Pretty much useless - Google Chromecast

I bought chromecast the day it came out from best buy. Since then I have used it maybe 3 times. It was more of an impulse buy since most Google stuff is awesome.
The fact that I can only use this with Netflix or YouTube is bs. Trying to get local vids to play through chrome browser is hit or miss. Most of the time it just downloads whatever movie I try to play. If I want to watch a local vid from the comp I just turn on the Xbox.
Hopefully Google gets their stuff together and let's ppl stream from the phone to the tv, then I would use it. Until then it will remain plugged into my TV taking up an HDMI port until I need to plug in something that I will use or until Google adds more functionality. And Netflix streaming sucks. Kinda a crappy "bonus" if u ask me.

Not useless, but my excitement has waned significantly. Google seems to be following the GoogleTV mode on this device too, which means we most likely won't ever see it reach its potential, for a myriad of political and monetary reasons. My similarly priced Rockchip MK808 GTV stick has lots of capabilities, but I did have to buy a control point (Lenovo N5902) and it is a bit more fiddly than Chromecast, but the power and capability makes it worth it.

What's with the incessant whining? The product has only been out for less than a month, it's still getting into customers' hands and its development is in progress. The product's capabilities were clear when you bought it (Netflix, YouTube, Google Play and Chrome tab streaming). Wait for progress or return it and save us the drama.

If you want to see what incessant whining looks like, please visit any Logitech Revue GTV forum...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

I see a lot of people complaining that this device only does what google said it would do. I don't understand this. When the SDK is officially released and apps start appearing then you will get extra functionality but until then don't complain that you can do exactly what was advertised.

I agree, chromecast is pretty much useless.
Casting from a Chrome browser tab gives me a low quality picture.
I'm back to using hdmi cable.
It will gather dust until someday Google permits Fling to function again.
Or maybe until the next garage sale?
Regards

I'm pretty happy with it so far. Netflix support is great and Play Movies is (in my opinion) the best place to purchase digital movies. Really the only thing it's missing for me is playing *ahem* acquired movies.

I am happy with it so far.
I have never been a big youtube user because i don't like to sit at the computer and watch videos. Chromcasting youtube has been a ton of fun for me over the past couple of weeks. I find it a little easier than using youtube in the browser on my htpc with the keyboard. I experience less eyestrain looking at the tablet in my hands than trying to navigate youtube the screen 10+ feet away.
...but hoping the pace of new casting enabled apps picks up.

HowardZ said:
I agree, chromecast is pretty much useless.
Casting from a Chrome browser tab gives me a low quality picture.
I'm back to using hdmi cable.
It will gather dust until someday Google permits Fling to function again.
Or maybe until the next garage sale?
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats funny since the app you loved so much uses the same video compress as the chrome browser. I cant beleive anyone is happy flinging <480p video(as far as i know the 500px width is about the highest quality webm video they've gotten to go to the chromecast. Its a neat tool but not practical for transcoding hidef video(or even dvd)

I agree with the current lack of usability. Hopefully new functions will appear soon.

It does what Google said it would do. More functionality hopefully will come and should come. But I use Chromecast daily for watching Breaking Bad and YouTube for my son
Sent from my CLEAN Note II

I got mine about a week ago ir less after being on backorder for 4 weeks. I too HOPE we get more functionality from it soon/in time. BUT it has been nice to have for me for the price. My living room big tv has directCRAPtv connected to it which is okay but no other real devices except dvd player and vhs bel8eve it or not (which hardly ever get used).
So for the price it cost $42 shipped even with netflix it is worth thst little money. We have 3 roku's connected in three other rooms with netflix already, Hulu+ and they cost what about 3 times as much and dont do much more than this.
Since we have already seen some PREVIEW apps that shows what it CAN DO I know in time it will have more usage available. Hell I remember when the google market didnt have many apps with my first android device. I kept seeing comparisons (as stupid as they were) about iCrap having way mire apps available. Some things like this Chromecast start off slowly but I bet most apps worth streaming will work soon enough. So for the price I paid I can wait a while for the functionality I want.
I am an adult and have some patience. We have already seen Google response to the local streaming content. So I know in time it will come. So no worries. I probabky wont buy another 1 or more until it has the functionality/apps ready. But for the price and features already it is worth it. I rather watch the netflix on the 72" screen than my rooms 3w inch screens, let alone my tab or phone. Do I watch it on the other devices? Yes. So I feel the difference in the big screen...
Sent from My Spiderman Themed I337

wideasleep1 said:
If you want to see what incessant whining looks like, please visit any Logitech Revue GTV forum...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No offense to you but a good amount of that "incessant whining" is highly justified. Logitech pretty much has left us with a device that is buggy beyond belief. If I can't do simple stuff like YouTube without having to reformat it every other day then it's a fail in my opinion. Aw well once I can get my hands on the MiniX Neo X7 then I'm done with the Revue once and for all.

