Chrome logo on a simple yet elegant device |
Transforming your TV into Smart TV |
Google Chromecast, latest
addition in the Chrome hardware family ( Oh yes, we have Chrome smart PC) .
Putting aside the hypes, most people would ask ,
Putting aside the hypes, most people would ask ,
What exactly is that small little USB device?
It is just a simple media player aka media
gateaway. However Chromecast is unique not because of the
concept but because of it's cheap price and design. To sum this up, Google
Chromecast is just a device that hits the price sweet point coupled with nice
marketing. ( Microsoft needs to learn a thing or two from their marketing
teeam) It is designed is such a way that
it is portable, light and supports multiple connectivity.
In summary, this is a universal media player that
stereams onluine videos and movies from Youtube and Netflix to your device,
more imprtantly your TV. You can use any device of your choice, such as Apple
Ipad, Iphone or any Android devices. You can also plug it into your
laptops too and stream videos using the Google Chromecast The extra perks for Android users is that they can access to
Google Music and Google TV and Movies. On the size and weight, the device is pretty
small and light. Just imagine your USB storage.
However there are some cons to this overhype
product. From some of the reviews . it seems that beta screen-mirroring feature
is not working that well therefore so you are largely limited to four apps with
no support for several major ones, including Amazon Instant, HBO Go, MLB.TV,
Spotify, and Rdio.
Besides that, there is no remote control for this
device. Hence the lack of a dedicated controller also means you always need a
smartphone or tablet nearby. Imagine hugging your Ipad tightly while watching your movie
instead of holding popcorns.
The Google Chromecast price is $35 which is
certainly cheap, but it comes with only limited apps and you need to use other
device to control Chromecast. Certainly way behind Apple TV and Roku.
Is this worth buying?
Yes and no.
Depending on your usages, if you are on the go person with high mobility
then it is worth taking due to it's small size ( USB pen drive shape ?) It is
cheap and highly portable due to it’s weight and size. Just plug it in into
your device which has USB port and get ready
to stream via WIFI.
No, I would not recommend this in your living room because if you are
thinking about upgrading your TV into smart TV then this is an overpriced
device with limited fuctions and apps. Moreover, a smart TV by any
big manufacturers, for example a Samsung with Samsung Smart
Hub which is already embedded inside is a part of the TV
packages. Samsung smart TV has one of the best user interfaces for users out
there. Built in WIFI, Apps store , video and picture sharing, built in full web
browser, some models even comes with motion and voice control. They even built
interface around social media such as youtube, twitter , facebook , skype
and of course including Amazon Cloud
Player and Netflix videos . Therefore if your smart TV has smart hub embeded
inside, why do you need another device with lesser functions?
The only perks is that you can access to thousands of apps in Google
Play Store.
Sold out? Can’t get
one? Then is there anything similar in the market?
Yes of course. For example , there is TV live range from Western Digital which supports much more functions compared to Chromecast,the only thing that are different is the size and the price which is only about $25-$30 difference. You have also Apple TV if you can’t wait.
Yes of course. For example , there is TV live range from Western Digital which supports much more functions compared to Chromecast,the only thing that are different is the size and the price which is only about $25-$30 difference. You have also Apple TV if you can’t wait.
Detailed specifications below.
Features | Specification |
---|---|
Model | Google Chromecast |
Type of product | Media Player ( Media gateaway- Streamer adaptor) |
Compatibility | Android phones and tablets, Iphone, ipad, Chrome (Macs and Win) |
Dimensions (WxDxH) | 0.5 in x 1.4 in x 2.83 in |
Weight | 1.2 oz |
Network & Internet | USB, Wifi , DLNA |
Content | Content streaming |
Web Browsing | |
Netflix | |
YouTube | |
Google Play | |
Chrome | |
Amazon Instant Video | |
Apps | Auto update via Chrome/Google Play |