Google introduces Chromecast - 35 bucks?!?

[SuperChief]

This looks like it will really test Roku/Apple TV. For that price point, I'm not sure how it couldn't. From what I'm hearing, you can stream anything from your desktop to the connected device, but not from mobile. Only supported apps from mobile will stream. More to come, I'm sure.

http://cnet.co/1c2ZBTm

Google's taking yet another stab at the living room.

Today Google introduced Chromecast, a stick-like device that connects to one of your TV's HDMI inputs and accepts video pushed from smartphones, tablets and the Chrome browser. It's available for just $35 starting today from the Google Play store in the US, with availability in other countries to follow.

The compact 2-inch device will work with Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies and TV, and Google Play Music at launch, with support for future services, including Pandora, coming soon. It's a cross-platform device, with support for both Android and iOS devices, as well as the Chrome browser on both Windows and Mac computers. More details are currently available on the Google's Chrome blog.

Chromecast's approach is different than most devices on the market: it's half-remote, half-streaming media box. The idea is instead of designing a TV-optimized user interface, you'll be able to select and control content from your smartphone or tablet. Browse the Netflix app, find your content, then tell it to play in your living room. Chromecast even goes one step further, by automatically switching your TV to the correct input and giving you the ability to adjust the volume using your mobile devices built-in volume controls. The ability for Android devices to pause content without unlocking the phone first seemed particularly well-implemented.

You'll also be able to juggle control between multiple mobile devices, with Chromecast syncing between connected devices. You can start playing Netflix from your tablet, then later use a smartphone to fast-forward. Using the YouTube app, you can also create a shared queue of content, stringing together several short web videos for an extended viewing session. All-in-all, Google's demos looked particularly slick.

As sleek as the Chromecast device looks, Google's initial presentation skimmed over some of the rougher edges. The specs in the Google Play store list both a USB power cable and a power adapter, which indicate that the Chromecast will have some wires hanging off it -- it's not truly "just a stick". It's the same method PLAiR used to power its similar HDMI-based streaming stick.

The hardware itself supports 2.4 GHz WiFi 802.11, which isn't quite as nice as the dual-band Wi-Fi offered on Roku's Streaming Stick. The internal processor is capable of playing back full 1080p video with 5.1 surround sound.

I haven't had any hands-on time with the Chromecast yet, but from the initial announcement, the biggest limitation appears to be app support. Supporting only four services out-of-the-gate puts Chromecast well behind established players like Roku and Apple TV, and limited functionality was also one of the major knocks against the ill-fated Nexus Q.

However, the big difference with Chromecast ultralow $35 price. It's a lot easier to accept those limitations when you haven't paid much upfront and the low price should also help spread adoption, which should encourage services to include Chromecast at a faster rate.

This is a developing story so stay tuned for further details as we get them.

[pr_capone]

Originally Posted by SLAG

UPS said they delivered it - it never showed - Amazon only offering me refund

I no can has chromecast

http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome...ecast/#netflix

or I will sell you mine for $200

/i keed

[WoodDraw]

I love mine, but I'm a little disappointed at the slow development. Very google - they're just not great at these things.

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by WoodDraw

I love mine, but I'm a little disappointed at the slow development. Very google - they're just not great at these things.

It's their MO, like it or not. They put together a very basic version of something, then roll it out and have users guide where their development goes. In the long run, you end up with some great products. In the short run, though, it can be pretty underwhelming compared to the Apple approach of having everything nice and pretty from the beginning.

[SLAG]

Well it arrived yesterday - How do I cast from Chrome on my phone

[pr_capone]

Originally Posted by SLAG

Well it arrived yesterday - How do I cast from Chrome on my phone

you cannot.

you can only cast from chrome on your desktop

[WoodDraw]

Originally Posted by DaFace

It's their MO, like it or not. They put together a very basic version of something, then roll it out and have users guide where their development goes. In the long run, you end up with some great products. In the short run, though, it can be pretty underwhelming compared to the Apple approach of having everything nice and pretty from the beginning.

I'd be okay with that, but I don't even have Pandora support yet. Wasn't that a launch partner "coming soon"? The SDK and API are still previews.


They release a good product, everyone loves it, and then no news for months. I suspect they're having a hell of a time getting anyone to sign on. ****ing content holders.

[DaFace]

Decent article about the growing irritation at the fact that nothing has changed with this for 2.5 months now.

http://readwrite.com/2013/10/01/chro...e-all-the-apps

I understand Google's desire to get new products out there quickly, but not finalizing the SDK before releasing the device was a big mistake IMO. Stupid Google.

[WoodDraw]

Originally Posted by DaFace

Decent article about the growing irritation at the fact that nothing has changed with this for 2.5 months now.

http://readwrite.com/2013/10/01/chro...e-all-the-apps

I understand Google's desire to get new products out there quickly, but not finalizing the SDK before releasing the device was a big mistake IMO. Stupid Google.

