I'm calling it. Google is not ever going to open Chromecast to development and it will never be more than a limited dongle to stream a few (mostly) paid services. They may finish an SDK but they will never remove the white list. Google has moved on to luxury barges and product tie ins with candy bars. Chromecast is an even bigger failure than Nexus Q. Google may have sold lots of Chromecasts but they have gone out of their way to make the device of only very limited utility and the 3rd party apps they have added have been so few and so limited.
I don't think I'm going to be buying any more Google multimedia devices. I feel like a real sucker for buying this one.
Dude it's $35. Want some cheese with that?
I think you are wrong on this, browse on phone play on TV is great.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
I think you are very wrong here. I would rather google whitelist quality apps than have a ton of half-assed ones for it.
Granted yes I would like to see more apps available for it. But while it's still young we don't need 100 apps that all do the exact same thing. The one app I am waiting for is plex. If that ever becomes chromecast enabled. That would be awesome
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk
Woah, calm down. It's not even half a year old yet.
Google is slowly but surely allowing apps to have Chromecast support.
Hulu now has Chromecast support and just recently Pandora.
While I don't really see the whole logic behind them approving apps it's really not that big of a deal.
I can see Chromecast having a good life in the future. It's definitely not a Nexus Q failure.
inthepit said:
I think you are very wrong here. I would rather google whitelist quality apps than have a ton of half-assed ones for it.
Granted yes I would like to see more apps available for it. But while it's still young we don't need 100 apps that all do the exact same thing. The one app I am waiting for is plex. If that ever becomes chromecast enabled. That would be awesome
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want your mfg to control what apps you can use and who gets to develop for them, then go swap to apple.
It would be one thing if there was even an approval process, but there isn't, just backroom deals between big companies.
When I buy google it's because I want the freedom to do what I want with my device.
That said I'm giving them til the end of the year before I declare their "SDK" dead, but I am starting to agree with the OP.
gottahavit said:
If you want your mfg to control what apps you can use and who gets to develop for them, then go swap to apple.
It would be one thing if there was even an approval process, but there isn't, just backroom deals between big companies.
When I buy google it's because I want the freedom to do what I want with my device.
That said I'm giving them til the end of the year before I declare their "SDK" dead, but I am starting to agree with the OP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google never promised you any thing with the Chromecast. You just let your imagination get the better if you. Like others said. What did you expect for $35.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Cuzz1369 said:
Google never promised you any thing with the Chromecast. You just let your imagination get the better if you. Like others said. What did you expect for $35.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I expect that when they publish a "Beta" SDK, that states "You're CC needs to be Whitelisted while in Beta", that within a reasonable period of time, the whitelist requirement will be lifted and the SDK will come out of Beta and they will publish a "here's the process to publish your app"
When Google(or really anyone) releases a Beta SDK Developers are going begin spending their valuable time coding solutions for that platform, expecting someday they will be able to release their product.
So far they're just wasting developers time.
This has nothing to do with how much my chromecast cost, it's about misleading developers.
You buy a product for what it does. Not what you think it could/should/will do. Its called "Chromecast" and that's exactly what it does, casts chrome to my TV, beautify.
I understand your frustration, but I knew when I bought it what it was and did, and even though I wanted more, didn't expect it for the price
Sent from my One using xda app-developers app
inthepit said:
I think you are very wrong here. I would rather google whitelist quality apps than have a ton of half-assed ones for it.
Granted yes I would like to see more apps available for it. But while it's still young we don't need 100 apps that all do the exact same thing. The one app I am waiting for is plex. If that ever becomes chromecast enabled. That would be awesome
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you that it would be nice to have apps that Google has tested for quality, but that does not require a white list. The could offer a tested & certified classification. But locking out everyone else is just rude. The market is pretty good at self regulating. And I'd be glad to see 100 apps that do the same thing. Chances are better I can find one I like. The more competition, the better the quality of the standouts in the long run. Locking the device down is both lazy and greedy.
Galaxy S4, Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 7
I would have to agree. This thing is DOA! Had potential but by the time Google gets off their butts something else better will be out to take its place. Too bad. Thank goodness it was only $35.
Sent from my HTCONE using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I'm disappointed too, and I agree that we will probably NEVER see any 3rd party independent apps for the chromecast. We'll just get the few services that Google throws to us. I imagine they'll still add things in the future from time to time though.
