Google introduced a new HDMI TV WiFi stick for viewing streaming videos and music called the Chromecast. It apparently operates on Chrome OS, and currently allows viewing streaming content from several popular services. Comes with three months free subscription to NetFlix. Apparently, it also has a beta version of desktop mirroring mode, so can basically view or listen to other media content supported within a browser. A smartphone or tablet, both Android and Apple iOS, can be used as a wireless remote, though can also be controlled by a WiFi connected desktop or notebook computer.One caveat is that current photos of Chromecast don't show it connected to a required power supply cable. You'll also need a sufficient WiFi connection and bandwidth.Even my $30. BluRay player can already stream net videos, but may get one for the three months of free Netflix service, as I'm not currently a subscriber. Also for the portability factor.

It can stream content from your computer, phone, tablet, etc... If you use the Chrome browser, it can display content from the browser on your TV.For $35, what the heck, I ordered one to play with.

I guess that would be cool...if my TV didn't already have wifi.

It will be interesting to see what the bill of materials for the device will be. The BOM for Apple TV II was $62. (The processor, memory and network chips, alone, came to more than $38.)I am glad to see them enter the market. Hopefully, they will help the "streaming" market grow.Given that Apple and Google have been in talks for a few months, looking to settle their differences, it was disappointing to see Eric Schmidt, taking digs at Apple during his presentation. (One might remind him that at the December, 2011, LeWeb conference in Paris, Mr. Schmidt stated, "By the summer of 2012, the majority of the televisions you see in stores will have Google TV embedded.")BTW, I've been mirroring my Mac laptop to my Apple TV every since OS X 10.8 was released last year. And, streaming music and videos through iTunes since 2010, when we bought an Apple TV II. Mirroring the laptop has been very useful in making presentations.Tom

It all depends on what streaming services it has agreements with. This is nothing new. Roku does this, some digital "smart" TVs and HDMI DVD players have this built in.For RV applications you need a truly unlimited data plan. One two hour movie streams at about 1 and a half gigs of data.

The device is similar to MiraCast - it's not like Roku that streams the content itself. It's purpose is to connect to a tablet, smartphone or computer and display content from those devices (e.g. from YouTube, Netflix, Pandora (coming soon), Google Play Movies, Google Play Music and Chrome) Presumably additional apps will have support added and since it has an SDK in theory any app developer (games?) can add compatibility.Not all handheld devices support HDMI out so this is a generic screencast solution.

Google Intros $35 Streaming Video/Music TV Stick

strollin
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
It shouldn't use anymore bandwidth than any other streaming device.
havasu
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
Can you imagine just how much bandwidth this thing is going to use? Streaming from your laptop uses your 'internal' network bandwidth - when this thing starts streaming from the cloud it is going to suck up all your bandwidth so for RV use it's a dead duck.

Even in the home it's going to increase bandwidth usage to the point that cable and ISP contention ratios are going to mean poorer service for everyone.
strollin
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
I don't think this will have a big impact on Smart TV sales. This is more of a solution for those that don't have Smart TVs and would be looking for something to connect to the TV to provide those capabilities.

It certainly has some catching up to do since Roku and others have been around awhile. I don't think any of the other devices on the market allow internet browsing.
burlmart
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
dan-nickie wrote:
I guess that would be cool...if my TV didn't already have wifi.

Big impact on all smart TV sales???
strollin
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
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
bwanshoom
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
The device is similar to MiraCast - it's not like Roku that streams the content itself. It's purpose is to connect to a tablet, smartphone or computer and display content from those devices (e.g. from YouTube, Netflix, Pandora (coming soon), Google Play Movies, Google Play Music and Chrome)

Presumably additional apps will have support added and since it has an SDK in theory any app developer (games?) can add compatibility.

Not all handheld devices support HDMI out so this is a generic screencast solution.
1775
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
It all depends on what streaming services it has agreements with. This is nothing new. Roku does this, some digital "smart" TVs and HDMI DVD players have this built in.

For RV applications you need a truly unlimited data plan. One two hour movie streams at about 1 and a half gigs of data.
pulsar
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
It will be interesting to see what the bill of materials for the device will be. The BOM for Apple TV II was $62. (The processor, memory and network chips, alone, came to more than $38.)

I am glad to see them enter the market. Hopefully, they will help the "streaming" market grow.

Given that Apple and Google have been in talks for a few months, looking to settle their differences, it was disappointing to see Eric Schmidt, taking digs at Apple during his presentation. (One might remind him that at the December, 2011, LeWeb conference in Paris, Mr. Schmidt stated, "By the summer of 2012, the majority of the televisions you see in stores will have Google TV embedded.")

BTW, I've been mirroring my Mac laptop to my Apple TV every since OS X 10.8 was released last year. And, streaming music and videos through iTunes since 2010, when we bought an Apple TV II. Mirroring the laptop has been very useful in making presentations.

Tom
dan-nickie
Explorer
Jul 24, 2013
I guess that would be cool...if my TV didn't already have wifi.
strollin
Explorer
Jul 24, 2013
It can stream content from your computer, phone, tablet, etc... If you use the Chrome browser, it can display content from the browser on your TV.

For $35, what the heck, I ordered one to play with.

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Google Intros $35 Streaming Video/Music TV Stick

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