As per the definition given on Wikipedia, a dongle is a small piece of hardware that attaches to a computer, TV, or other electronic device in order to enable additional functions, which functions are available just as long as the dongle is attached.
Google’s first released Chromecast device allows you to connect your phone (iPhone, Android), laptop (Mac and Windows) or tablet (iPhone, Android) to any TV you own, as long as it supports HDMI, through a dongle, in just 3 steps.
You just plug in the dongle, allow Chromecast to access your Wi-Fi on the phone, tablet or laptop you’re using and then press the cast button in Chrome to … well, cast whatever Chromecast supported app you want to the TV. And you can send a whole lotta stuff to your TV from: TV and movie sites like HBO now, to music from Spotify, Pandora and others, to photos and videos like Youtube, all the way up to games and even simple chrome tabs to search what you want. All of this for 35$.
Well, following on the success of the first one, the new Chromecast Audio Google dongle recently released, also for 35$, is identical regarding ease of installation and mode of operation to the one above (same supported platforms, same 3 easy steps).
It only differs in focus, being oriented, as the name implies, towards audio systems instead of TV. Which means it no longer has the HDMI connection and instead can connect only to an audio system via the following inputs: 3.5mm, RCA and optical. Once connected, the same logic applies as above: you can play whatever you want (from phone, laptop or tablet to your cool audio system) as long it’s supported by Chromecast (and many things are).
Also good to know is that it works with practically any type of speakers, even older hi-fi ones.
The dongle is powered by a micro-USB, but in the box you receive from Google you also get a 5-inch auxiliary cord and a power adapter.
Ty Pendlebury of CNET, points out that according to the tests they made, the maximum for the digital output is 28 bit/48 kHz, despite the fact that Google claims it could go up to 28 bit/96 kHz.
Another problem discovered by Chris Davies of SlashGear is that sometimes there was a little syncing delay between the YouTube video on the screen and the sound being played through the speakers.
But these two issues are minor compared to the versatility and great audio quality that Chromecast audio offers for the very affordable price of 35$. Value-for-money wise, this tiny dongle is a pretty big deal.
Image source: 1.