Is it me or..... - Google Chromecast

..... 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!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

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!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Sent from my Nexus 7 (2013) using xda-developers app

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.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

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!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.

Related

Google blocks Chromecast apps that let you stream your own videos

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.

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

Time of Death 14:45 CST 1/11/2013

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.

Google Posts Massive User Experience Guide For Chromecast Developers

Hi this is great news! Chromecast is getting its turn with a brand new User Experience Guide!
I read this article in androidpolice.com in this link:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/1...lopers-still-no-word-on-the-whitelist-policy/
The guide is here:
https://developers.google.com/cast/design_consider
Google Cast is a technology that allows Android and iOS mobile apps and Chrome web apps to “cast” content - like video, audio, and screen sharing (mirroring) - to Cast-ready devices like Google Chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(Emphasis added)
Screen sharing must be coming!!
bhiga said:
(Emphasis added)
Screen sharing must be coming!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Koush saw it in the source code of KitKat so yes it will be coming but it may be restricted. and dependent on the Unit Manufacturer for implementation.
Which suggests it may not work for apps (they would use the current methods) and be a Device and ROM specific feature.
The fact that it will be possible will make those restriction more like Guidelines than rules once Devs get their hands on how it works.
I am loving where this is all going! As I always say..it is only a matter of time.
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shelby04861 said:
I am loving where this is all going! As I always say..it is only a matter of time.
Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen!
Also the guide makes it clear that the current Chromecast is only one implementation. I think the rumors of a Nexus TV being announced early next year are probably true and it will include native Cast support.
bozzykid said:
Also the guide makes it clear that the current Chromecast is only one implementation. I think the rumors of a Nexus TV being announced early next year are probably true and it will include native Cast support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I can see some Smart TVs adding this capability natively at some point. Biggest user complaint they get is they hate the Menu and navigation on the TV and this might make it easier to create an App that would do all this for their TVs in a much better way!
The good news on this Google release is it seems to suggest the SDK is about to drop to the FULL PUBLIC...
It was invitation only before the Hackathon and I think the Hackathon was really meant to test the SDK to see if it was ready for Public consumption...
Once it goes full public expect to see a FLOOD of Apps supporting CCast maybe even Games where the video displays on the TV but the phone or tablet just has control functions. Would open the door to much more sophisticated control options in the vain of what PC has been able to do via it's keyboard.
Asphyx said:
Yes I can see some Smart TVs adding this capability natively at some point. Biggest user complaint they get is they hate the Menu and navigation on the TV and this might make it easier to create an App that would do all this for their TVs in a much better way!
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, indeed. Lately, I have found myself wanting to use YouTube more and more on a big screen and, even though my TV is only 2 years old, navigating to the TV app is a painful experience.
I bought my Chromecast specifically for YouTube and for me it was worth the $35 just to be able to access it without having to trawl through the clunky TV menus Everything that came last week and the features still to come have been a has been a great bonus .
Restorer said:
Yes, indeed. Lately, I have found myself wanting to use YouTube more and more on a big screen and, even though my TV is only 2 years old, navigating to the TV app is a painful experience.
I bought my Chromecast specifically for YouTube and for me it was worth the $35 just to be able to access it without having to trawl through the clunky TV menus Everything that came last week and the features still to come have been a has been a great bonus .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tell my friends that if they can find one to avoid buying a smart TV since there are so many better ways to get that capability including just hooking a Computer to the Monitor.
But try and find a TV without it! LOL

