far field speech recognition. Amazon Echo has this problem where it is hard to speak over the music. I am keen to find out how Google has resolved this.
-Voice activation
-LED status display
-Mute button
-Capacitive buttons

Music
-Direct access to Youtube Music
-Access to spotify, tunein, pandora, ihearttradio

google-home-music-subscription

 

 

 

 

-Google Assistant can search the music you have in mind such as “find me shakira’s song from zootopia” and it will play. First time a ‘smart’ feature has been used and demonstrated.

Getting Answers from Google
You can ask various pictures and Google will pull info from their knowledge, Wikipedia, and others. It uses featured snippets by reading a quote from a certain website which may have the answer. No explanation on how they determine what is an authoritative site.

You can also use Google Home to search for businesses nearby, how to get there, traffic conditions and more.

it can also read certain answers in a foreign language. Spanish was demo’d.

Google can help manage everyday Tasks

You can get Google Assistant to read you a summary by simply saying, “Ok Google, Good morning”. It will give you a briefing of the weather, traffic, schedule, and reminder which can be customized. You can also ask Google Assistant to display your shopping list on your phone. This is something Amazon Echo cannot do.

Control devices at home

Next is controlling smart devices. They listed nest, Samsung SmartThings, Philips hue, IFTTT.

google-home-smart

 

 

 
If you have Chromecast, you can use Google Home to play content on your TV. It may be able to be used to turn the TV on if it supports the feature.

Photos – you can ask Google Home to display photos from Google Photo album by name and time.

Similarly, you can use Google Assistant through Google Home to activate your Google Cast Audio enabled speakers.

Google Home will support multi device support to stream or play across all devices. You can also create a group such as living room and kitchen but not the bedrooms. Echo cannot do this.

Google assured that Google Assistant will continue improve.

Google Home is $129. Great price!
Includes free 6 months trial to Youtube Red.
Pre-order starts today and will be shipped Nov. 4th. It will also be available in certain brick and mortar stores.

google-home-options-colors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
As an Amazon Echo owner, I’m finding it hard to justify Google Home when the features are so similar. There are advantages to both with Google fully integrated with my Android phone and Alexa with the full Prime features.

Will you get the Google Home? Why or why not?

#madebygoogle Launch Event Summary! (Part 1 of 2)

Today, Oct 4, Google held their #madebygoogle event and wow’d the world the latest and greatest products. Here is a summary of all of the products announced at this event.

The event started out with a nifty video which segwayed from their signature search bar to Google Assistant.

Sundar Pichai gave the intro welcoming everyone including the interesting fact that they were using a space that used to be a chocolate factory in the early 1900’s. Put a lot of emphasis on the history of computing and now AI (artificial intelligence) and their desire to build Google Assistant. Google Assistant is an attempt to personalize information based on your preferences, history, and what is known to Google (that’s my interpretation). Google wants everyone to use Google Assistant. Google Assistant will speak as humanly as possible. Google will launch Assistant through the phone and the home.

Pixel – Phone by Google

google-pixel-1

Google finally announced their latest Google phone, Pixel. Google went away with the Nexus brand and now call their phones simply ‘Pixel’. Pixel is the first phone with built in Google Assistant. All the functionality in the Google Home will be available will be available on the Pixel phone. The phone has a polished aluminum look with a ridge on the sides and no camera lens bump (sorry iPhone!).

Everything from finding event tickets, texting, showing pictures from a particular time will be do-able from Google Assist.

Pixel Camera:
Highlight for me is the camera. The Pixel received a 89 rating from DXOMARK Mobile which is the highest ever. Can’t wait to see the photo quality comparisons between iPhone 7+ and Pixel! It utilizes a 12.3-megapixel camera with smartburst, HDR+, and video stabilization capabilities. With Pixel, you get unlimited full quality photo and video storage with Google Photos. It is also compatible with Daydream (more on this later).

google-pixel-camera

Pixel Battery:
The battery has quick charge up to 7 hours of battery life with just 15 minutes of charging (if that is from max, then that is worrying…). 5″ will sport 2,770 mAh and 5.5″ will have 3,450 mAh battery

Pixel O/S and support:
Pixel Operating system will run Android Nouget and will receive timely updates. It also includes 24/7 customer care including the option to share your screen. No more awkward description of what you can and can’t do! If you own an iPhone and want to switch? No problem! Pixel will include a tool to migrate from your iPhone to Pixel including messages in iMessages.

Pixel Screen Size and color:
Pixel will come in two sizes, 5 inch and 5.5 inches. Unlike the iPhone 7, there is no difference in the features between the two. The Pixel will be available in 3 colors: Quite Black, Very Silver, and a limited edition Really Blue (yes, these are the actual names of the colors).

Pixel Hardware Specs:
Other specs includes
-hi-def AMOLED display
-Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 CPU / processor
-Quadcore 2x 2.15GHz / 2x 1.6 GHz Processor
-4GB LPDDR4 RAM
-Pixel Imprint fingerprint sensor
-5″ will sport 2,770 mAh and 5.5″ will have 3,450 mAh battery
-32 or 128 GB internal memory option
-USB Type C port
-3.5mm headphone jack
-Bluetooth 4.2

Pixel Price:

Ouch! Google’s Pixel phone starts at $649 for 5″ and $769 for 5.5″ for the 32GB version. If you want the 128GB version, it will be $749 for 5″ and $869 for 5.5″.