For $35 I am still happy with the device. I was tired of using my Blu-Ray player's clunky UI to watch Netflix or Youtube videos. Being able to initiate and perform everything via smartphone is amazing. I do think the Play Music could be better implemented...I don't expect most people to understand that you have to upload your music to Play and then download it onto your phone through the app, rather than sideloading. But I guess that's just a product of the DIAL standard.
We all expected 'freedom' but Google never actually said this thing would be open source.
They are a business, not a charity. They probably have their reasons for being so restrictive.
Still it's early to tell what will happen. Allowing plex would solve most of my problems, personally.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
For me Chromecast has been awesome. With Pandora it just got tons better. Because I use Amazon prime as my tv source, if they release prime app I'll buy another one for my bedroom asap. If Netflix or hulu was what I use I would have already bought another.
You can use splashtop to cast browser tabs on your computer from your phone and use hulu for free.
Best $35 I've spent I'm a long time.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
jcissell said:
Best $35 I've spent I'm a long time.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes 2 of us lol Matter of fact I spent more last night on margaritas and all I got out of that was a little hangover this morning.
I've found that my CC streams Hulu better than either my blu-ray player or my LG 'smart' TV. I also use Netflix, Pandora and Google Music and am happy with them all on the CC; Plex would be icing on the cake. Plus the kids like being able to select their shows from the tablet vs the remote.
I can understand the devs not being happy though.
Furik said:
Woah, calm down. It's not even half a year old yet.
Google is slowly but surely allowing apps to have Chromecast support.
Hulu now has Chromecast support and just recently Pandora.
While I don't really see the whole logic behind them approving apps it's really not that big of a deal.
I can see Chromecast having a good life in the future. It's definitely not a Nexus Q failure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I was told about Google TV. I'm still waiting.
Sent from my XT897 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
rbeavers said:
That's what I was told about Google TV. I'm still waiting.
Sent from my XT897 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah me too, but at least as a developer I can write and distribute code for GTV, as pathetic as it is.
I use my Chromecast every day, most times about 3-4hrs a day on multiple TV's
I have 4 Apple loving friends who own one and prefer it for Hulu, Netflix and YouTube over their Apple TV boxes.
People who won't touch Google or Android or are still using IE use it. Google has become a name in the living room by selling a "foot in the door" device at a bargain/loss.... and they are succeeding
Some failure........
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 4
gottahavit said:
Yeah me too, but at least as a developer I can write and distribute code for GTV, as pathetic as it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I can't do a thing with out root on the GTV.
It's nice we can at least cast a chrome tab.
Sent from my XT897 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
It's only been a little over 4 months, so it's not quite dead yet, but it's beginning to look like Google's second failure in the TV market. So far the biggest news has been Google crushing attempts to make it more useful.
I think Google's problem is that they have no clue what they want to do in the TV market. They're dabbling because they think they should, but they don't want to commit to anything.
Personally I already replaced mine with a Roku, which cost only a few dollars more and is way better. I think the Chromecast will be going to somebody else for Christmas.
Related
Netflix now has an app for the Nintendo 3DS, yet we can't get one for these Tetra 2 powerhouses. Hell, it works on my Nook!
Its really annoying. I cancelled my account.
If you have an account, please call and ask about it. The more people complain, the more likely they are to make the fix.
Ill restart my subscription if they get it going, but for now, Netflix has lost a customer.
Has anyone heard if/when they are going to step up?
I have to admit that I am surprised that nvidia isn't screaming at them.
i just got my own account the other day, i've been piggybacking off of others for like a year and a half. I can't wait to have it on my xoom so I can just plug it into my living room TV instead of lugging one of my consoles out there, but I can wait.
I couldnt help but to laugh when I first saw a youtube video on 3Ds...I mean it was a big slap in the face to all xoom users.
youtube video?
patass said:
youtube video?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMVlB-eYZOs
yeah, we get it, netflix is on the 3ds. this WAS announced from the start you know.
And its not like the doesn't work on the zoom, they just disabled the streaming portion. It took them almost a year after the HTC evolution came to even release an android client, no telling how long for a tablet version.
Yeah no kidding Netflix should be a given on such power full tablets I just don't get it
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Haha I do have Netflix on my 3DS right now!
But for my Xoom, nah not possible yet, I hear ya OP. But the 3DS is Nintendo. The Wii is one of the consoles that Netflix fully supports, and if you look at the 3DS version, it's basically the same app ported over from the Wii to the smaller portable 3DS screen.