AngryManMLS said:
No offense to you but a good amount of that "incessant whining" is highly justified. Logitech pretty much has left us with a device that is buggy beyond belief. If I can't do simple stuff like YouTube without having to reformat it every other day then it's a fail in my opinion. Aw well once I can get my hands on the MiniX Neo X7 then I'm done with the Revue once and for all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None taken...I felt your pain for a few weeks before throwing in the towel on that product (ow, the pain of early adopter). My point is that we've 'been here before' with some Google widget that fell short of its promise, owing to a too-early, 'not ready for prime-time player' (nod to the SNL oldsters out there) and disorganised messages about updates and direction of development. If they're hunkering down in attempt to curry favor with big media companies (learned a lesson from GTV?), we're in for a long wait, and likely a hampered SDK, Still, I like what I've seen from these third-party devs (Bubble, ALL/Air, etc.), and hope we see a quick release and uptick on 'indie' dev that doesn't necessarily promote Google's own agenda.
edit: I'm curious why you prefer the Minix X7 over a recent MK Rockchip stick?

What is useless is this thread. Please remember this is a developers forum and not a complaint site. Unless you have something that contributes to development do not create threads.
Thread closed

Related

The Market

So please tell me, I am not the only one who hates the new market. I hate the layout, the buttons, the movie rentals? Really? Does no one take pride in movie watching anymore, popcorn, soda, snuggling? Now it's smudge marks, small screen, and squinting. I don't need movies, I have a tv. Traveling, I have a laptop, or a portable dvd player. Technology is great, but honestly, lets scale it back a bit. Or if we are gonna go rental crazy, can we charge a little less. Hell, I can go rent a dumb movie for a buck, outside of McD's, but I can watch that on a real screen. Don't give me that HDMI crap either... there is no point to a mini HDMI cable to link to your tv. If you have an HD tv, 85% chance you have a Wii or a PS3, which means you have a dish, or cable, which means you have a box, which means you can rent. Or go to Family Video for crying out loud!!! We would love to help you pick out your movie for the evening, we got mad skills there.
But seriously, the new market sucks.
hmm
Hmm, if you is talking about the new android market, i would say you is completely right. The new market are too munch like win7phone. and the old market where munch better
At first, I liked the new market, now after time with it, it's too cluttered.
I have a mixed reaction to it, it's easier to find useful apps but the layout is otherwise far too busy. I prefer a more minimalist aesthetic.
The home page is not the best, for sure. The actual pages for apps I like better. I'm sure they will hear the suggestions and make it less cluttered. But the idea is there to make it more modern. I am running a honeycomb theme in my room and it fits really nice.
Sent by Supersonic!
Good to see them try and make something on android aesthetically appealing.
z33dev33l said:
Good to see them try and make something on android aesthetically appealing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. You just cant help yourself can you?
I believe movie rentals are more for tablets than phones. Also, TV series can be good for watching even on a phone (like on a train to work).
I also prefer big screen, but you know what? I don't mind features, even if I don't use them. Someone will and we don't have to anyway, so let's quit complaining.
fpu
New Market is very nice
I think the new market is faster and it's enough for me
i think it sucks ... totally cluttered, way too many useless applications, and of course the search is bad, it doesn't work very well. I'd have expected more from google.
I agree hax1.
The search is so bad... and google is a search [based] giant!
s
search......

Is the Galaxy Note a true "all-in-one" device?

