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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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11-25-2013, 01:55 PM | #136 |
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11-25-2013, 02:07 PM | #137 |
Cast Iron Jedi
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VARSITY
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Well, all the apps (Youtube, Hulu, etc.) that have been cleared DO go straight to the Chromecast. So you tell it you want to stream a Youtube video, the CC actually goes and fetches the video straight from your WiFi. However, if you're streaming from Chrome to the Chromecast so you can see what's in your web browser, it goes from WiFi to your computer to the CC.
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11-25-2013, 03:09 PM | #138 |
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^This.
Officially supported apps allow me to stream using my cell phone as the remote/media hub/ |
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11-25-2013, 03:20 PM | #139 |
MVP
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11-25-2013, 10:46 PM | #140 |
Kind of a mod
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It's taken WAY too long for them to get the dev kit going, but I'm optimistic that new apps will start appearing in a hurry as soon as it's out.
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11-26-2013, 08:22 PM | #141 |
BUNS <3 2PM
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Just picked one up off amazon. Get six bucks play credit for a limited time with purchase.
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12-10-2013, 08:46 PM | #142 | |
Kind of a mod
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It's not much, but...
http://chrome.blogspot.com/2013/12/n...-holidays.html Quote:
Last edited by DaFace; 12-10-2013 at 09:57 PM.. |
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12-10-2013, 09:00 PM | #143 | |
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Quote:
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12-10-2013, 09:43 PM | #144 | |
Damn it feels good.
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Quote:
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12-10-2013, 09:55 PM | #145 | |
Kind of a mod
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Quote:
EDIT: Nevermind, I'm and idiot. Added the next paragraph to the quote. |
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12-11-2013, 12:55 AM | #146 |
BAMF!
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I need to use plex. I am guessing you endorse this idea?
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Main Entry: bowe·ner Pronunciation: \ˈbō-nər\ Function: noun Date: circa 2007 |
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12-11-2013, 09:23 AM | #147 |
Take a Chill Pill
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My girl just got this for her bday and I need to start looking into it to get it set up for her.
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12-11-2013, 09:29 AM | #148 |
Superbowl MVP
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I am a plex user - and I endorse this.
I am very excited to see plex support as I love Plex - the problem is that its currently only available to PlexPass subscribers. They always get the new features first (pay to be a beta tester really) But they will make its way down to normal plex users - I just have to wait a little longer. |
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12-11-2013, 09:37 AM | #149 |
BUNS <3 2PM
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12-11-2013, 10:07 AM | #150 | |
Ain't no relax!
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Quote:
This device could be infinitely more useful if they'd just ease up on their silly stranglehold on the content....
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