Nintendo and Netflix have a console+steaming service relationship. They will always officially support each other, no matter what. This is not the case with Android. Not fully and completely supported, not just yet anyways.
We will see full Android support for Netflix in due time. Maybe when Ice cream sandwich makes its debut, who knows. All new tablets and phones will run the same exact OS, making it pretty easy to fully support all devices without a problem. That's what I believe they are looking to do. Makes perfect sense.
The is one of the worst consoles ever. My kids wont even play it, thed rather play angry birds on my phone/tablet. Just email netflix ever day about the xoom...bug the crap out of them
Romp said:
Netflix pissing me off. Nintendo 3DS, sure. Xoom? Nope
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, me too. US, sure. Europe? Nope
mulletcutter said:
Just email netflix ever day about the xoom...bug the crap out of them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doing this.
Sent from my Shooter
mulletcutter said:
Just email netflix ever day about the xoom...bug the crap out of them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be nice, if they listed an email address or had a form to submit. Their customer service contact page only shows a phone number. But, I did just call and had a refreshingly frank discussion with the rep who answered my call. He said they were actively working on it and the issue was related to meeting studios' requirements for DRM in Honeycomb tablets. He was aware of the discussions here and on the other Xoom forum and he even said that some users had been able to change settings to make it work (he wasn't specific, but I presume he meant the build.prop device ID or something like that). I'm still running stock, so I told him this wasn't an option but I thanked him for his candor. He said it was definitely in development, but was unable to provide a timeframe.
I have to admit that his knowledge of the issue and his apparent honesty have me satisfied for the moment and willing to wait a while longer.
Ross in Flagstaff
Splashtop HD yo:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...Nk/4auySc4qq9I/s912/Splashtop_WMC_netflix.png
poisike said:
Yeah, me too. US, sure. Europe? Nope
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because we have different licencees for different countries instead of one single licence for all of EU...
We won't get away from that in a loong time.
guys guys, and girls, get playon for android and stream hulu and netflix and everything else from it to your acer or xoom.
This whole thing with neflix cracked me up. I always thought their streaming selection was pretty weak, I only wanted the dvd's as the last rental place in my town went out of business. So I dropped the streaming part, kept the dvd's and saved $2 bucks. To add to that, I always end up using www.crackle.com as it's free and has lots of good movies and shows. It'll also work on the Xoom browser and on my ps3. Netflix screwed up, greedy company is greedy!
wraithevolution said:
This whole thing with neflix cracked me up. I always thought their streaming selection was pretty weak, I only wanted the dvd's as the last rental place in my town went out of business. So I dropped the streaming part, kept the dvd's and saved $2 bucks. To add to that, I always end up using www.crackle.com as it's free and has lots of good movies and shows. It'll also work on the Xoom browser and on my ps3. Netflix screwed up, greedy company is greedy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crackle looks interesting but I can't use it without an almost immediate FC on my stock browser. And keeping a pc running at home while I travel, just so I can run a third party streamer, seems unnecessary. I, for 1, am willing to wait a bit longer... (at least until I find something better)
rossvtaylor said:
Crackle looks interesting but I can't use it without an almost immediate FC on my stock browser. And keeping a pc running at home while I travel, just so I can run a third party streamer, seems unnecessary. I, for 1, am willing to wait a bit longer... (at least until I find something better)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Leaving a desktop on all day uses about $2 in electricity per month, lol
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
wolf1306 said:
guys guys, and girls, get playon for android and stream hulu and netflix and everything else from it to your acer or xoom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Playon has to be the biggest piece of crap, you can't even rewind with that or skip forward while playing Netflix, also if viewing Netflix thru playon it wont remember your position if you stop and resume later, splashtop is way better. I've paid for playon for a whole year and am so upset with their product
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
Google blocks Chromecast app that let you stream your own videos...
"Google hasn't provided a clear answer on whether Chromecast will eventually let users stream their own local videos and music to the TV screen. But if early updates for the $35 dongle are any indication, the company doesn't want third-party developers trying to deliver that functionality. The most recent Chromecast update has broken support for AllCast, an Android application that previously allowed users to stream their personal media to a TV. AllCast (also known as AirCast thanks to a trademark dispute) could play back files stored in a phone's gallery, Dropbox, or Google Drive. Developer Koushik Dutta accomplished the feat by reverse engineering the Chromecast's code. He'd released several betas of the app, even planning a release on Google Play, before Google's latest software update broke things — "intentionally" in Dutta's opinion."
