What is Google Chromecast? Everything you need to know about it!
Suddenly there is a buzz around Google Chromecast on the web. Are you wondering what this new thing is? A new gadget or new software? Well, Google Chromecast is a new tiny little device which resembles to a USB flash drive, can turn a regular HDTV to a smart TV. And that’s too for only $35. Isn’t that’s great? Just a few days ago Google unveiled Chromecast along with the new Nexus 7 tablet. People are going crazy to buy this new device. More than 250,000 units of Chromecast have been sold in just a couple of days.
What is Google Chromecast?
Google Chromecast is essentially a media streaming dongle which can stream online content to any HDTV from smartphone, tablet or computer in a real easy way. Just plug in Chromecast to HDMI port on your HDTV and you are ready to enjoy online content on large screen. Chromecast can be controlled from Android smartphone, iPhone, tablets and regular PC and MAC. Setting up Google Chromecast is extremely easy.
You don’t need to worry about battery life of phone or tablet when streaming media. That’s because Chromecast pulls content from the cloud. Phone and tablet work as remote control. So battery life will not be affected. Chromecast can not play local media stored in devices. There is a workaround for computers, you can simply drag and drop media files to Google Chrome browser and watch them on TV. But this is not an ideal solution, by this method you can only watch 720p videos not Full HD. This method will not work on mobile and tablets. This may be a deal breaker for some users but it may be possible in future. So don’t lose hope.
What you can watch using Google Chromecast?
Google Chromecast can stream online media to HDTV. You can watch videos from YouTube, Google Play Movies, NetFlix or listen to music from Pandora Music, Google Play Music or video photos from Google+ Photos. But it doesn’t end here, there is a Google Chrome browser extension available which lets you cast the full web browser on the HDTV. That means you can browse the web and virtually play all online media on TV using from the Chrome browser. Cool! Isn’t it?
How much Google Chromecast cost?
Google Chromecast is dirt cheap. It is available for only $35. To sweeten the deal Google was throwing 3 months free NextFlix subscription with it. But due to the overwhelming demand of Chromecast, currently that offer is not available. Nevertheless, Google Chromecast is a very exciting accessory for HDTV. For just $35 you can enjoy almost all features of expensive Smart TV or Google TV or Apple TV.
I’m impressed! Where I can buy Google Chromecast?
Right now it is available in the USA only. You can get it from Google Play Store or any other stores like Amazon, BestBuy etc. Due to the extremely high demand Chromecast is currently out of stock in most of the stores. But keep checking the stores, you might get lucky to grab one.
That looks pretty awesome! For $35, this is easily worth a try. It seems pretty solid overall, but I was wondering how it stood up to Apple TV. Apple TV is a bit more expensive though.