Chromecast now streaming Google+ photos & video, WatchESPN, Major League Soccer, & Crunchyroll video

Google made a big announcement today for new content arriving for users of its $35 Chromecast HDMI streaming stick. The latest additions to the lineup include the WatchESPN app, Major League Soccer via the MLS Matchday app and MLS LIVE premium services, photos and video from Google+ apps, as well as TV and video content from the Crunchyroll video service:

Thanks to our friends at Disney and ESPN Media Networks, you can now cast live sports content from theWatchESPN app if you receive ESPN networks as a part of your cable subscription from affiliated providers. This means that next week, U.S. soccer fans will have the ability to watch all 64 World Cup games with the tap of the cast button (vuvuzelas not included). Of course, in addition to soccer, you can also cast all of ESPN’s other sports content, from the NBA Finals and X Games to college football.

Google says that starting today you’ll be able to stream both photos and videos stored in the Google+ app directly to your TV via Chromecast. You can enable the feature by tapping a new cast button in the Photos view of the Google+ app on iOS or Android.

All of the new apps supporting Chromecast are available for both iOS and Android on the App Store and Google Play starting today. Some of the content, such as the WatchESPN app, might require a paid subscription or cable service to access.