Read more...
http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/25/4...chromecast-app-that-let-you-stream-own-videos
They blocked these two apps so far:
https://plus.google.com/110558071969009568835/posts/G3jF2JynLc2
https://plus.google.com/117916055521642810655/posts/23BrB267QHJ
Let Google know exactly how you feel about this issue. If you're not happy downgrade and comment on their official Chromecast app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app&hl=en
xuser said:
They blocked these two apps so far:
https://plus.google.com/110558071969009568835/posts/G3jF2JynLc2
https://plus.google.com/117916055521642810655/posts/23BrB267QHJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those apps were never approved and on the app whitelist. ALL apps are blocked by default. Only approved apps will run on the Chromecast. What those apps were doing was reverse engineering the Chromecast and using a hack to get around it. Google fixed that hack.
New names for Chromecast:
iCast
Castrate
ClosedCast
CastOff
OutCast
Sucks that now only YouTube and Netflix are the only things that'll play. Enjoyed the ability to play local media.
xuser said:
New names for Chromecast:
iCast
Castrate
ClosedCast
CastOff
OutCast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm calling mine Ebaycast.
I've got a Roku3 that does everything I need..
Very disappointing! I was at a friend's home and he was showing off mirroring his iclone through Apple tv. Was hoping Chromecast would top that.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
After getting Aircast and fling to work, I ordered 2 more Chromecast dongles. Just cancelled them.
Hopefully Google is just temp blocking until ready to officially supporti 3rd party apps. If not, back to Roku.
I don't know if anyone else noticed but casting a local video file from a chrome browser tab actually plays smoother now. But aircast provided the easiest way to cast a video file from an Android phone.
After getting Aircast and fling to work, I ordered 2 more Chromecast dongles. Just cancelled them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no interest in buying another Chromecast until this gets sorted out either.
So everyone is disappointed that it doesn't do something they never said it would? A lot to do about nothing if you ask me.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
So everyone is disappointed that it doesn't do something they never said it would? A lot to do about nothing if you ask me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mostly because it was more useful when AllCast and Fling worked. Kind of back in the ballpark with Google TV now in that it doesn't do a lot (for me anyway). Nothing more, nothing less.
Disappointed
akellar said:
So everyone is disappointed that it doesn't do something they never said it would? A lot to do about nothing if you ask me.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd say we are disappointed because it appears Google is intent on heading off the kind of innovation and creativity that has made the Android platform so wonderful. Google should let developers do what they do best: reverse engineer, hack and create, to turn Chromecast into the most powerful and versatile device it can be. They should let people root the device, they should let people work around the limits.
The disappointment is more that this is a sign that Google is not interested in fostering a creative, innovative developer community for Android. The disappointment is more that Google seems so short sighted in thinking they need to lock everything down. I thought they knew that a large part of the appeal of the platform has always been how open it is.
akellar said:
So everyone is disappointed that it doesn't do something they never said it would? A lot to do about nothing if you ask me.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may never have been announced to be able to do it, but to most it was obvious that the device was capable of doing it and that with dev support a lot was possible. It is disappointing to see how restrictive Google is being in taking away support for a function that the chromecast can handle. That being said, there will always be a way to accomplish this, it is just a matter of how inconvenient Google is going to make it.
While Google is within their own rights to change parts of the software that was never intended to be used for 3rd party, it's a massive mistake for Google to do this just to kill off those 3rd party apps. There must be a good reason for it and Google should make a public announcement as to why. There's probably a good % of sales of Chromecast specifically because of the functionality AirCast gave. I was going to buy a ChromeCast only because of the functionality AirCast gave but without this, a ChromeCast is useless for me.
I won't be buying until this functionality is officially supported or Google provides an official API/support for 3rd party applications that do provide this functionality.
Such a shame as Google had some much promise behind this product but that seems to have disappeared.