So, I have heard some mixed opinions from both reviewers and general users of the device who claim that this device can be utilised for all their electronic needs -- "a true all-in-one" device. And, yet, others have been left slightly disappointed and claim that the lack of portability and an inability to run tablet apps leaves a lot to be desired both as a phone - let alone a tablet as well. Hence, I would like to know what the forum users here think about the Note. Does it serve as a true "all-in-one" device or do you still feel yourself turning towards a tablet, MP3 player, or other devices?
Brad387 said:
So, I have heard some mixed opinions from both reviewers and general users of the device who claim that this device can be utilised for all their electronic needs -- "a true all-in-one" device. And, yet, others have been left slightly disappointed and claim that the lack of portability and an inability to run tablet apps leaves a lot to be desired both as a phone - let alone a tablet as well. Hence, I would like to know what the forum users here think about the Note. Does it serve as a true "all-in-one" device or do you still feel yourself turning towards a tablet, MP3 player, or other devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A waste of a post my friend... Have you got one? Do you know your needs (electronically) can you work the search button etc etc etc
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda app-developers app
@denny said:
A waste of a post my friend... Have you got one? Do you know your needs (electronically) can you work the search button etc etc etc
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I have. I am just curious as to whether people who own a Note still utilise a tablet at all.
It depends on your capability, ability and availability of the phone, apps you installed and the relation of your work to the phone..i.e.corporate?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA Premium App
It is not an all in one device. However, I do not use my iPad much after I bought the Note. It's still small for Web Surfing.
I'll bite...
It's an all-in-one device for me:
Ebooks:
I'm reading several books at once, one of which is a Cisco commands book. I have noticed that I'm more apt to lay in bed reading, as the Note is great for long reads holding it with one hand. Played around with a Nexus 7, too big to e-read holding it for too long...
Surfing:
most definitely. Use both desktop view and mobile web views. Google News, Flipboard. Video links are great to watch, and the in-your-pocket portability means you have the device everywhere all the time. Can't say that with a tablet. Again, the Nexus 7 looks sweet, but you know what, this "phablet" (hate the term) cancels the need for a 7 inch tablet.
Videos:
I'm studying for my Cisco certs, and a large part of that is from youtube videos. TED videos are great as well. Perfect size for a quick 6 minute video, either lying in bed or on break at work or waiting in line somewhere. Mind you, my LG HBS700 goes with me everywhere my Note goes... which leads me to the next item --
Music:
Definitely my go-to music player. Have bluetooth headset on all the time (doubles as earplugs when needed, lol). Two bluetooth portable speakers are used all the time -- Creative D100 and Monster Clarity HD. It's amazing the number of music players I use -- bluetooth a song from a friend's HTC windows mobile, select a station on Pandora for a few hours, scrobble a neighbor's library from Last.fm for a change of pace, use WinAmp for some years-old playlist, search and play from youtube, listen to another chapter from an audiobook (WOT FTW!)
Movies/TV:
I have a Netflix account, and like watching documentary series. At 45 min a pop, the Note is great on a stand while studying (erm, "multi-tasking") on my PC's big screen. Even though I don't have time nor tolerance for TV's fictions, Brighthouse Networks in Central Florida has an app that lets you watch TV on your device (Weather on the Ones). There's also HBO GO and MAX GO, both free. Yes, the black blotching sucks (negligible when HDMI is played at night through a portable projector like the AAXA P4X), but non-fiction is brighter than fiction, and I like facts more than fantasy.
Communication:
I use the phone portion least, because I prefer texting and emails (no patience for blabbermouths). Love email push notifications, so much better than having to load a webpage then check randomly. I also don't have a phone plan, using a tablet data-only plan and a semi-permanent Skype number for making and receiving calls (Germany for free, hellz yeah). Google Voice and Whatapp fill in the texting needs. Don't twitter and don't FB... don't ask.
Gaming:
