Google's Chromecast, a small device that plugs into your computer and streams what you're watching in real-time to your TV, is finally getting an update.

The company showed off a completely redesigned version of its streaming accessory during a press event in San Francisco Tuesday. The new $35 device has a fresh design, upgraded Wi-Fi capabilities and a new companion app.

The most noticeable change is the design. Google has abandoned the stick-like dongle in favor of a round disc-shaped accessory that's also available in two new colors: red and yellow.

Though the new look makes the Chromecast look much more appealing, the revamp serves a functional purpose as well, says Micah Collins, the senior product manager for Chromecast. The design of the new HDMI cable head should make it easier to squeeze into awkwardly placed or hard to reach HDMI ports.

Image: Google

Under the hood, the new shape also allowed Google to upgrade the device's Wi-Fi capabilities.

"HDMI ports are in all kinds of nooks and crannies and are frequently crowded by other devices," Collins told Mashable.

A round device not only helps with physical fit, he says, but enables "the radio technologies inside to be at an optimal location relative to all those other cables and things plugged in back there."

Google also added three new "adaptive antennas," software powered Wi-Fi antennas that adapt to current Wi-Fi conditions for the best performance. All this should add up to a more responsive Chromecast and less buffering time, the company says.

To go along with the new device, the Chromecast app is also getting a refresh. The latest version of the iOS and Android app adds new discovery features to make it easier for you to find Chromecast-compatible content. A new "What's On" tab in the app will surface featured content from the apps you already have on your phone or tablet.

Image: Google

The app also comes with new search capabilities. Search for a movie or television show, for example, and the app will surface results from across all of the Chromecast-enabled apps you have. There's also a new "get apps" section of app, which shows off new Chromecast apps and promotional offers.