Hey
Just discovered an app that streams local content to any dnla player - wiTV. It offers mostly russian online contant but.. It also offers streaming local content from all of your devices including apple pc and Android. It creates a dnla local server on mobile devices and you can launch local media playback and scroll through it on the mobile device plays well on my old asus oplay r3 and samsung tv
Have fun and screw u Google! I can't believe i paid $100 to buy junk
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
jamosjamos said:
I'd say we are disappointed because it appears Google is intent on heading off the kind of innovation and creativity that has made the Android platform so wonderful. Google should let developers do what they do best: reverse engineer, hack and create, to turn Chromecast into the most powerful and versatile device it can be. They should let people root the device, they should let people work around the limits.
The disappointment is more that this is a sign that Google is not interested in fostering a creative, innovative developer community for Android. The disappointment is more that Google seems so short sighted in thinking they need to lock everything down. I thought they knew that a large part of the appeal of the platform has always been how open it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SDK isn't final. And in this case the developer hacked around one of the most essential parts (the app whitelist). No offense, but I don't want Netflix, HBO, etc to pull their content off the Chromecast so Google can let hackers design apps to stream content from my phone in a non-standard way that was never intented. How about we all wait until the SDK is final before judging Google. All they did was fix a security hole in the device.
Techno79 said:
While Google is within their own rights to change parts of the software that was never intended to be used for 3rd party, it's a massive mistake for Google to do this just to kill off those 3rd party apps. There must be a good reason for it and Google should make a public announcement as to why. There's probably a good % of sales of Chromecast specifically because of the functionality AirCast gave. I was going to buy a ChromeCast only because of the functionality AirCast gave but without this, a ChromeCast is useless for me.
I won't be buying until this functionality is officially supported or Google provides an official API/support for 3rd party applications that do provide this functionality.
Such a shame as Google had some much promise behind this product but that seems to have disappeared.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree.
I purchased the ChromeCast only for the purpose of wireless playing movies from my laptop to my HDTV. I currently use a HDMI cable, but thought wireless would be ideal.
I never use Netflix.
I never use Utube.
I wasted $35 plus shipping, because google refuses to allow me to use the hardware I purchased the way I want to.
It just arrived a few days ago, and I can root it.
But I don't think rooting it will help.
It's just a paperweight now.
Maybe I can return it to Google for a full refund?
ddiehl said:
I'm calling mine Ebaycast.
I've got a Roku3 that does everything I need..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I just love DLNA support on my Roku3.
jamosjamos said:
I'd say we are disappointed because it appears Google is intent on heading off the kind of innovation and creativity that has made the Android platform so wonderful. Google should let developers do what they do best: reverse engineer, hack and create, to turn Chromecast into the most powerful and versatile device it can be. They should let people root the device, they should let people work around the limits.
The disappointment is more that this is a sign that Google is not interested in fostering a creative, innovative developer community for Android. The disappointment is more that Google seems so short sighted in thinking they need to lock everything down. I thought they knew that a large part of the appeal of the platform has always been how open it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you sent this as feedback, very well put. The corporate device manufacture, including Google has benefited from free private development. A lot of the features that come on devices today started with the devs witch in turn busted sales from their innovation and put android where it is today.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
I don't under stand what the problem was. I mean, I was just using AllCast to watch videos of my kids on the TV. I'm not willing to spend time to upload videos to YouTube just to do that (nevermind privacy concerns and the fact the world doesn't care about my kid doing backflips off the couch).
I already have an HTPC for media playback, there's only personal content on my phone.
This was probably disabled because it wasn't using the actual SDK and was more of a hack. Was neat while it lasted.
Why cant mobile tab cast yet? I hardly ever usemky clunky laptop. Inprefer not to.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Because?
It's in beta, what do you expect?
jpirog said:
Because?
It's in beta, what do you expect?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know what, my check that paid for my Chromecast was in Beta. Sorry if it doesn't work!
aiiee said:
You know what, my check that paid for my Chromecast was in Beta. Sorry if it doesn't work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, I didn't realize people were so ignorant about beta products / early adopters.
If you don't want to be a guinea pig, don't buy a first gen product.
jpirog said:
Wow, I didn't realize people were so ignorant about beta products / early adopters.
If you don't want to be a guinea pig, don't buy a first gen product.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aiiee said:
You know what, my check that paid for my Chromecast was in Beta. Sorry if it doesn't work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol, I actually thought his comment was funny and should be taken less seriously. "Lighten up Francis".
Personally, I don't mind $35 for this device in its current state, but I can understand others' frustration. It's not free like many beta programs AND it's intentionally crippled (I understand why, not that I fully agree, but that's just my opinion).
