Google officially launched a new product today called the Chromecast. A small 2-inch HDMI WiFi dongle that will connect to our HDTVs, and take over the living room. Streaming anything and everything right from our favorite devices. Instead of having a complicated device with clunky remotes and keyboards like most Google TV options, the Chromecast is a simple and cheap alternative that everyone can use. Read on to see why this is the future of internet TV all by Google.
The folks in Mountain View have been rather quiet on the Google TV front as of late. In fact, it was an afterthought at Google I/O, and today we found out why. Up on stage to announce the new Chromecast at today’s Google event in San Fran was Mario Queiroz, a VP of product management that was previously heading up Google TV.
It’s this simple. You get the inexpensive $35 Chromecast dongle, connect it to power via micro-USB and plug it into the HDMI port on your TV, and you’ll instantly be streaming content via WiFi in minutes. Using a smartphone (Android AND iOS) tablets, or laptops of every kind you’ll be able to stream YouTube videos, Netflix, Pandora radio, Google Play Music, Movies & TV, and even view web pages from Google Chrome. All of this is being controlled via your own personal device. A device you’re already comfortable with, rather than some clunky Sony or Logitech Google TV setup.
The next step is online TV. The future of paying for television content and movies is on the web, streaming from the cloud, and Google’s already hard at work in this space. Last week the Wall Street Journal reported Google’s diving head first into internet TV streaming, and has even starting working to secure long term deals with content providers. Large media outlets have been meeting with Google to discuss deals, and the WSJ even stated they’ve been demoing the new product. Most likely that was the Chromecast, which is now available to all starting today.
Look at AirPlay for example. It is highly popular and successful, but it only works with Apple devices. With the Chromecast dongle you’ll be able to use it universally across all devices. And even switch from an Android tablet to your iPhone with ease, all in seconds. This makes it everything and more that AirPlay offers. Oh, and in case you forgot, it’s only $35.
We know getting Time Warner Cable and the folks from HBO to get up with the times won’t be easy, but once this all happens, and it will, Google’s Chromecast will be front and center in the perfect position to be widely used. Just like Google Music All Access, hopefully a Google Movies All Access subscription is coming soon too. Developers can add Chromecast support to their apps, and soon hopefully we’ll be casting apps like WatchESPN, HULU, HBO GO, NFL Mobile, games, and more all to our living rooms.
And for those saying my smart TV, Xbox, and PS3 already streams YouTube with ease… remember that everything about the Chromecast is simplicity. Your PS3’s YT app sucks compared to the version on Android or iOS. Oh and this is just the beginning of the Chromecast.
and you can’t easily bring your xbox to your friends house for movie night. or the PS3 to a party to provide all the music via All Access music with everyone joining the queue.
Maybe so, but the Xbox’s interface is buttery smooth. I don’t really use netflix, but use the Xbox video function and have no complaints.
I don’t know about you, but I do not keep my XBox on 24/7, but my tablet and phone are with me always. To be able to cast anything I want to watch immediately, without having to use a remote is priceless. I was watching the presentation, and I kept saying to myself… Make it no more than $70… When they said $35, I almost passed out. 🙂
You still need to turn your TV on.Whenever I want to stream youtube or netflix I press Xbox on my universal remote and everything is on in an instant. It is a nice idea though dont get me wrong.
You may want to go back and rewatch the presentation again. They made special notice that the TV was Off when the demo began. Once they clicked the Chromecast button on the phone/tablet, the TV woke up and started playing. Uising remotes and all is a nice idea though, don’t get me wrong. 🙂
Oh I see I think the device is awesome especially for $35. I just do not think that it would be for everybody. If you own a xbox or apple tv then it would be redundant. However it would be the best option for someone who wants to watch movies and do not have any current device for that.
Xbox version is smooth and netflix on xbox works better than in any android. I love my android phone but as far as entertainment goes nothing better than my xbox. It is light years ahead with NBA, MBA live programming, HBO as well etc.
Chromecast is just a wireless HDMI chord. All this stuff is already possible.
This is a great article and everything, but don’t you think at least one link – somewhere on the page – to the Chromecast Play Store section would be helpful?
It’s front and center on the Play Store.. lol