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Well for the $35 dollar price tag with its locked down state is it worth it? I already have a PS3 for netflix (the Netflix app is better on there than on android) but I want a device to stream netflix when my PS3 is in use and also to stream Google music, but it doesn't do much else. I do hope it'll go places but I don't really see that happening. Of people who already own it, is it worth it?
Aaron Swartz, Rest in Pixels.
I think so. I have a PS3 also but since I really only use it for blurays I found it annoying to have to update to watch Netflix. I also have a dedicated htpc. Its so convenient to fire up the app on your phone or tablet app and find something to stream then just send it to the TV. Plus I get better quality streaming to the chromecast than my htpc.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
I can't say my quality is better in the Chromecast than my htpc, but it is certainly more convenient. Also, more than one tv, and it's a lot easier to move around.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
Yes. It is worth it
For only $35, it's a good buy if you're going to using it. I'll get one when they're officially released in the UK. Ebay prices are crazy.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
$35 can't go wrong. I bought two but might sell the other as I ended up not really using it (only one TV bought the second to move around with) just ease of use. especially for google music which i can simply turn on and start playing from my bed room to get music going.
I watch all my not so legally downloaded movies through chrome and I have good WiFi so it's a great buy for me... Quality is on par with direct hdmi and I can't be happier
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4
thesparky007 said:
I watch all my not so legally downloaded movies through chrome and I have good WiFi so it's a great buy for me... Quality is on par with direct hdmi and I can't be happier
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How are u watching them with latest firmware?
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
Very worth it. I use it daily. A lot of streaming from my computer but also Netflix. I came from an apple TV and I have not looked back. Of course I do use my Xbox for things like HBO to go.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
borijess said:
How are u watching them with latest firmware?
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chrome can still play local videos.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
borijess said:
How are u watching them with latest firmware?
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
drag and drop into a chrome tab
Netflix definitely is everything else not so much
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Jury is still out
I have 2 Chromecast units. I think the jury is still out on whether they are worth $35. When the SDK is final, there is great potential for a powerful and flexible device that really opens up integration between TV and Android. Based on Google's behavior so far (whitelist and updates to kill work arounds), I'm concerned that the final product will be so locked down as to only be good for streaming a few paid services (Netflix, Amazon, Hulu +, etc.) and some token Chrome browser integration. We have to wait and see what Google does. We have to wait and see if they device allows creative app development, flexibility in streaming (local media from PC, dropbox, etc.). I have no question that the hardware has huge potential, but if Google neuters the device, and keeps tight control on what apps can use it, I don't think it will be worth $35. I also think that if they neuter this device, they will have an awfully hard time convincing consumers to buy Google multimedia devices in the future.
I'd say wait and see if Google is smart enough to realize how important it is to open up access and encourage broad development or if they are dumb enough to cater only to the big money streamers and leave Chromecast to wither on the vine.
I have one and don't use it. Having to go get a phone or tablet to start streaming is a huge turn off. Honestly, these are targeted at single people living in apartments...nothing wrong with that, but that's what it is. No Ethernet, no on-screen ui, etc. just doesn't work as well as it could in a house with kids. I don't carry my phone around with me in the house, and my tablet is often in the study. My kids' tablets are wherever the left them, lol. I just want to pick up my remote and watch the next episode of Top Gear. My kids the same, but maybe the next episode of Ben 10 or something. Just doesn't fit our lifestyle as well as an Apple TV or Roku. Sitting around watching YouTube videos is just not something a 40 something dad does.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Thanks everyone! I will be getting one on Friday, that's the soonest I can get one anywhere!
Aaron Swartz, Rest in Pixels.
jamosjamos said:
I have 2 Chromecast units. I think the jury is still out on whether they are worth $35. When the SDK is final, there is great potential for a powerful and flexible device that really opens up integration between TV and Android. Based on Google's behavior so far (whitelist and updates to kill work arounds), I'm concerned that the final product will be so locked down as to only be good for streaming a few paid services (Netflix, Amazon, Hulu +, etc.) and some token Chrome browser integration. We have to wait and see what Google does. We have to wait and see if they device allows creative app development, flexibility in streaming (local media from PC, dropbox, etc.). I have no question that the hardware has huge potential, but if Google neuters the device, and keeps tight control on what apps can use it, I don't think it will be worth $35. I also think that if they neuter this device, they will have an awfully hard time convincing consumers to buy Google multimedia devices in the future.