Oh yeah, this device rocks for casual gaming. Maybe when I pass my CCNA I'll research and root for emulator access, but for now, Draw Something, Defender, and Osmos are my main entertainments when I have downtime. GTA III, Shadowgun, Order and Chaos, and a few others held my visual attention for awhile, but time is money, and gaming don't make money, if you know what I mean. Still, Note >> PSP/DS3/Vita for me...
Out and about:
GPS is smooth, Local is useful, Maps has more utility than at first glance.
Honorable mentions:
-- S note, S memo: useful for the quick phone number or lecture in class
-- music apps: Caustic, Su-Preme MPA, SPC, ChordBot, Solo, etc
-- weather widgets and alarms
-- Skydrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, Box.net
-- Amazon and ebay apps
-- Wolfram Alpha, Assistant, Google Voice Search, Wiki for those trivia moments
-- voice recorders, video camera, pictures
The list goes on and on, I better stop now. Seriously, this thing is a marvel. Granted, much of this applies to smartphones in general, but a few things make the Note stand out:
-- portability with a large screen (tablets too big)
-- stylus (not to be underestimated, habits are hard to break)
-- performance (only a few devices currently trump the Note)
-- uniqueness (adds social wow factor, personal interest, and perceived value)
-- XDA support... makes the device relevant for at least another cycle or three
---------- Post added at 12:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:37 AM ----------
Just to balance things out with an anti-Note point of view:
I am planning on getting an iPad2. I want GarageBand and the many other iOS music production apps badly. This includes the ecosystem:
-- iRig to hook the guitar directly for FX and recording
-- Alesis or Behringer MIDI all-in-one connector for my synths
-- access to iOS ecosystem
The maturity, MIDI access, and no-latency issues of iOS trumps Android. And for around $350, why would I be blind to opening so many avenues?
Note isn't all, but it is sure damn close.
Besides, I still need an underwater videocamera for recording those reef dives, yes?
psionic11 said:
I'll bite...
It's an all-in-one device for me:
Ebooks:
I'm reading several books at once, one of which is a Cisco commands book. I have noticed that I'm more apt to lay in bed reading, as the Note is great for long reads holding it with one hand. Played around with a Nexus 7, too big to e-read holding it for too long...
Surfing:
most definitely. Use both desktop view and mobile web views. Google News, Flipboard. Video links are great to watch, and the in-your-pocket portability means you have the device everywhere all the time. Can't say that with a tablet. Again, the Nexus 7 looks sweet, but you know what, this "phablet" (hate the term) cancels the need for a 7 inch tablet.
Videos:
I'm studying for my Cisco certs, and a large part of that is from youtube videos. TED videos are great as well. Perfect size for a quick 6 minute video, either lying in bed or on break at work or waiting in line somewhere. Mind you, my LG HBS700 goes with me everywhere my Note goes... which leads me to the next item --
Music:
Definitely my go-to music player. Have bluetooth headset on all the time (doubles as earplugs when needed, lol). Two bluetooth portable speakers are used all the time -- Creative D100 and Monster Clarity HD. It's amazing the number of music players I use -- bluetooth a song from a friend's HTC windows mobile, select a station on Pandora for a few hours, scrobble a neighbor's library from Last.fm for a change of pace, use WinAmp for some years-old playlist, search and play from youtube, listen to another chapter from an audiobook (WOT FTW!)
Movies/TV:
I have a Netflix account, and like watching documentary series. At 45 min a pop, the Note is great on a stand while studying (erm, "multi-tasking") on my PC's big screen. Even though I don't have time nor tolerance for TV's fictions, Brighthouse Networks in Central Florida has an app that lets you watch TV on your device (Weather on the Ones). There's also HBO GO and MAX GO, both free. Yes, the black blotching sucks (negligible when HDMI is played at night through a portable projector like the AAXA P4X), but non-fiction is brighter than fiction, and I like facts more than fantasy.
Communication:
I use the phone portion least, because I prefer texting and emails (no patience for blabbermouths). Love email push notifications, so much better than having to load a webpage then check randomly. I also don't have a phone plan, using a tablet data-only plan and a semi-permanent Skype number for making and receiving calls (Germany for free, hellz yeah). Google Voice and Whatapp fill in the texting needs. Don't twitter and don't FB... don't ask.
Gaming:
Oh yeah, this device rocks for casual gaming. Maybe when I pass my CCNA I'll research and root for emulator access, but for now, Draw Something, Defender, and Osmos are my main entertainments when I have downtime. GTA III, Shadowgun, Order and Chaos, and a few others held my visual attention for awhile, but time is money, and gaming don't make money, if you know what I mean. Still, Note >> PSP/DS3/Vita for me...
Out and about:
GPS is smooth, Local is useful, Maps has more utility than at first glance.
Honorable mentions:
-- S note, S memo: useful for the quick phone number or lecture in class
-- music apps: Caustic, Su-Preme MPA, SPC, ChordBot, Solo, etc
-- weather widgets and alarms
-- Skydrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, Box.net
-- Amazon and ebay apps
-- Wolfram Alpha, Assistant, Google Voice Search, Wiki for those trivia moments
-- voice recorders, video camera, pictures
The list goes on and on, I better stop now. Seriously, this thing is a marvel. Granted, much of this applies to smartphones in general, but a few things make the Note stand out:
-- portability with a large screen (tablets too big)
-- stylus (not to be underestimated, habits are hard to break)
-- performance (only a few devices currently trump the Note)
-- uniqueness (adds social wow factor, personal interest, and perceived value)
-- XDA support... makes the device relevant for at least another cycle or three
---------- Post added at 12:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:37 AM ----------
Just to balance things out with an anti-Note point of view:
I am planning on getting an iPad2. I want GarageBand and the many other iOS music production apps badly. This includes the ecosystem:
-- iRig to hook the guitar directly for FX and recording
-- Alesis or Behringer MIDI all-in-one connector for my synths
-- access to iOS ecosystem
The maturity, MIDI access, and no-latency issues of iOS trumps Android. And for around $350, why would I be blind to opening so many avenues?
Note isn't all, but it is sure damn close.
Besides, I still need an underwater videocamera for recording those reef dives, yes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn´t have written it any better myself,about the same here,maybe a few things extra what I do....printing(PrinterShare),I like to print a few photos now and then or print a few important e-mails without putting the pc on,with the PrinterShare app and a printer with WiFi...perfect.I also stream a lot to my Samsung TV, thats when the iMedia app comes in,for me also perfect.I agree to 98% that the Note is an all-in-one device,the missing 2% will be found sometime for something else.
Comparing the ipad 2 with the gnote? In your case maybe apple products is better for you. But if you're really comparing the ipad 2 with the gnote. I think gnote is more useful for majority. I think. You can get a phone and a semi tab at the same time.cpu of gnote is defenetly a lot powerful. Screen resolution on gnote also. The only thing that i think that the ipad 2 has the advantage is that it has bigger screen than gnote(in terms of tablet) and for some its(ios) which for me is ewwww
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
PierreTech said:
Comparing the ipad 2 with the gnote? In your case maybe apple products is better for you. But if you're really comparing the ipad 2 with the gnote. I think gnote is more useful for majority. I think. You can get a phone and a semi tab at the same time.cpu of gnote is defenetly a lot powerful. Screen resolution on gnote also. The only thing that i think that the ipad 2 has the advantage is that it has bigger screen than gnote(in terms of tablet) and for some its(ios) which for me is ewwww
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmmm.....just because the iPad has a bigger screen doesn´t mean its an advantage,I mean...can you put it in your pocket???Don´t think so,Note yes and can you make phone calls with the iPad...not what I know of,with the Note yes.
Oh......the iPad ist "just" a tab. and the Note is a mobile PHONE.....2 different devices so really you can´t compare them.Comparing an iPad with Samsungs Galaxy 10.1 is ok...both tabs.
Da mOnKeY said:
hmmmm.....just because the iPad has a bigger screen doesn´t mean its an advantage,I mean...can you put it in your pocket???Don´t think so,Note yes and can you make phone calls with the iPad...not what I know of,with the Note yes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought it for this, and I use my note this way: all in one:
web, gaming, email, tel, social, gps, mp3, dictionary, maps, books, manage files in cloud, taking note, shopping list... : EVERYTHING.
ultimate device, I do not need anything else.
Note is Better than S3
after using galaxy s3 for a month , i m still in love with galaxy note ..its a all in one device for me ..i love it ..i recommend u to wait for note 2 if ur planning to buy one ..but if u want it earlier then go for note ..its perfect .. and after the last update 4.0.4 it has made it faster than ever..