When the heck is plex opening up casting

That is for non plex pass members?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk
why dont you email them and ask, then come and post it here so everyone knows.
I wouldn't expect them to make it public until they have all the bugs worked out.
Most notably the issues with the transcoder.
And even then they might wait until Music and Picture support is implemented.
BurnOmatic said:
why dont you email them and ask, then come and post it here so everyone knows.
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Click to collapse
Sometimes folks here have information others are not privvy to. But thanks for that helpful reply.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
The Plex employees in their forums won't speculate, but they definitely aren't implying that it's soon. The more experienced long-term Plex users seem to be suggesting to expect around 6 months based on past experience. But for all we know it could be tomorrow, and they're just doing a really good job of keeping it quiet.
DJames1 said:
The Plex employees in their forums won't speculate, but they definitely aren't implying that it's soon. The more experienced long-term Plex users seem to be suggesting to expect around 6 months based on past experience. But for all we know it could be tomorrow, and they're just doing a really good job of keeping it quiet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the replies.... I haven't kept current with the forums and was a bit curious....
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You could always become a monthly member for 3.99 until it's opened to everyone.
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VanillaG0rilla said:
You could always become a monthly member for 3.99 until it's opened to everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Truth is the Plex Pass fee is really only required for the Plex Player apps...
The Server is free! And truth is the Server is the most important part of that system because it works with any DLNA/UPnP player.
Right now aVia is the only player other than Plex that can play to CCast.
But it won't be the only one for long....
So it makes a ton of sense to be running a Plex Server (or any transcoding DLNA server for that matter) despite the fact you won't get all the features of it until a better player app that supports DLNA and CCast fully (With transcoding) comes along.
I'm using the Plex for android and stream media to my CC without any problem for about a week or so. It worked after they made an update recently. you just need to buy the app which is about 5 bucks.
betizad said:
I'm using the Plex for android and stream media to my CC without any problem for about a week or so. It worked after they made an update recently. you just need to buy the app which is about 5 bucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No just buying the app isn't enough...
CCast support requires PlexPass account. You can run the app and stream to your device but the CCast streaming shouldn't not work unless you have a PlexPass subscription.
I will note someone had a link to a developer version of the Plex App that bypassed this requirement but I wouldn't trust it...
I have had Plex for some time now and they are right, it is a anyone's guess when the support opens for casting. The developer version works just fine in my opinion as well. Avia does most of what I want anyway so if you want to put your money in the right place now, get the avia app honestly.
Isn't a month membership only like $3.99? I imagine that would be worth it for the time being. Just pay the few dollars dude. Not a big deal.
Galaxy SIII
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Srambo217 said:
Isn't a month membership only like $3.99? I imagine that would be worth it for the time being. Just pay the few dollars dude. Not a big deal.
Galaxy SIII
My Podcast*-*http://bit.ly/WWSXbz
Twitter - http://bit.ly/VVAdb8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what I did. It's only 3.99 people !
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VanillaG0rilla said:
Exactly what I did. It's only 3.99 people !
Sent from my SM-N900P using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not the cost... I purchased the plex app. That is what is needed for my use. I have also purchased the a avia app as well. I don't want to pay four bucks a month for a service that I rarely use. Four kids in college and all that.
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third son said:
It's not the cost... I purchased the plex app. That is what is needed for my use. I have also purchased the a avia app as well. I don't want to pay four bucks a month for a service that I rarely use. Four kids in college and all that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite Understandable....I'm not even sure you can buy just one month as I thought the Sub Options were a Year and Lifetime.
I understand why CCast support is PlexPass only at this point. If you're a regular visitor to the Plex Forums you would see a myriad of issues being reported regarding the transcoding and specifically surround Audio. This is on top of the usual problems we talk about here such as loss of control, Network, Router and Connection issues.
Right now the PlexPass users are sort of acting as the Beta Testers for this since they are the most familiar with Plex and it's workings.
To open it up to the Public right now would probably overwhelm the support forum rehashing the Bugs they already know about and add the reports of things that are not broken just because the user didn't know there is a setting in Plex set wrong they didn't know exists.
I would guess that when the Transcoder is running perfectly you might see CCast support go Public.
But they may also wait until they finish their Music and Picture support which at this point does not exist at all.
aVia does work provided your library doesn't need transcoding but if you do then it might be worth paying for the PlexPass at least until they release it publicly.
Plex right now is the only system that works exactly as Google intended it to when they developed the CCast.
Mobile App tells the CCast to load a player app and play a stream direct from a server without needing the device that launched it once it starts.
Plex is the only system that transcodes local files for playback as RealPlayer requires you to upload to their cloud to get a transcoded stream back.
Perhaps the announcement about the 10 Apps with CCast support being added was a bit of stretching the truth for Christmas Shopping Marketing Purposes...
Cause lets be honest none of the options for Local Content are perfected or issue free. aVia has had at least 10 Updates since the announcement maybe even more....
Most of the work on the Plex side has been done to the server side because I haven't seen any updates to the Android apps itself, certainly not as many as the aVia Player has....
All the Local playback App options do the job better than CCast did before they were released...
But thats about all you can really say about them. They are all still learning how to crawl at this point and none are what I would call a perfected and Mature option that does everything we expect they should yet.
It's going to take time...What CCast does it much more complicated than what Miracast, Roku and Airplay do.

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