YouTube... eh...
Netflix... seems like everything I like isn't available on streaming
Google Music... inefficient; other easier, simpler ways to play music on speakers, lol.
Personal movie collection and family videos... would be nice... patiently waiting...
My chromecast is on its way. My living room is already a media paradise though. Ps3 and Xbox and bluray player can all stream personal videos and downloads and Netflix. Being in Canada it cost me like $75 when all was said and done to get my chromecast which is way less functional than anything I already have. I can stream any music I want through my surround sound from my nexus 7 or 4 even my chromebook or PC with Bluetooth. And of all that fails for some reason the HDMI cable coming from my PC can do all of that media stuff very efficiently. So why did I spend all that money on a chromecast, well I don't know. But I can't wait to find out what this thing will be able to do eventually after the nerds get SDK accessibility. The future is bright my friends. Let's just hope its not a flop like Google TV. But I think they learned a valuable lesson there.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
I too am looking forward to when it can do more. Wonder what challenges they are facing to get the SDK finalized etc.
For someone living in a smaller space like myself its great to have the combo of all access and the ability to control your music in the living room from the bed room. The best part about this over google tv...this was only $35, minimal investment.
jpirog said:
Wow, I didn't realize people were so ignorant about beta products / early adopters.
If you don't want to be a guinea pig, don't buy a first gen product.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen.
I feel the real issue isn't that it's beta/1st gen, we aren't talking about "bugs" here. The issue is this, if the SDK is still in beta, and we can't know its capabilities until that's done, then don't issue an "update" breaking it's current capabilities. Everyone was happy with what it could do while the SDK was still in beta, but then they "updated" it to remove nearly all of its functionality, while still not providing the final SDK and capabilities. This is akin to buying a 1st gen car, then the dealer says "we are going to release new ECU software that will change the way is works soon, but for now, we are going to make it only go 15MPH until we can release that software.
SalTNutz said:
I feel the real issue isn't that it's beta/1st gen, we aren't talking about "bugs" here. The issue is this, if the SDK is still in beta, and we can't know its capabilities until that's done, then don't issue an "update" breaking it's current capabilities. Everyone was happy with what it could do while the SDK was still in beta, but then they "updated" it to remove nearly all of its functionality, while still not providing the final SDK and capabilities. This is akin to buying a 1st gen car, then the dealer says "we are going to release new ECU software that will change the way is works soon, but for now, we are going to make it only go 15MPH until we can release that software.
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Click to collapse
Google is trying to get more media providers to sign on. No one wants to sign on for a payed service on a "hackable" device. I don't see this device being "open" for a while yet, but with the popularity of the device we can only hope media providers sign on and add content and functionality to the device the right way before it gets all hacked up and no companies want to touch it
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Cuzz1369 said:
Google is trying to get more media providers to sign on. No one wants to sign on for a payed service on a "hackable" device. I don't see this device being "open" for a while yet, but with the popularity of the device we can only hope media providers sign on and add content and functionality to the device the right way before it gets all hacked up and no companies want to touch it
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Didn't make sense to me.
The Chromecast simply receives the command from your device of PC to play whatever you have access to from that said device. It's not like having the Chromecast will allow you to watch fee Netflix. Many companies have already said that Chromecast support is in the world.
RojasTKD said:
Didn't make sense to me.
The Chromecast simply receives the command from your device of PC to play whatever you have access to from that said device. It's not like having the Chromecast will allow you to watch fee Netflix. Many companies have already said that Chromecast support is in the world.
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Living in Canada it is very easy to get american Netflix on my PC yet it is blocked on my chromecast.
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TabGuy said:
Amen.
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It was a joke, you speedbumps.
It occurs to me that Chromecast was released on July 24th, 2013 with (at least for early adopters) 3 months of free Netflix. I always figured that those 3 months were to help compensate for the fact that there is not much you can do with it yet.
Many of us know by know that the Nexus 5 is expected to launch by the end of October. Maybe it's not at all coincidental that this will be around the same time that all the free 3-month Netflix trials expire.
So yeah, anyone else think/hope that we're going to hear something big for Chromecast at the same announcement where they launch the Nexus 5?
I'd like it to come to Canada already.
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Lots of people already have it in Canada, and it works just fine within the content geo-blocking restrictions (Netflix Canada, no Hulu+ or Google Play). Those restrictions won't change when it's officially released for sale in Canada. In any case, there are no technical issues to resolve before releasing it for sale in Canada - it's just a supply problem keeping it restricted to U.S. sales at the moment.