I'd say wait and see if Google is smart enough to realize how important it is to open up access and encourage broad development or if they are dumb enough to cater only to the big money streamers and leave Chromecast to wither on the vine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree.
Between the time I ordered it, and the time it arrived, Google disabled the apps which provided the only functionality I desired from the hardware. I would have been better off with a roku.
I usually do not buy a device and then wait to see if it will ever grow into the device I want.
HowardZ said:
I agree.
Between the time I ordered it, and the time it arrived, Google disabled the apps which provided the only functionality I desired from the hardware. I would have been better off with a roku.
I usually do not buy a device and then wait to see if it will ever grow into the device I want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Geez. I've paid more for dinners that I didn't like than I paid for the Chromecast. I just can't believe all this whining over $35.
TabGuy said:
Geez. I've paid more for dinners that I didn't like than I paid for the Chromecast. I just can't believe all this whining over $35.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree. I have a smart TV and a smart DVD player and never liked the Netflix & YouTube experience. Using a tablet or phone with ChromeCast is light years easier. I am watching both and I am over 40. YouTube is more then stupid kids doing stupid stuff but it is impossible to find videos with the on screen GUI from the TV or DVD Player.
More and More shows have follow up videos that are not broadcasted. With Cast I can remote into my desktop and play the video on the TV.
The main reason I got the ChromeCast is because Google is behind it. They are not going to stop at Netflix and YouTube
TabGuy said:
Geez. I've paid more for dinners that I didn't like than I paid for the Chromecast. I just can't believe all this whining over $35.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
greencat2 said:
I have to agree. I have a smart TV and a smart DVD player and never liked the Netflix & YouTube experience. Using a tablet or phone with ChromeCast is light years easier. I am watching both and I am over 40. YouTube is more then stupid kids doing stupid stuff but it is impossible to find videos with the on screen GUI from the TV or DVD Player.
More and More shows have follow up videos that are not broadcasted. With Cast I can remote into my desktop and play the video on the TV.
The main reason I got the ChromeCast is because Google is behind it. They are not going to stop at Netflix and YouTube
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I was thinking, even if it never becomes the device I want it to be, it is a $35 device that I can take and use on most TVs with super ease! $35 is almost nothing, I've spent more on other forms of entertainment that wasn't very good! I do, however, really really hope to see Pandora support on it, maybe Spotify too, then I might actually use that service.
Aaron Swartz, Rest in Pixels.
HowardZ said:
I agree.
Between the time I ordered it, and the time it arrived, Google disabled the apps which provided the only functionality I desired from the hardware. I would have been better off with a roku.
I usually do not buy a device and then wait to see if it will ever grow into the device I want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here I ordered mine prior to the whitelist thing, and it just arrived today and noticed that all the 3rd party apps is locked out... totally blows
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/0...ream-video-directly-to-roku-from-your-device/
Go buy it...
Sent from my GT-N7105 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
The Roku Box is by far the most versatile of apple TV or Chromecast. I own all three. However Apple TV streams apple Stuff easily and Chromecast Google Stuff. Roku with Private Channels does get ITunes Podcasts but not my music. And you need to use Play on or Plex to get YouTube. And thus far can not use Google All Access on the Roku.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 4
http://www.roku.com/streamingstick
HowardZ said:
http://www.roku.com/streamingstick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's 100 dollars compared to 35. You can get 3 chromecast for that device. I got 2 with free Netflix. $70-48= $22 for 2 chromecast.
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
The roku 2 xd is on sale for $59 with free shipping.
The cheapcast cost $41 with shipping and Google no longer permits it to do the functions I desire.
HowardZ said:
The roku 2 xd is on sale for $59 with free shipping.
The cheapcast cost $41 with shipping and Google no longer permits it to do the functions I desire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sure it will be much improved in the future.
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
Once the Chromecast SDK is out of beta it will be 10x better then Roku...
borijess said:
That's 100 dollars compared to 35. You can get 3 chromecast for that device. I got 2 with free Netflix. $70-48= $22 for 2 chromecast.
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
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Click to collapse
First month of Netflix is free anyways so you only really get a $32 value with 2.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Cuzz1369 said:
First month of Netflix is free anyways so you only really get a $32 value with 2.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
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Click to collapse
No that's for new customer's. Existing customer's get the 3 months.