Chromecast Apps: What's the holdup?

I keep checking around occasionally to see if my Chromecast will become useful today. I would have expected that only a few days after its release, the Google Play store would be filled with interesting Chromecast apps, and existing Android apps would be adding Chromecast features. As of today, the only apps capable of playing media on the Chromecast are still apps that it launched with. I've heard a bit about Koush's unreleased apps, which tells me that the holdup is Google themselves. What gives? Why are they doing this? Does anyone have any idea of when they will allow developers to release their apps? The way this Chromecast thing has played out so far seems very unlike Google, and is making me quite disappointed with them.
Waiting on Google to release the sdk out of beta. No timeline yet. It will come....
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
I think main reason for the release of the device was to bring Google Movies service to your big screen TV, the rest was just a bonus. Looks like due to lots of licensing issues, this will be a slow and painful process and I hope it doesn't become the next Apple TV that is barely useful without the jailbreak and XBMC on it.
I also hope someone turns the script from the other thread to a mobile app in a similar fashion to what Koush did.
The way I figure it:
If you were an early adopter, you get a Netflix, Youtube, Google Play and sort-of Chrome tab player for $35. If you got the Netflix 3 months code, then it cost you even less. Think back to the last time you bought a disappointing piece of technology that you had high hopes for... at least this one is cheap!
I'm sure the public SDK will happen when it's good and ready. I just think Google wants to have out some more examples of big-name apps that work really well with Chromecast, before they open the floodgates to all the rest of the devs.
cmstlist said:
Think back to the last time you bought a disappointing piece of technology that you had high hopes for... at least this one is cheap!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is true. It's just frustrating to own a capable device with artificial limitations.
Yea we should of known something was up when 3 months of netflix with the device at only $35. That tells me they knew the only content provider they had on board now was netflix. To keep most happy they can say "oh we pretty much gave you the device". Enjoy old movies for the next 6 months and we will slowly add content. Only way for Google to make money is to not let devs release their apps. Fortunately some will grow tired and root the device "again" and developers will create programs that function with beta sdk and your device ID that will enable apps to work as they choose. Only issue is we will never be able to receive content updates as that would patch root access. Kinda a lose lose situation. lol
Its cool dont get me wrong... To sit on the shelf and say i have 5 of them. But in know way fun to use if you already had your netflix and youtube experience. I recommend android stick mk808 or higher even a roku as they are very fun to tinker with.
I think before the 3 months of Netflix expire we'll at least see a few more big names come on board. Both developers and customers are beating down the door to get in.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
I can't help but to be pessimistic about all of this. How can a device with such a simple idea of casting not come out with the ability to cast images from your phone to the TV? It is an obvious omission that almost everyone wants and would have been a simple coding to get it working at launch.
Either way though, I must say I really love my Chromecast as-is, even though it does have these unnecessary artificial limitations.
AlexNC75 said:
I can't help but to be pessimistic about all of this. How can a device with such a simple idea of casting not come out with the ability to cast images from your phone to the TV? It is an obvious omission that almost everyone wants and would have been a simple coding to get it working at launch.
Either way though, I must say I really love my Chromecast as-is, even though it does have these unnecessary artificial limitations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Geez people! Have some freaking patients! The SDK is in beta and developers are not allowed to release apps yet. Do you really think they created an SDK to never release it? WTF! It's like a bunch of little kids in a candy store and their mom telling them they can't eat all their candy right away. The SDK WILL be released and people WILL create apps or add functionality to current apps...
Doctors have plenty of patients.
I'd bet the vast majority of purchasers will only ever use this for the 'sanctioned' apps that G itself gets behind. Picasa should have been included out the gate. When I hacked the mk808, it was one of the first things I wanted to do, get my photos up on the big screen. Maybe someday we'll see 'Chromecast-Ready' advertising, but I still wonder how G makes real bank on this product. It's saving grace so far is price and future potential.
edit: and the more I think about it, that future potential tends to circumvent G's interests.
While everyone has a conspiracy theory I think what we're seeing is a typical new product cycle. For a product like Chromecast to be successful Google needs as many apps to support it as possible. However, I'm sure after that app developers are reluctant to support a new hardware product until there are enough devices to warrant it. Look, Windows phone has millions of phones in use but app developers aren't going there. Yes, Chromecast doesn't require much from the app developer but using their precious resources costs money and they don't want to go there until the hardware was proving itself as something people wanted.
Hence Netflix. It was a seed product. An app many millions of people use. If they were on board it could help sell the product. And help it did. I believe the success of Chromecast caught Google off guard. Clearly they weren't able to handle the demand for hardware and the demand by app developers to get things into the Play Store. While they may have thought they'd have until Holiday season to get things rolling, it has been accelerated greatly.
I expect that the next run of the hardware will be bigger and longer. I work for a company that has products made in China. It can take 6 weeks just to get on the schedule of a manufacturer and then many weeks to produce and then 3 weeks to come across the water and go through customs, then another 2 weeks to get into the channel. That's months. Google has more money to throw at the manufacturer to speed things up but there may not be too many suppliers that can make this product.
Time is what is needed. By the end of the year we'll know a lot more. Be patient.