I'd rather see Google put more priority on upgrading the poorly-peforming Beta tab casting software before pushing it out to world release.
I was hoping that maybe the API for third party apps would finally open up to work with consumer devices. But maybe that's to optimistic for Google.
Or, at minimum, maybe they'd announce a whole whack of new compatible apps.
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EP2008 said:
I'd like it to come to Canada already.
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Amazon has them available in Canada.
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cmstlist said:
It occurs to me that Chromecast was released on July 24th, 2013 with (at least for early adopters) 3 months of free Netflix. I always figured that those 3 months were to help compensate for the fact that there is not much you can do with it yet.
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The DIAL protocol used by Chromecast was jointly developed by Netflix and YouTube (and YouTube is Google, obviously).
I think the promotion was to aid in the adoption of Chromecast by new Netflix owners.
Not an apology in the sense of, oh well you can't do much - but an incentive, for what it was at face value.
And the Netflix 3 month pass wasn't just for early adopters - the allotment of those freebies ran out on day 1 of sales.
Few people got in on that.
Many of us know by know that the Nexus 5 is expected to launch by the end of October. Maybe it's not at all coincidental that this will be around the same time that all the free 3-month Netflix trials expire.
So yeah, anyone else think/hope that we're going to hear something big for Chromecast at the same announcement where they launch the Nexus 5?
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Nope.
We need a final, not beta, Chromecast SDK. That will allow more apps and if done soon - as in real soon - then they can consider some Chromecast promo for the holidays and have the advantage of buzz in the press over the new apps.
Google just rebranded Google TV as Android TV this past week.
Looks like they're still working at making a rational, cohesive marketing statement on where they stand with TV to me.
Cuzz1369 said:
Amazon has them available in Canada.
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Amazon.com (U.S.) erroneously made them available for shipment outside the U.S. last week, but it only lasted about a day before they rescinded. Currently not available.
DJames1 said:
Amazon.com (U.S.) erroneously made them available for shipment outside the U.S. last week, but it only lasted about a day before they rescinded. Currently not available.
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That sucks... I ended up paying $70 for one on eBay and I still don't know why I bothered. I have no use for it yet... I knew what I was getting though so I'm not complaining.
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Chromecast app now available internationally. That's encouraging news that things are coming.
http://www.androidcentral.com/chromecast-android-app-now-available-uk
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Cuzz1369 said:
Chromecast app now available internationally. That's encouraging news that things are coming.
http://www.androidcentral.com/chromecast-android-app-now-available-uk
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Yup. Play Stores around the world lining up. Something is definitely afoot :laugh:.
Would be a wonderful surprise if a bunch of Canadian content were to suddenly announce Chromecast availability with an international launch.
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I spoke with a Google employee, from what he knows, they're working on a few projects for Chromecast. One he mentioned was mirroring capability. He said the problems that occurred with that were receiving phone calls interrupted the streaming. He also mentioned that Google is aiming for "better experience" on the software end.
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SKyRocKeting727 said:
I spoke with a Google employee, from what he knows, they're working on a few projects for Chromecast. One he mentioned was mirroring capability. He said the problems that occurred with that were receiving phone calls interrupted the streaming. He also mentioned that Google is aiming for "better experience" on the software end.
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Glad to hear someone somewhere is working on something. We've gone nowhere but backwards for the last several months. Makes you wonder what their devlopers can have been up to all this time.
No mention of when the SDK might be released? They have been promising this since the start. Weren't they actually boasting about how quick and easy it would be for developers to get their apps tailored for Chromecast? So where's the code, boys? IMO it's more apps that are needed not poor quality streaming from our phones .
He didn't mention any dates because he didn't know himself. Right now...we're pretty much left in the dark.
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Restorer said:
Glad to hear someone somewhere is working on something. We've gone nowhere but backwards for the last several months. Makes you wonder what their devlopers can have been up to all this time.
No mention of when the SDK might be released? They have been promising this since the start. Weren't they actually boasting about how quick and easy it would be for developers to get their apps tailored for Chromecast? So where's the code, boys? IMO it's more apps that are needed not poor quality streaming from our phones .