Daydream View

Google then announced their first VR headset. It is made of soft fabric material which is a deviation from hard plastic from others like Samsung. It comes with a controller which seems to function like a Wii remote as we know it.

Comes in three colors – snow (not white btw), slate, and crimson.

A Demo on a Harry Potter game that is Daydream compatible and looks super awesome! Google Play movies will also feature Daydream. Interested to see how this will work.

Daydream Price is $79

google-daydream

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Google Wifi

Google announced a smart WiFi router which can be cascaded to cover ‘blackout’ areas in your house. It includes WiFi assist where it can manage traffic to prevent congestion. Not sure how much traffic you need to fully utilize this. If also has built in features where you can shut off certain connections (*cough* teenage kids).

They are packaging the router where you can get a discount if you buy 3. I’m not sure how many have homes that need 3 routers if you ask me.

Google Wifi Cost: $129 for one or $299 for 3-pack. You can pre-order in Nov. and will ship in Dec.

google-wifi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

continued at part 2

Chromecast Audio Rebooting Routers

router-rebootIn a weird twist, the latest Chromecast update is causing routers, which are connected to Chromecast Audio, to reboot. User Keith DD posted on the Google Cast Help Forum on Sept 26 that he has 3 Chromecast Audios and noticed his ISP router kept rebooting. Thinking the router became defective, the ISP sent a replacement but as soon as he plugged in his Chromecast Audio, the router rebooted. He tested it with another router and again, it worked find when the Chromecast Audio was not plugged in but as soon as it was plugged in, the routers rebooted.

Factory reset did not fix the issue. Neither than amending various settings on his router.

Google employee, Christina Pham, who is super helpful on the help forums responded and acknoweldged this is isolated to Chromecast Audio users running firmware 1.21.72444 on select wifi routers. A fix should be released soon.

Are you impacted by this? If so, help the community out by filling the following details using this form:

  1. Summary of the issue
  2. ISP
  3. Router Make and model
  4. The keywords “1.21.72444 – Router Reboot“

Chromecast’s first Preview Feature is to remove Chromecast Branding

Leave a reply

google_g-logo-casatRecently, we posted on the ability to opt into the Google’s Preview Program. The first experimental feature was released and it was used to remove all ‘Chrome’ branding from Chromecast. Instead, it replaced it with a simple ‘G’ logo. The preview released firmware version 1.21.72444. This firmware was released to all Chromecast devices including gen 1, gen 2, and audio devices. Google’s official release page indicated this release was to fix general bug fixes and stability improvements. But it doesn’t appear there were anything done other than the branding.

Try new features with Chromecast Preview Program

Leave a reply

Google’s latest update to its Cast app allows users to opt into experimental features that are not ready for public roll out. If you are are the type who want to experience the latest features and don’t mind some bugs here and then, this may be for you. To participate, it is very simple.

Simply follow the below instructions:

First, go into your Google Cast app and select the devices tab.
Click on the 3 vertical buttons to display the menu. click “Device Settings”

2016-09-16-23-01-02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under device settings, you will see ‘Preview Program” which is set to Off. Click it.

2016-09-16-23-01-10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will be prompted to join the Chromecast Preview Program with 3 scientists worshiping a lightbulb at the top. Click ‘Join Program’

2016-09-16-23-01-18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under the preview program in device settings, you will see that it is now changed to “On (Waiting for next preview firmware update).
2016-09-16-23-20-48

And that’s it. We will report when the first preview firmware update is released.

Google will possibly launch a 4K streaming device – Chromecast Plus

Leave a reply

chromecast ultraMark your calendars for Oct 4th. Google has scheduled a live event on Oct. 4, 2016 for their hardware lines. The main focus of the event is to launch two new phones, the Pixel and Pixel XL, more info on Google Home, and Daydream VR device. Android Police is reporting that Google also plans to announce the 3rd gen casting device dub’d Chromecast Plus or Chromecast Ultra which will support 4K streaming.

4K was intended to launch with the 2nd Gen Chromecast but it was delayed. With more and more consumers jumping to TV supporting 4K, this may be the perfect timing to get into the Ultra HD game.

Google Chrome browser now comes default with ability to Cast

Leave a reply

cast extensionGoogle announced today that the latest Chrome update includes the Cast option by default. Previously, you had to go to the Chrome Webstore from your Chrome browser, search for Google Cast extension, download then install. As of now, the Google Cast version Version: 15.1120.0.4 updated March 2016 is still available on the webstore. If you have Chrome browser Version 52.0.2743.116 m for Windows, it will have Cast icon at the upper right of your screen.
Google bragged that in the month of July, users have cast content from their Chrome browser over 38 million times while watching and listening to more then 50 million hours of content.

This improved integration will encourage more people to Cast their screen or content. You can also now seamlessly Cast Hangouts, play games, Google Education tools, and content that supports Chromecast.