I'm very frustrated. I got mine nearly for free after three months of netflix + amazon free shipping. But if anyone asked me if they should buy it today? No way, unless it really fits what you need (aka netflix + Google services).

I hope some mainstream tech sites start picking up the story.

[jiveturkey]

http://www.androidheadlines.com/2013...ast-today.html

Hulu Plus Is Coming to the Chromecast Today

The Chromecast is one of the best value and easiest to use products that Google has built yet. It’s also something that a lot of people are talking about and want one, if they don’t have it already, because it’s only $35. It’s also the reason why it sold out so quickly in a few days after launch, and then wasn’t available for more than a month afterwards.

For that low amount of money you can (in theory) send just about any video from your phone to your TV, and enjoy it the way it was meant to be enjoyed. I say in theory, because for you to be able to actually do that from your phone, the video services that you like need to support the Chromecast, by adding a Chromecast button in their video players. I’m sure there will be a lot more who will do that soon, but for whatever reason, Google has not released the full SDK yet, and it’s only available to a few partners right now, such as Vimeo or Netflix.



Starting with today, Hulu Plus will also be available for the Chromecast. Even though the Hulu guys have shown their excitement for the Chromecast since day one, it’s also quite surprising they are willing to do this so quickly, considering how aggressive Hulu’s owners have been in the past against Google (the whole Google TV fiasco). It’s also surprising to see companies like Hulu finally allow users to play the content where they want, and not force them to watch the digital content only on their devices, but not on the TV, and ask them to buy cable subscriptions for that.

Hulu seems to be taking steps in the good direction here, and perhaps it’s because of the fact that Chromecast seems very much like the “future”, but also because their biggest competitor, Netflix, seems to be a big partner of Google for the Chromecast, and they don’t want Netflix to gain even more customers from them.

Hopefully, this news will spark excitement at other video content companies, and they’ll also want to support the Chromecast as soon as Google releases the SDK to the public.

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by jiveturkey

http://www.androidheadlines.com/2013...ast-today.html

Hulu Plus Is Coming to the Chromecast Today

The Chromecast is one of the best value and easiest to use products that Google has built yet. It’s also something that a lot of people are talking about and want one, if they don’t have it already, because it’s only $35. It’s also the reason why it sold out so quickly in a few days after launch, and then wasn’t available for more than a month afterwards.

For that low amount of money you can (in theory) send just about any video from your phone to your TV, and enjoy it the way it was meant to be enjoyed. I say in theory, because for you to be able to actually do that from your phone, the video services that you like need to support the Chromecast, by adding a Chromecast button in their video players. I’m sure there will be a lot more who will do that soon, but for whatever reason, Google has not released the full SDK yet, and it’s only available to a few partners right now, such as Vimeo or Netflix.



Starting with today, Hulu Plus will also be available for the Chromecast. Even though the Hulu guys have shown their excitement for the Chromecast since day one, it’s also quite surprising they are willing to do this so quickly, considering how aggressive Hulu’s owners have been in the past against Google (the whole Google TV fiasco). It’s also surprising to see companies like Hulu finally allow users to play the content where they want, and not force them to watch the digital content only on their devices, but not on the TV, and ask them to buy cable subscriptions for that.

Hulu seems to be taking steps in the good direction here, and perhaps it’s because of the fact that Chromecast seems very much like the “future”, but also because their biggest competitor, Netflix, seems to be a big partner of Google for the Chromecast, and they don’t want Netflix to gain even more customers from them.

Hopefully, this news will spark excitement at other video content companies, and they’ll also want to support the Chromecast as soon as Google releases the SDK to the public.

Well, that's a step in the right direction at least.

[hometeam]

I have Hulu plus, and use it often.

This has spurred me into buying a chromecast, so, its working.

[bowener]

They need to hurry the **** up with HBO Go.

[ragedogg69]

Originally Posted by DaFace

It's their MO, like it or not. They put together a very basic version of something, then roll it out and have users guide where their development goes. In the long run, you end up with some great products. In the short run, though, it can be pretty underwhelming compared to the Apple approach of having everything nice and pretty from the beginning.

Except Google TV. Google never released their kernal or gave root access even when it was clear Google TV was a bust. Instead, hackers had to find a way into their code to get it to run unsigned kernals. The only success I know of is the Sony Google TV products. Hackers have bypassed the content restrictions and actually made the UI faster. It is actually what Google TV was suppose to be.

Ever since, I do not buy a google product until I know it can be rooted. Chromecast is a different animal, but I am still leary.

[hometeam]

FINALLY!

Got off my ass ordered one, just showed up today and got it set up.

Well, let me say. its pretty ****in BA. Already loving since I was behind on a few shows that I needed to watch on Hulu Plus.

[Archie F. Swin]

I'm considering this as a Christmas gift and would love to hear "goods" and "bads" from those of you who have had it for a few months.