Google Announces New Smartphones, Expands Chromecast's Capabilities

• Google Inc GOOG GOOGL introduced an upgraded Chromecast for video, a new Chromecast for audio, and two new smartphones.
• Google has seen success with its Chromecast device, having sold 20 million versions.
• Shares of Google were trading lower by nearly 1 percent heading into the final 30 minutes of trading on Tuesday.

Google has already sold nearly 20 million Chromecast devices that allows a user to stream video from their smart device to a non-smart TV. There was little doubt that the company wouldn't expand on its successes.

Google introduced an upgraded version of Chromecast that hasn't essentially changed in functionality as it still allows a user to stream video from their smartphone or tablet to a non-smart TV. The device itself looks different given its new round shape. Management claimed that the device is a worthy upgrade from the first generation given a substantially faster load time and an improved and easier to use app.

Google also introduced a second Chromecast – one that streams audio to any speaker. The new Chromecast Audio is a $35 dongle that turns any speaker into a wireless speaker as it plugs into the AUX or optical port. Users can stream music from their smartphone to any connected speaker, or take advantage of streaming music services (such as Spotify) that have partnered with Google on the new device.

Google Introduces Nexus 5X And Nexus 6P Smartphones

Google also unveiled two new smartphone devices on Tuesday. The first, a mid-range device named Nexus 5X and the flagship Nexus 6P.

The Nexus 5X features a 5.2-inch screen 1920x1090 resolution, 2GB of RAM, a 12.3 megapixel rear camera, 5 megapixel front camera and 2,700 mAh battery. The device will sell for $379.99.

The Nexus 6P features a 5.7-inch screen in a full-metal aluminum body with a USB Type-C port which the company claims charges twice as fast as the iPhone 6 Plus. The phone's resolution of 2560x1440 is also superior to the iPhone 6S Plus' 1920x1080 resolution. Finally, at a starting price of $499.99, the 6P is priced more competitively versus the iPhone 6S Plus ($749), the iPhone 6S ($649), the Samsung Galaxy S6 ($679.99), but priced $100 above the Moto X Style.