New Chromecast from Google

There's a new version of Chromecast from Google. Here are some of the differences from the old version.

The 2015 Chromecast has an upgraded radio that supports 802.11ac WiFi on 2.4/5 Ghz. This should result in better streaming.

It's also got a processor upgrade that they claim results in a 2.5x performance improvement. There's a new app that predicts your next viewing and pre-loads the video resulting in a quicker start.

The search software searches Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Crackle and YouTube. Lastly, it has a new form factor – it's a small disk with an HDMI cable sticking out. It still uses microUSB for charging.

The price is the same as the old one, $35, and it's available now on the Google Store. These might make a great digital media platform, but unless they offer custom Android apps they might be a little too "consumer" for this kind of kiosk/turnkey app.

But as a consumer device, it's a whole lot cheaper than the new Apple TV (more on that later.)

Have you tried it yet? What are your impressions?