Google announced Tuesday that it is releasing two new sports apps, along with a handful of additional apps, for its video-streaming dongle Chromecast.
The two apps, WatchESPN and Major League Soccer, are being added ahead of the World Cup, which will take place this summer in Brazil, according to SlashGear.
The sports apps allow Chromecast users to watch sports wherever they are.
"Soccer, futbol, football, jogo bonito - however you say it, there's a good chance you'll be tuning in to watch when the 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks off next week," Brad Foreman, lead for Google's Chromecast Sports Partnerships, wrote in a blog post, CNET reported. "But if you're not lucky enough to have a ticket to the matches in Brazil, you can enjoy the next big thing right in your living room with Chromecast."
Chromecast users already get access to ESPN networks through their satellite, cable, or pay-TV subscription. WatchESPN lets users view all 64 World Cup games live on their televisions. They also get access to other sporting events broadcasted by ESPN. Users will also be able to watch professional soccer matches before the games with the MLS "Matchday" app and MLS LIVE premium services.
Another new app coming to Chromecast is Google+ Photos, which allows users to cast personal photos and video onto their TVs.
While Google did not add many apps to Chromecast in the dongle's beginning, the search giant now features a variety of apps, CNET reported. Chromecast was opened up to outside developers in February, when Google teamed up with well-known online-media companies to make more apps compatible with the device.
Streaming services Rdio, Crackle, and Vudu were added to Chromecast by March to provide the ability to stream music, videos, and movies and TV shows, respectively.
Another new addition to Chromecast is the Crunchyroll app, which gives users access to more than 25,000 anime videos and 12,000 hours of content, SlashGear reported.
A timeframe for the updates has not been revealed yet. However, Google hinted that the sports apps would be available by next week.
