Confi to Android/Chrome Users - Chromecast

[TerpEagle]

Google has released Chromecast which is a HDMI dongle that I guess is their current answer to Apple TV.

I picked it up and so far it's not bad but it's still beta - limited to only Google Play, Youtube and Netflix and you can cast from a device and from your PC with a Chrome browser tab.

Hope this doesn't sound too much like an ad, but worth checking out if you have been waiting for something like this.

[IronEagle]

Google has released Chromecast which is a HDMI dongle that I guess is their current answer to Apple TV.

I picked it up and so far it's not bad but it's still beta - limited to only Google Play, Youtube and Netflix and you can cast from a device and from your PC with a Chrome browser tab.

Hope this doesn't sound too much like an ad, but worth checking out if you have been waiting for something like this.

Thanks for the advertisement

It would be more useful if it could stream anything from your PC desktop. I'd buy it if it would do that.

[Dolomite]

Sounds like a Roku with less functionality. When I want to stream from my laptop to TV I use Netgear Push to TV. http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/20/n...push2tv-neotv/

[TerpEagle]

Thanks for the advertisement

I offered no links or prices

It would be more useful if it could stream anything from your PC desktop. I'd buy it if it would do that.

I'd like to see that too. There are remote desktop like Splashtop apps available that can do that from your PC to your tablet/phone so perhaps it'll happen eventually.

I think the way it works though is if I cast a Youtube video or Google Play Music to it, it connects to the source and streams from there. My device just becomes a remote at that point.

Casting a Chrome tab is ok if you have a fast computer. My old laptop had significant lag when trying to play a movie on HBO Go. When I did it using my friend's new VAIO it was fine.

Right now (aside from needed more 3rd party apps) I'm disappointed that you can't stream your own content - pictures and movies stored on your phone. Some guy made an app but Google hasn't cleared it yet.

[TerpEagle]

Sounds like a Roku with less functionality. When I want to stream from my laptop to TV I use Netgear Push to TV. http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/20/n...push2tv-neotv/

Are they Google functional? The big thing I wanted was the ability to stream Google Play without having to use an HDMI cable from my phone or tablet.

[IronEagle]

Are they Google functional? The big thing I wanted was the ability to stream Google Play without having to use an HDMI cable from my phone or tablet.

I think the Roku does a pretty good job for what it is. I primarily use it to stream MLB.TV and some foreign TV stations to my TV. If they ever offer NFL streaming, I would use it for that as well.

Really all of these devices do the same thing, just with limitations set out by content providers.

I would be interested in streaming a PC desktop to a TV though. I have a specific work related application where this would be very useful. There are devices that do this but they cost around $130. The Chromecast device is much less expensive

[TerpEagle]

I think the Roku does a pretty good job for what it is. I primarily use it to stream MLB.TV and some foreign TV stations to my TV. If they ever offer NFL streaming, I would use it for that as well.

Really all of these devices do the same thing, just with limitations set out by content providers.

I would be interested in streaming a PC desktop to a TV though. I have a specific work related application where this would be very useful. There are devices that do this but they cost around $130. The Chromecast device is much less expensive

My PS3 can stream most of what I want but it's not as mobile as a Roku or something like the Chromecast and it is content limited.

The Chromecast is, unsurprisingly Google-centric and I haven't really seen other devices that allow access to Google content.

[Dolomite]

Yes anything on your display. If its google play, youtube, HBOgo, Showtime, anything. But the device needs to support Widi. URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WiDi"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WiDi[/URL] I have a laptop that has Widi. When i find a game thats not on TV I use it. I haven't used it in a while but I'll use it when the Eagles aren't on TV and I don't feel like going to a bar.

[TerpEagle]

Yes anything on your display. If its google play, youtube, HBOgo, Showtime, anything. But the device needs to support Widi. URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WiDi"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WiDi[/URL] I have a laptop that has Widi. When i find a game thats not on TV I use it. I haven't used it in a while but I'll use it when the Eagles aren't on TV and I don't feel like going to a bar.

Are there any WiDi phone or tablet devices?

[Dolomite]

I think the Roku does a pretty good job for what it is. I primarily use it to stream MLB.TV and some foreign TV stations to my TV. If they ever offer NFL streaming, I would use it for that as well.

Really all of these devices do the same thing, just with limitations set out by content providers.

I would be interested in streaming a PC desktop to a TV though. I have a specific work related application where this would be very useful. There are devices that do this but they cost around $130. The Chromecast device is much less expensive

I buy the baseball and Hockey packages from MLB and the NHL now instead of Verizon. Much more flexibility that way. If i want to watch a game at home i use the Roku. Its much better and has more options. Also from buying from MLB/NHL I can watch games when travel or if i'm at the gym with my phone.

The Roku has a ton of channels. I mostly watch Netflix, HBOgo, HuluPlus, Showtime anytime. If i want to rent a movie i use Amazon or Vudu. I'm going to start uploading my DVD collection to UltraViolet. I just added the Redbox streaming channel but i haven't subscribed. http://www.roku.com/channels