Chromecast

Stadia is already off to a rough start and the last thing it needs are reports of potential hardware problems with its "primary" device. While the appeal of Google's Stadia game streaming platform is that you can play on almost any device and operating system, the tech giant is positioning the Chromecast Ultra and the Stadia Controller as the best way to enjoy the service. That, however, flies in the face of reports that the Chromecast Ultra gets too hot to touch until its forcibly shuts down and boots users out of their game.

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Vizio is rolling out software updates for its SmartCast HDTVs that'll make it possible for Disney Plus subscribers to access the new streaming service. Rather than making the Disney Plus app available on its smart TVs, Vizio is using something like a workaround solution involving casting (for now). Select models have already received new Apple AirPlay support and Chromecast built-in will arrive next month.

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In just a few days, less than a week actually, a few avid gamers will finally be able to see for themselves what all the fuss around game streaming is about. Or at least Google's brand of game streaming, which is essential PC games streamed to web browsers. Google Stadia is, admittedly so new that some might still be confused about how it will all play out. Fortunately, Google recently held a customary Reddit AMA to let fans and interested future gamers ask the hard questions.

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In the excitement around Google's rather novel game streaming service, few people may have been able to read the fine print regarding the Stadia controller. Granted, the details about its wireless functions probably won't deter gamers from jumping on the new platform but some still would have preferred that Google was more upfront about the controller's limitations. The company is now indeed breaking its silence to leave some hope for the future of the Stadia Controller.

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You might be excited over Google's promise of PC gaming anywhere on any device, in which case you might be pretty excited for Stadia's launch on November 19. Maybe you've even invested in a Founder's Edition bundle to get the best TV gaming experience. If you were, however, hoping to experience Stadia from your Pixel phone or Pixel Chromebook, there is one caveat you might have to keep in mind: you will need a USB cable to use that Stadia Controller on those devices.

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At long last, and hopefully forever, Google and Amazon's video-centric product and services battle seems to be at an end. Amazon Prime Video is now able to utilize casting with Chromecast and Android TV. So supposing you've got the Android Prime Video app, and a subscription to Amazon Prime, and an Android TV and/or Chromecast device, you'll now be able to tap one and watch a show on the other.

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For years now, Google and Amazon have been embroiled in a feud that saw the services of one company removed from the platforms of the other. Back at the beginning of last year, for example, Google decided to block devices like Fire TV and Echo Show from accessing YouTube. Amazon, meanwhile, has restricted its Prime Video app on Chromecast and Android TV. It was a particularly petty retail war that ultimately gave consumers fewer options, but today, it seems to be coming to an end.

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Earlier this week, a Reddit post claimed that Google Support had confirmed plans to discontinue Chromecast Audio. The poster reported that they'd ordered a Chromecast Audio for Christmas, but that it had been cancelled by Google with discontinuation as the reason. That was an unofficial claim, but things changed today with confirmation from Google that Chromecast Audio is officially over.

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In a move that's been a long time coming, Chromecasts are finally available through Amazon's store once again. This ends a three-year Chromecast drought on Amazon, which was the result of a long-running feud between the two companies. While the hatchet probably hasn't been buried entirely, it seems that the two companies are beginning to put their differences behind them.

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Google has updated Chromecast with the ability to sync to Google Home audio groups. The new functionality enables users to tie together both televisions and speakers in their home, expanding the number of devices that can be used to play audio. When synced to a speaker group, a television with Chromecast will play the same audio as the speakers.

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Google wasn't short on new products today, and adding to the confusion the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel Slate, Home Hub, and other devices aren't all shipping at the same time. If you've been trying to figure out just when your credit card will take a beating, how much it'll be for, and when you'll see the fruits of treating yourself, we've got you covered. Read on for the key availability and pricing details.

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Joining its more exciting announcements today, Google has also taken the wraps off its latest and greatest Chromecast model. The third-generation version of its casting device sports a clean new look with a simple 'G' logo, though features and form factor largely remain the same. The company did slip a couple notable changes into the new model, though.

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