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Google never said anything about the SDK being released. That was all speculation. The unfortunate part is the Chromecast will never be a completely open sourced product. I have a feeling it will remain mostly locked down as they are aiming it as a mainstream device. Not a developers toy.
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Cuzz1369 said:
Google never said anything about the SDK being released. That was all speculation. The unfortunate part is the Chromecast will never be a completely open sourced product. I have a feeling it will remain mostly locked down as they are aiming it as a mainstream device. Not a developers toy.
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Hmmm, well I'm certain I read there was an SDK released to developers at the time the Chromecast itself was released but it was limited to "preview " form for exploration and testing purposes. What would be the point of that if Google did not intend one day to release a full (though not necessarily public) SDK for these guys to get their apps to market?
I have it in Canada and with a few hacks I am able to use Google All Access Music from Canada. Thanks to a Pre Paid Visa and a VPN but this not the way it should be. I even set up a Hulu Plus Account but decided Netflix was fine.
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Restorer said:
Hmmm, well I'm certain I read there was an SDK released to developers at the time the Chromecast itself was released but it was limited to "preview " form for exploration and testing purposes. What would be the point of that if Google did not intend one day to release a full (though not necessarily public) SDK for these guys to get their apps to market?
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https://developers.google.com/cast/downloads/
EarlyMon said:
https://developers.google.com/cast/downloads/
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Thanks - knew I had't dreamt it .
So presumably there have been plenty of companies out there who have been preparing apps for the day Google gives them the nod and releases the the code that will allow them to run their work on non-whitelisted devices.
Some, yeah.
Vbukit has an interesting offering in the works. Remote Cast - I'm looking forward to that advancing.
No idea on others. I'm content to wait and see. Vudu is on my wish list.
The defects list is publicly available. I'd hope that those get sorted as well, prior to the release of a lot of apps.
..... Are there way to many local media casting apps?
It seems another one pops up every few days.
I am all for a free market but, c'mon, let's get some originality!
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Nothing wrong with it, in my opinion. One of them might come up as the ultimate Chromecast app. So far for me, top stop is reserved for BubbleUPnP, but I would change in the heartbeat if something better comes out (tough ask).
abuttino said:
..... Are there way to many local media casting apps?
It seems another one pops up every few days.
I am all for a free market but, c'mon, let's get some originality!
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I was about to post the same thing. So far it has been very redundant and underwhelming. We need mirroring ASAP. And I'm still waiting for that app that makes me say, "Wow, I never thought of using the chromecast that way!"
Don't get me wrong, I love my chromecast. Best bang for the buck in the history of computers/electronics. I'm just spoiled. LOL!
I've never been opposed to choice. In fact it's why I own Android products and not an iPhone.
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I stated that in my post. I am all for free market.
I would just hope that someone can think of something better than all these local media streamers.
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abuttino said:
..... Are there way to many local media casting apps?
It seems another one pops up every few days.
I am all for a free market but, c'mon, let's get some originality!
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I think it's just a matter of those apps being the most logical early adopters for CCast support cause once one media player supports CCast the rest have to make sure to follow or lose marketshare.
And I wouldn't discount Google and the Whitelisting for reasons why we aren't seeing more innovative Apps for the CCast.
Players are pretty straight forward and other Apps are probably getting a bit more scrutiny from Google before getting approved for Whitelisting since those operations actually require a more complex code on the CCast side than the Local Player apps do.
The only thing that I'm disappointed in is the fact that none of the Local Stream Devs are doing much to expand the capabilities of the player on the CCast side. Bubble has probably done the most with it's subtitle support, and Plex's latest release has added a ton of features including Music Photo and some Eye Candy during navigation.
The Most popular Android player apps were popular due to the extra container and codec support they had but unless they can add that support to the CCast side player (difficult I know) their supporting CCast really isn't going to help them retain Market.
As for Mirroring you probably have two forces at play holding it up.
First the Operating System support has to be there which means only devices with 4.2.x or higher will likely be able to run it,
and Second would be the security issues (@bhiga mentioned early on) that could be triggered by some malware that could trigger your unit to mirror to someone else and violate privacy.
Even if someone finds a way to do Mirroring well I would expect Google to go over it with a fine tooth comb before they whitelisted it and lets be honest they may NEVER allow 3rd party Mirroring Apps and prefer to control that function all on their own. Perhaps as part of future versions of Android which currently the SDK seems to have the code for it but is not being used by anyone at the moment.