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07-24-2013, 12:16 PM | |
Damn it feels good.
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Google introduces Chromecast - 35 bucks?!?
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. |
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03-11-2014, 01:16 AM | #211 | |||
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Quote:
Apparently it's about a 1/2 step behind chromecast but plans to allow tablet/pad/phone/PC streaming within the year. So far it appears to be the only device promising to stream wirelessly from a Mac to device other than appleTV while still having the full compliment of Roku channels...
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03-11-2014, 07:28 AM | #212 |
Fall down 7 times, get up 8
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I get more out of my Roku, at least for now. I bought both and honestly, Chromecast does nothing more than if I hooked my laptop up to my television. Save the 35.00 until they get some serious programming on the device.
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04-27-2014, 05:11 PM | #213 |
BAMF!
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I am growing increasingly annoyed with Chromecast's limitations. I just want to stream XBMC. If I had an Android device I could make it work, but I don't. I do have Bluestacks on my old tower PC, but I don't want to drag that out until I move to a pace with more room.
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04-27-2014, 06:47 PM | #214 |
Deus ambulans inter homines
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Sadly agree.
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05-21-2014, 12:21 PM | #215 |
Badass!
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I just bought one at Best Buy for $29. I love being able to "cast" youtube vids to the TV from my phone.
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06-14-2014, 03:09 PM | #216 |
This is the way
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You can now stream mlb.tv through chromecast
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06-18-2014, 02:10 PM | #217 |
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Roku and a few others do that too, and it is a nice feature.
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08-25-2014, 05:10 PM | #218 |
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Seem to be getting conflicting information in this thread regarding the quality of "casting" from the browser.
Thinking of ditching Sunday Ticket this year because a friend is willing to give me his password so I can watch online. We watch Netflix/Amazon Instant streaming without any issues - what should I expect quality wise? I'm getting 105 Mbps. |
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08-25-2014, 07:46 PM | #219 |
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I do it from time to time for a short video here and there, but I probably wouldn't like it for a game or anything like that. It takes quite a bit of CPU on your computer while it's doing it, and there's a few seconds' lag that gets to be a little weird and stuttery sometimes. If you've got a high-powered computer, though, it might not be bad.
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08-25-2014, 07:52 PM | #220 | |
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While my internet connection is great for Netflix, etc - my desktop is the polar opposite of a "high powered computer". |
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08-25-2014, 07:58 PM | #221 |
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It's worth trying probably, but just don't set your hopes too high that it's going to be a brilliant 1080p fluid experience.
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08-25-2014, 08:04 PM | #222 | |
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I may have to pay for Fish to come to STL and set me up. |
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08-25-2014, 08:08 PM | #223 | |
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This to me was a better $30 investment. |
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08-25-2014, 08:09 PM | #224 |
Now you've pissed me off!
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I've had one since Christmas and never opened it. Anyone want it for $22.50 shipped?
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08-25-2014, 08:13 PM | #225 |
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