Chromecast app becomes Google Cast as Vizio ushers in a new era of casting
For Google, it isn’t just about Chromecast — it’s casting, period. That’s why they created Google Cast, and now they’re ready to push it as the next big thing in home entertainment.
Alongside a rebranding of the Chromecast app to Google Cast to promote the idea that you can cast to all sorts of other products, the company has teamed with Vizio to support a new line of home entertainment products with Google Cast built in.
First up is the new P-Series line of televisions. They’re 4K compatible, and they don’t change much over yesteryear’s models, only now they support Google Cast. Neato. More interesting than the TVs, though, are that some of them come with a smallish Android tablet for a remote. You can use it as an ordinary remote if you want, but it can also be your lone tool for Casting content right to your TV. Very cool stuf, Vizio.
The company also quietly debuted a new line of SmartCast speakers which implement Google Cast. It’s their answer to Sonos in a bid to try and take over your living room. We’d say this bid is pretty damn compelling.
The new TVs will come in at $1,000 for a 50-inch, $1,300 for a 55-inch model, $2,000 for a 65-inch model, $2,000, and $3,800 for a 75-inch model. As for the speakers, Vizio hasn’t given any availability details on those, but we’re sure it won’t take long for them to start spilling the beans.
[Google]