On Thursday Google introduced a new product to the Internet TV market called Chromecast. The internet streaming market is a crowded space with products from Apple, Roku, Google, Boxee... and many others. The problem with all of these existing devices is none of them provide a complete solution.
The nifty chart above lays out what each of the most popular streaming solutions have to offer. The chart is a little misleading but overall a good depiction of each solution. The Chromecast certainly won't replace any of the other streaming devices. It will however complement any of them nicely. And for $35, it's a great deal and well worth the investment.
What Does it Do?
The Chromecast has a few native applications that will seamlessly stream to your TV. With this initial rollout Netflix, Youtube & Google Play are all supported. I've heard rumor that Hulu+ will be supported in the near future, but nothing has been released as of yet.
Now your probably thinking, big deal all of the devices mentioned above can stream Netflix! The reason I'm sold on the Chromecast is the ability to stream or "fling" as Google puts it, any Chrome Browser tab to your TV. Let's face it, so called Smart TV's suck. The interface is clunky, the internet browsing experience is terrible & they are expensive. The Chromecast's ability to fling content from a Chrome Browser on your smart phone, tablet or computer (Mac & PC supported natively) is a pretty cool trick. I realize that you can hook up a laptop to your TV and have the same experience. But who wants to do that? Another nice feature is the Chromecast allows your connected devices to act as a remote control for your TV. You can adjust volume, pause, play or stop the incoming stream. It's all around pretty cool.
The possibilities with this widget are pretty endless. Device compatibility and having the "right cables" is no longer an issue. The Chromecast will connect to any HDMI port and just work. Makes doing presentations in an unfamiliar office a snap. More entertaining is the notion of scaring the crap out of your neighbors with the un-secured WiFi network. If they have a Chromecast you can connect to their network and fling content to their TV. Scary I know, but I thought of an even more sinister experience for the next time we visit a sports bar. You can probably see where I'm going with this.
As a so called "cord cutter" I'm always looking for new ways to stream more content to my TV. I have four Roku streaming devices and love them! There are some limitations to this wonderful device however, and the Chromecast promises to fill this need for more internet streaming content. We were able to successfully stream Hulu+ content that is "internet only" from a Chrome Browser tab to our TV. It's a nice workaround for content that is intended to be viewed only on your computer or mobile devices.
My recommendation, go buy one! It's $35 and everything you will need is included in the package.
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