Now what for Chromecast

I am happy with the functionality of the Chromecast. Netflix, Play Music and YouTube function quite well. I liked briefly being able to play local media. But I can't help but wonder what will Google add to it. Roku has so many channels both official and private. Apple TV just added a couple more. Not very many but still many more then Google. Any thoughts on how Chromecast will mature.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium HD app
I think so many people are caught up in the idea of playing their local media, that they had forgot that this device can do so much more!
I am personally working on a couple of preview/proof-of-concept projects, within the guidelines that Google has given us, including having my Chromecast whitelisted. And they still work just fine, aka not blocked.
One is a game (with plans to develop quite a few games).
One is a home automation/security hub integration.
There is a lot of potential for this device. And even with an unfinished SDK, the current API allows for all of this still.
Consider this. The receiver app API is 100% compatible to JavaScript and HTML5. And so much can be developed on these platforms.
The problem I see is, we have SOOOOOO many more "consumers/users" roaming this device then we do developers. And when the proof-of-concept that the CC could playback local media emerged, everyone was FLING'n to that and didn't allow their minds to see outside that box (like the pun there?).
I for one am still extremely excited for this product. As a developer, I see it as a great tool that adds an outlet to my creativity which can be integrated with current relevant apps and web experiences, and future ones.
I truly hope that the rest of the community can see this "light at the end of the tunnel" as well. I'd hate to see the CC get such a bad rep just because an ability that was never promised in the first place, got, for all we know, temporarily disabled.
Unholyfire said:
I think so many people are caught up in the idea of playing their local media, that they had forgot that this device can do so much more!
I am personally working on a couple of preview/proof-of-concept projects, within the guidelines that Google has given us, including having my Chromecast whitelisted. And they still work just fine, aka not blocked.
One is a game (with plans to develop quite a few games).
One is a home automation/security hub integration.
There is a lot of potential for this device. And even with an unfinished SDK, the current API allows for all of this still.
Consider this. The receiver app API is 100% compatible to JavaScript and HTML5. And so much can be developed on these platforms.
The problem I see is, we have SOOOOOO many more "consumers/users" roaming this device then we do developers. And when the proof-of-concept that the CC could playback local media emerged, everyone was FLING'n to that and didn't allow their minds to see outside that box (like the pun there?).
I for one am still extremely excited for this product. As a developer, I see it as a great tool that adds an outlet to my creativity which can be integrated with current relevant apps and web experiences, and future ones.
I truly hope that the rest of the community can see this "light at the end of the tunnel" as well. I'd hate to see the CC get such a bad rep just because an ability that was never promised in the first place, got, for all we know, temporarily disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for this post. We finally get one of the few adult posts around here. I'm very interested in what you have planned so far.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4
Unholyfire said:
I think so many people are caught up in the idea of playing their local media, that they had forgot that this device can do so much more!
I am personally working on a couple of preview/proof-of-concept projects, within the guidelines that Google has given us, including having my Chromecast whitelisted. And they still work just fine, aka not blocked.
One is a game (with plans to develop quite a few games).
One is a home automation/security hub integration.
There is a lot of potential for this device. And even with an unfinished SDK, the current API allows for all of this still.
Consider this. The receiver app API is 100% compatible to JavaScript and HTML5. And so much can be developed on these platforms.
The problem I see is, we have SOOOOOO many more "consumers/users" roaming this device then we do developers. And when the proof-of-concept that the CC could playback local media emerged, everyone was FLING'n to that and didn't allow their minds to see outside that box (like the pun there?).
I for one am still extremely excited for this product. As a developer, I see it as a great tool that adds an outlet to my creativity which can be integrated with current relevant apps and web experiences, and future ones.
I truly hope that the rest of the community can see this "light at the end of the tunnel" as well. I'd hate to see the CC get such a bad rep just because an ability that was never promised in the first place, got, for all we know, temporarily disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I look forward to the gaming part as from what I understand there is a lag between the input and display on the tv. And for gaming lag is an absolute no-no.
Unholyfire said:
I think so many people are caught up in the idea of playing their local media, that they had forgot that this device can do so much more!
I am personally working on a couple of preview/proof-of-concept projects, within the guidelines that Google has given us, including having my Chromecast whitelisted. And they still work just fine, aka not blocked.
One is a game (with plans to develop quite a few games).
One is a home automation/security hub integration.
There is a lot of potential for this device. And even with an unfinished SDK, the current API allows for all of this still.
Consider this. The receiver app API is 100% compatible to JavaScript and HTML5. And so much can be developed on these platforms.
The problem I see is, we have SOOOOOO many more "consumers/users" roaming this device then we do developers. And when the proof-of-concept that the CC could playback local media emerged, everyone was FLING'n to that and didn't allow their minds to see outside that box (like the pun there?).
I for one am still extremely excited for this product. As a developer, I see it as a great tool that adds an outlet to my creativity which can be integrated with current relevant apps and web experiences, and future ones.
I truly hope that the rest of the community can see this "light at the end of the tunnel" as well. I'd hate to see the CC get such a bad rep just because an ability that was never promised in the first place, got, for all we know, temporarily disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing with local media streaming is that it should have been included from the start and is one of the most common and basic needs for Android users. We all have these really nice smartphones with incredible cameras and want a very easy way to push pictures or video we have taken to our big screens for reviewing as a group. I have no doubt it will come once the SDK is out of beta and it's really too bad that we all had access to AirCast because it provided a key functionality then Google took it away. Yes, it should never had happened and I understand why they had to block the hack but they also had to realize it was going to upset a lot of people. I just don't get why they didn't provide this functionality from the start, it's just such a natural solution for Android to share pictures on a big screen....
verysmartncool said:
I look forward to the gaming part as from what I understand there is a lag between the input and display on the tv. And for gaming lag is an absolute no-no.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since my proof-of-concept game does not require millisecond latency for control interface from the player to the screen, this is not an issue. Also, the lag that is present appears to be less than a second thus far anyway.
rkirmeier said:
The thing with local media streaming is that it should have been included from the start and is one of the most common and basic needs for Android users. We all have these really nice smartphones with incredible cameras and want a very easy way to push pictures or video we have taken to our big screens for reviewing as a group. I have no doubt it will come once the SDK is out of beta and it's really too bad that we all had access to AirCast because it provided a key functionality then Google took it away. Yes, it should never had happened and I understand why they had to block the hack but they also had to realize it was going to upset a lot of people. I just don't get why they didn't provide this functionality from the start, it's just such a natural solution for Android to share pictures on a big screen....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure why it should have been included. It was never advertised as having that functionality. The Chromecast website states...
The easiest way to enjoy online video and music on your TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will be great once the SDK is officially released and developers can release an app for that... but it was and is sold as a solution for online video.
I am hopeful people can bring a variety of things to the Chromecast. I can stream my local files to the roku quite easily. And actually I have a slimport and a push2tv. So it is easy. I can already use the roku for angry birds. Not sure whether latency is an issue. It is true that Google did not advertise that it could play local files but they are smart enough to know that customers would want to. If they are worried about upsetting the Cable companies, etc. We have plenty of ways to stream content from our Android devices to the television. I. Can play a local file on the computer using a chrome browser. Granted it looks terrible but it works.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

