strollin wrote:
It doesn't mirror the content from your device, it actually streams it from "the cloud" like a Roku. Even when using Chrome, the webpages are sent directly from the cloud to the dongle.
One difference between Chromecast and a typical set top box like Roku is that there is no remote, everything is controlled from your phone, tablet or computer.
Once the content is selected and started streaming to the TV, you can use your phone, tablet or computer to do other things without effecting the streaming.
Hands On Review - Google Chromecast
The two reviews (first looks) I've read this morning - the Forbes' you linked to and
this one from TechHive indicate that you had better not give up the TV remote. Unlike the demo on stage - “Chromecast is turning on my TV, switching it to the right input, and now playing YouTube in HD on the TV,” - the reviewers had to turn on the TVs themselves. The TechHive reviewer had to manually select the proper input for the TV. The Forbes reviewer did not discuss the input selection.
Also, the volume you control was like that on many apps. That is, there was a slider that provided a range, but if the slider was maxed out, a message was displayed that you would have to turn up the TV yourself, if you wanted it louder.
Tom
