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Google Chromecast

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Re: Google Chromecast

#62

Post by josh2600 »

martingordon wrote: post #47

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 cont…

Yeah, I bought one.

The fundamental problem I'm trying to solve with this device is streaming youtube to my parents TV. I want something low-tech that they can invoke from their Computer/Android/iOS device and I don't want them to learn a new menu.

The pricepoint is what sold me. AppleTV is too expensive for what it does, and while the power plug is annoying, it's easier than their current solution, which involves leveraging an old PS3 for Netflix playback.

So yeah, this is not a straight up replacement for AppleTV, but it solves the subset of problems I'm looking for.

That's my $.02.

Re: Google Chromecast

#64

Post by pwthornton »

cromwellian wrote: post #25
pwthornton wrote: post #14

I'm a little confused by this device, and I haven't been able to find the info from Google. Is it that this device acts like an AirPlay receiver of sorts and accepts a video feed from an approved device or is it that the device simply acts as a remote and the device gets its own stream from Internet sources? The latter is much more intriguing than the former, although both have issues for sure, but hard to complain f…

It's the latter, although it also supports local receiver mode, so for example, you can cast your browser tab to the display.

And I'll be able to stream whatever is in that one browser tab to my TV without restrictions?

Re: Google Chromecast

#65

Post by ryandvm »

I'm curious to see what kind of Chromecast support they build into Google Hangouts.

Right now we have meetings on-site and usually have one person in the meeting running a Hangout on a laptop to communicate with the remote folks. Being able to have a "portal" to all the remote attendees would be awesome.

Re: Google Chromecast

#66

Post by mmcclellan »

Hmm, this specifically mentions Chrome for Mac and Chrome for Windows. That very well may mean no capability for Linux yet. It also doesn't implicitly say Chrome OS, so maybe Chromebooks won't work either.

Re: Google Chromecast

#67

Post by chrisblackwell »

darkchasma wrote: post #53

Chromecast is not available in your country. I live in Canada. Apple seems to be able to make this stuff work, why can't anyone else?

I know how you feel. Considering this thing will be sold at BestBuy, and we have BestBuy in Canada, why can't we get this thing day one?

Re: Google Chromecast

#68

Post by MBCook »

mikeryan wrote: post #29
aroch wrote: post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Just like, pretty much every, android device it uses a USB charger. Many advertisement related images don't include cords and the like for prettier pictures. Using HDMI to power things is a tricky thing, many monitors and TVs din't supply power over HDMI and among those that do (especially Sony TV iirc) they provide less-than ideal amounts of power.

A lot of new HDTV's however have HDMI and a USB port (generally near each other). It would be a bit messy but perhaps you could have it plugged into both at once and then you won't need an ungainly power cable to a socket.

On recent HD TVs that's true, but if you go back more than 2-3 years (or didn't buy a giant 55" set) then it's quite likely you'll have to resort to the AC adapter.

Re: Google Chromecast

#69

Post by Sharma »

ampsonic wrote: post #36

I wonder how long until they are available on Amazon.

Chromecast will be available for $35 starting Wednesday from Amazon, Google Play and Best Buy. Best Buy will also carry the device in stores later this month.
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