Any rumors on when Hulu, Netflix and YouTube will come to GVR?

Since your phone can already stream these and downloaded YouTube videos placed in the Movies folder look excellent in the GVR, what's the roadblock? Why not just apply whatever algorithm to the streaming video the Movie folder applies to stored video?
It's all already in there, they just need to put the pieces together.
Once this is available the usefulness of this device will skyrocket.
Although unofficial, it's here in beta form. Link Here Haven't tried it myself but the comments on the app page seems to indicate some people having success. I think it will play pc games and show your windows desktop as well.
boodies said:
Although unofficial, it's here in beta form. Link Here Haven't tried it myself but the comments on the app page seems to indicate some people having success. I think it will play pc games and show your windows desktop as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This seems very cool and like an excellent possible answer; however, I can't figure out how to launch it from within the GVR. The SBS screens play perfectly on my phone but the second I place it in the GVR that disappears and the app is not listed in my Library. What's the secret?
Hmmm, playing Hulu on this the lag is very bad.
Just flip the USB up and put the phone underneath it, so the USB is not plugged in.
This is one way to use any non-Gear VR app.
pbelcomp said:
Just flip the USB up and put the phone underneath it, so the USB is not plugged in.
This is one way to use any non-Gear VR app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah cool thanks.
Yes, it works but the lag is so bad it is unusable and I can't hard tether so kind of SOL.
lol damn, too bad its so laggy. Glad it's somewhat possible but hopefully we'll have a better implementation in the future.
considering the slow rate at which new stuff is being put out at the moment, i truly hope they do "free" the gear VR a bit from the walled garden approach it has right now.
i can totally understand why a manufacturer will want a walled garden ecosystem in a commercial product in the long run, so while of course as a consumer i dont like that, i can see the rationale behind that from samsungs/oculus' perspective. but then, this is the so called "innovator edition", is it not? they know people hack and abuse this thing anyway, they know we throw anything at it we can find and surely wont just watch a handful of trailers in that fine cinema (so far the number one killer feature IMO).
so one would hope that at least during this "innovator phase", they open this thing up a bit more. like, allow gear VR apps to be used without this silly and cumbersome USB-plugout-hack with which you lose the touchpad and everything. or better even, just allow the user access to the regular desktop. like, a zoomable 2d view of your mobile screen. then, while patiently waiting for new content, we could at least fool around with videos from the playstore, enormous skype video calls and other absurdities, and have this thing be what its sold as at this point: a healthy dose of nerd fun without the assumption that it all makes sense yet
zorglub667 said:
considering the slow rate at which new stuff is being put out at the moment, i truly hope they do "free" the gear VR a bit from the walled garden approach it has right now.
i can totally understand why a manufacturer will want a walled garden ecosystem in a commercial product in the long run, so while of course as a consumer i dont like that, i can see the rationale behind that from samsungs/oculus' perspective. but then, this is the so called "innovator edition", is it not? they know people hack and abuse this thing anyway, they know we throw anything at it we can find and surely wont just watch a handful of trailers in that fine cinema (so far the number one killer feature IMO).
so one would hope that at least during this "innovator phase", they open this thing up a bit more. like, allow gear VR apps to be used without this silly and cumbersome USB-plugout-hack with which you lose the touchpad and everything. or better even, just allow the user access to the regular desktop. like, a zoomable 2d view of your mobile screen. then, while patiently waiting for new content, we could at least fool around with videos from the playstore, enormous skype video calls and other absurdities, and have this thing be what its sold as at this point: a healthy dose of nerd fun without the assumption that it all makes sense yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said. While this is called the "Innovator Edition" they are now selling it through Bestbuy brick and mortar stores. That means they are looking for public commercial acceptance. As such, opening up the full power of this operational Death Star would make sense. I believe the public would be much more excited if they could watch streaming content in realtime as opposed to downloading multi-GB movies. The technology obviously exists to allow this, they simply have chosen not to.

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