Note, this is for PC devices only and not for Chrome mobile browser. There is no word yet if or when we can Cast from Chrome mobile browser.

Chromecast the Rio Olympics using the NBC Sports App

Leave a reply

You can watch the Rio Olympics using the NBC Sports app which supports Chromecast. I’ve always been a big olympics fan. The earliest memory I have is from the 1988 Seoul Olympics. If you are like me and are busy during the day, you are limited to watching replays which is usually USA swimming or gymnastics as they attract the highest ratings. There is nothing wrong with catching some Michael Phelps but I want to watch other sports such as volleyball, basketball, soccer, judo, as well as other countries. The NBS Sports app allows you to watch almost all of the events live if you have a paid TV subscription. Unfortunately, there are option to simply watch what is on over the air national channel.

For some reason, the iOS app has much lower ratings and number of reviews against the Android app. I’ve not personally tried to iOS app but am pretty happy with the Android app. I’ve been able to cast several events as well as watching a number of replays when my time didnt fit. There are ads when you start up – a Citi ad each time you load the app and various video ads during breaks. They do cut back to the game so the ad doesn’t feel too long or intrusive.

To cast, turn on WiFi on your device then click onto the Cast icon while browsing the list of events or click on the event then the Cast icon to start casting.

android nbc sports app

ios nbc app

 

 

 

Happy Birthday OG Chromecast!

Leave a reply

The original Chromecast achieved a milestone yesterday but celebrating its 3rd birthday! The unassuming HDMI device flew under the radar and launched with little fan fair turned into a major media player in the streaming industry. With the low price of $35, it enabled hundreds of HDTV owners to make their ‘dumb’ TV’s ‘smart’. It sure paid off for my family as we had a 10 year old Samsung 40″ TV which functions fine but do not have any built in smart features.

The Chromecast changed that. I was soon able to stream from youtube for my kids and shortly after stream from virtually any media content on my PC using the Chrome extension. Now, almost all major streaming apps support Chromecast and the list is growing. As of today, Google shipped over 30 million Chromecast.

Happy birthday!

07.24_GS_Chromecast-Birthday-03

LED Status Indicators for Chromecast

Leave a reply

What do the LED colors mean on the Chromecast? If you have thought of this before, you are not along. A lot of times people may create devices but not have the explanation as to what the meaning behind LED colors or the difference between solid, blink, occasional blink! The manual doesn’t have the full explanation about each color or blink but Google has a help page where it explains the LED status indicators. You can find it here:

https://support.google.com/chromecast/answer/6291385

For first generation Chromecast:

LED status LED indicator meaning
Solid white Chromecast is connected to the network and is ready to begin casting content, or is already casting content.
Pulsing white Your Chromecast is disconnected and needs to be set up.
Pulsing red (during update process) Your Chromecast is receiving an update and is not available for casting. It will be available for use shortly. Do not disconnect your device from power.
Pulsing red (during regular use) A pulsing red LED light outside of an update is intended to show an error that causes you to see a black screen on your TV. However, the Cast team is aware of a current issue where the LED light blinks red when your device is working properly. We’ve identified the source of the issue in the current firmware 1.20.66189 and are working on a fix that will roll out in the next firmware version update.
Pulsing red + black TV screen If you see a pulsing red LED light on your Chromecast device and a black TV screen, try the first step below and see if it resolves the issue. If it doesn’t, move on to the next step:

  1. Perform a reboot on your device by unplugging it from the power source, waiting about 1 minute, and then plugging it back in
  2. Power off your TV
  3. Use the HDMI extender provided with your Chromecast device if you have one
  4. Try plugging your Chromecast into another TV
  5. Perform a Factory Data Reset (FDR).

For 2nd generation Chromecast:

LED status LED indicator meaning
Solid white Chromecast is connected to the network and ready to begin casting content, or is already casting content.
Pulsing white Your Chromecast is disconnected and needs to be set up.
Pulsing orange (during update process) Your Chromecast is receiving an update and is not available for casting. It will be available for use shortly. Please do not disconnect your device from power.
Pulsing orange (during regular use) A pulsing orange LED light outside of an update is intended to show an error that causes you to see a black screen on your TV. However, the Cast team is aware of a current issue where the LED light blinks orange when your device is working properly. We’ve identified the source of the issue in the current firmware 1.20.66189 and are working on a fix that will roll out in the next firmware version update.
Pulsing orange + black TV screen If you see a pulsing orange LED light on your Chromecast device and a black TV screen, try the first step below and see if it resolves the issue. If it doesn’t, move on to the next step:

  • Perform a reboot on your device by unplugging it from the power source, waiting about 1 minute, and then plugging it back in
  • Power off your TV
  • Use the HDMI extender provided with your Chromecast device if you have one
  • Try plugging your Chromecast into another TV
  • Perform a Factory Data Reset (FDR)
Solid orange There may be an error with your device. Perform a reboot on your device by unplugging it from the power source, waiting about 1 minute, and then plugging it back in. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, perform a Factory Data Reset (FDR).