At the Google Android 4.3 event, Google has announced another foray into the living room with the Chromecast, a small $35 dongle that allows users to stream videos from a phone or tablet to their TV using Chrome. There are just three directions: 1.) Plug it in, 2.) Switch input, and 3.) Set it up.
The Chromecast doesn’t directly mirror your screen to devices a la AirPlay, though the two concepts are pretty similar. After what Google promises is quick and painless syncing, it turns your phone or computer into a remote, allowing you to queue up and play videos, control volume, or even turn on the TV.
On the traditional PC side, it supports Chrome on recent versions of Windows and Mac OS X: users can stream the contents of tabs directly from the browser, including HTML5 and Flash content, though Silverlight and Quicktime video aren’t supported. Somewhat ironically, the only currently supported Chromebook is the high-end Pixel, though wider support is coming.
Chromecast is now available to order on Amazon.com, with one- and two-day shipping options currently in play. If you’re itching to try it out as soon as possible, this is probably your best option. Amazon Prime members will even save money over the Google Play version and its comparatively expensive shipping.
Source: The Verge
