It seems Google has hopped on the bandwagon in terms of providing a low footprint, affordable piece of hardware for streaming video to the television set. Recently announced is the new $35 tiny streaming video device called the Google Chromecast. This is after their failed attempt in this arena with the Nexus Q.
The goal for them was to provide a device for streaming television that offered zero setup time, and the Google Chromecast gadget attempts to provide that. It simply plugs into an empty HDMI port on the TV set. Computers and handhelds can be used as remote controls for the device. It gets its Internet signal for the streaming from the wireless router, so calling it "zero setup" isn't completely accurate but it's supposed to be super simple and ready for streaming in minutes.
The Chromecast device is two inches long and looks like a thumb drive. Once plugged in and connected to the WiFi, you simply use your phone, tablet, or computer to decide what to stream to the device.
"The television is missing in the (streaming-video) picture. it is really, really difficult to get your online videos on the television," said Sundar Pichai, Google's senior vice president of Android, Chrome and apps, at Wednesday's press event.
It's not just Android phones that are supported either. The device works with iOS phones as well. The streaming takes place direct from the WiFi, rather than ported through the device first. This frees up the device for other tasks once the command is sent on what to stream.
The big drawback at this time though is that the device currently only streams content from YouTube, Google Play and Netflix. Pandora and other apps are expected in the near future though. There is a feature however (currently in Beta) that allows the streaming of a tab from the Google Chrome web browser which opens up more possibilities.
This small device aims to take a slice of the pie that is currently being eaten by the likes of Apple TV and the Roku Box. And it may stop PLAir in their tracks before they have a chance to gain momentum. I hope not though. The PLAir devices are multi-colored so they have that going for them.
The streaming stick is available for purchase right now from the Google Play store and Best Buy. As an incentive for purchase, you get 3 months free of Netflix when you buy it (Edit July/26: it has been announced that the Netflix promo is no longer available - it has been mentioned that the offer was pulled after already distributing a quarter of a million Netflix promo codes), which satisfies almost half the cost of the already affordable streaming device.
If you are super excited about the idea, while you are waiting for the device to get to you (because apparently there may possible delays in shipping), you can always attach your laptop to the TV and control it from a wireless keyboard and mouse. Then anything on your laptop screen with project to the TV. It's the same but close.
Sources: www.cnn.com
The goal for them was to provide a device for streaming television that offered zero setup time, and the Google Chromecast gadget attempts to provide that. It simply plugs into an empty HDMI port on the TV set. Computers and handhelds can be used as remote controls for the device. It gets its Internet signal for the streaming from the wireless router, so calling it "zero setup" isn't completely accurate but it's supposed to be super simple and ready for streaming in minutes.
The Chromecast device is two inches long and looks like a thumb drive. Once plugged in and connected to the WiFi, you simply use your phone, tablet, or computer to decide what to stream to the device.
"The television is missing in the (streaming-video) picture. it is really, really difficult to get your online videos on the television," said Sundar Pichai, Google's senior vice president of Android, Chrome and apps, at Wednesday's press event.
It's not just Android phones that are supported either. The device works with iOS phones as well. The streaming takes place direct from the WiFi, rather than ported through the device first. This frees up the device for other tasks once the command is sent on what to stream.
The big drawback at this time though is that the device currently only streams content from YouTube, Google Play and Netflix. Pandora and other apps are expected in the near future though. There is a feature however (currently in Beta) that allows the streaming of a tab from the Google Chrome web browser which opens up more possibilities.
This small device aims to take a slice of the pie that is currently being eaten by the likes of Apple TV and the Roku Box. And it may stop PLAir in their tracks before they have a chance to gain momentum. I hope not though. The PLAir devices are multi-colored so they have that going for them.
The streaming stick is available for purchase right now from the Google Play store and Best Buy. As an incentive for purchase, you get 3 months free of Netflix when you buy it (Edit July/26: it has been announced that the Netflix promo is no longer available - it has been mentioned that the offer was pulled after already distributing a quarter of a million Netflix promo codes), which satisfies almost half the cost of the already affordable streaming device.
If you are super excited about the idea, while you are waiting for the device to get to you (because apparently there may possible delays in shipping), you can always attach your laptop to the TV and control it from a wireless keyboard and mouse. Then anything on your laptop screen with project to the TV. It's the same but close.
Sources: www.cnn.com