Google Chromecast • Hacker News Board

Re: Google Chromecast

#41

Post by jknightco » Wed, Jul 24, 2013, 6:54 PM UTC

tejaswiy wrote: post #34

I wish this did a full laptop display mirroring like AirPlay. Looks like this only works with Chrome, so it looks like I can't rent / download a movie on a different service (say iTunes) and play it on my TV. Bummer.

You can do full display mirroring via Chrome's Remote Desktop extension (https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/chrome-remote-desk...). I believe the same functionality exists for Chromecast, but don't quote me on that.

Re: Google Chromecast

#42

Post by dm8 » Wed, Jul 24, 2013, 6:54 PM UTC

If it works as advertised, this could be disruptive. They made it dead simple to stream content from any device to your TV. So anyone can use it, particularly the older generation.

Potential for number of apps that could be developed is endless. Apparently, Washington Post is building an app on top of it (http://t.co/dTWesNOoIC). So possibilities are endless. And good news - another step towards making cable TV irrelevant.

P.S. I just bought one. Can't wait to play with it's SDK.

Re: Google Chromecast

#43

Post by ctdonath » Wed, Jul 24, 2013, 6:55 PM UTC

Any bets on how soon Apple respond by opening the long-rumored AppleTV App Store?

Re: Google Chromecast

#44

Post by tjbiddle » Wed, Jul 24, 2013, 6:56 PM UTC

Looks like if you refresh enough it will allow you to purchase - Just ordered one. Took a lot less time than the Nexus 4 ordering process ;-)

Re: Google Chromecast

#45

Post by dm8 » Wed, Jul 24, 2013, 6:57 PM UTC

subb wrote: post #40

As always with Google, you need to ask "What's the marketing strategy behind this? Why are they making this device?" My guess : Yet another way to consume more medias / using Google services.

This device makes it possible to seamlessly share web content (via Chrome) to TV sets. Google wants more consumption of web content.

Re: Google Chromecast

#46

Post by rplacd » Wed, Jul 24, 2013, 7:00 PM UTC

The Chrome and Android teams don't seem to be great bedfellows, it seems - it isn't clear to me what demarcates Chrome-branded products from products running Android in areas far from their original targets.

Re: Google Chromecast

#47

Post by martingordon » Wed, Jul 24, 2013, 7:02 PM UTC

It's $35, but it only offers the Airplay receiver functionality of the Apple TV (I don't think it will do display mirroring of computers and Android devices though).

From what I've read (please correct me if I'm wrong), the Chromecast doesn't function as a standalone device. In other words, you need a smartphone/tablet/computer to play things on it. It doesn't have its own interface where you can browse and play content like the Apple TV does.

Re: Google Chromecast

#48

Post by kayoone » Wed, Jul 24, 2013, 7:03 PM UTC

Awesome that its so affordable. HTC has a similar device called Media Link HD which costs around $90 and i considered buying it. Chromecast all the way :)

Re: Google Chromecast

#49

Post by edtechdev » Wed, Jul 24, 2013, 7:03 PM UTC

This is useful for educational purposes, too - wirelessly streaming from a chrome browser or chromebook to a projector (via hdmi to vga adapter).

(An alternative if you have a laptop connected to the projector is to run AirServer to act as a virtual Apple TV, and then either airplay from your ipad or run AirParrot from a windows tablet. Of course Chromecast will be the first solution to work from android tablets, too, since Miracast solutions still seem to be non-existent or not so great.)

Re: Google Chromecast

#50

Post by adfm » Wed, Jul 24, 2013, 7:04 PM UTC

wnevets wrote: post #24

I already have a "smart tv", what does this give me that I dont already have?

I've got a "smart TV" and can tell you that the UI they provide is crappy, slooooooooow, glitchy, and hard to navigate, even with the tinsy (yet clever) remote they provided (yes, Vizio, I'm talking to you). However, if you want to get an idea of how this device will operate, try pairing your phone to the YouTube app. Amazing? Yep. So much more useable than a silly remote. Plus, you'll likely be able to watch whatever service makes an app. Boom!