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
borijess said:
No that's for new custormers. Existing customers get the 3 months.
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
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Click to collapse
IH. I figured they would have thrown a new activation only thing in the fine print. That's not a bad deal then.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4
Cuzz1369 said:
IH. I figured they would have thrown a new activation only thing in the fine print. That's not a bad deal then.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4
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Click to collapse
Proofs in the pudding.
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
Cuzz1369 said:
First month of Netflix is free anyways so you only really get a $32 value with 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, I signed up for the first month free, then got 3 more with the chromecast.
Cuzz1369 said:
First month of Netflix is free anyways so you only really get a $32 value with 2.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
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Click to collapse
I suppose that's true if you've been living under a rock and never had a Netflix subscription before. But if you're new, why in the world would you input your 3 month promotional before completing your first free month???
Hope this lights a fire
My hope is that this offering and general sentiment around the net will help push Google away from the idiocy of a closed and neutered Netflix dongle. I am excited about the possibilities for Chromecast. Google just needs to wake up and figure out that they can offer a device that will work for most consumers as a powerful, versatile tool. They need to:
1. Finish the damned SDK. Quit screwing around trying to figure out how to close up the device and release an SDK.
2. Get rid of the whitelist. If they are concerned about customer experience, they can offer a list of apps that are Google certified to work great with Chromecast, but don't block out everyone else. It's just rude.
3. Make it unlockable, rootable, hackable. Let the developers play with it. I don't think Google has even scratched the surface of what this thing can do. If they open up the device, it will grow into a real multimedia killer device.
It's not just about streaming local media (though I have to admit, I'd very much like to be able to stream files from Android and control streaming from a local PC via my phone). It's about Google having the courage to set this device free. It's the right move for consumers and it's the right move for Google. They will sell more devices and by giving up a little control right now, they will capture a bigger share of the Android multimedia market and they will help the Android multimedia market really take off. Or, they can sit on this device and lock down it's functionality (maybe give us a bone or 2 with some limited local streaming) and watch another attempt to make Android an important multimedia platform nose dive into oblivion. It's Google's choice, open up and succeed or lock it down and fail.
Roku has the local streaming capabilities which no longer exists with chromecast. Roku also supports the major Internet content providers, which chromecast does not.
The following article details which roku devices and which phones and tablets currently support local streaming
http://phandroid.com/2013/09/09/roku-app-update-local-streaming/
This might be on my holiday shopping list, and then my chromecast will be on eBay.
It appears to me that roku is a superior device at this time.
The Roku app only streams on like 10 devices right now and I'm not sure how fast that's going to change, as I went into the apk enabled the stream capabilities for my Photon Q and every video (including ones made by the approved devices) said incompatible format. I'd think by Christmas the SDK should be out for the Chromecast.
On a side note, I love the Roku, I use it with Plex (local content) and Simple.tv (HD OTA) and its awesome.
I got a chromecast with the understanding that the dev community had already found an exploit to root it for future development. I left my chromecast plugged in for a few hours and the darn thing updated itself without any prompts to the user. What a joke! Now I can only use it for youtube, google play music, and netflix. I am at the whims of Google if they decide to open this device to the developers so they can make this device reach its full potential.
HowardZ said:
Roku has the local streaming capabilities which no longer exists with chromecast. Roku also supports the major Internet content providers, which chromecast does not.
The following article details which roku devices and which phones and tablets currently support local streaming
http://phandroid.com/2013/09/09/roku-app-update-local-streaming/
This might be on my holiday shopping list, and then my chromecast will be on eBay.
It appears to me that roku is a superior device at this time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They exist...if you whitelist your receiver and build the app.
Sorry, but the cool toys are developer only until the SDK is finalized.
stilldmoney said:
I got a chromecast with the understanding that the dev community had already found an exploit to root it for future development. I left my chromecast plugged in for a few hours and the darn thing updated itself without any prompts to the user. What a joke! Now I can only use it for youtube, google play music, and netflix. I am at the whims of Google if they decide to open this device to the developers so they can make this device reach its full potential.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sucks that you can only do google play music, youtube, or netflix.
/me drops a video into a chrome tab and casts it to TV.
im thinking about getting one when i go pick up a nexus 7 today. is it just a mirroring device?
It is not a mirroring device. It allows you to stream content from supported services, using your device as a remote control. In other words... if you send a YouTube or Netflix video to it from your handset, the ChromeCast actually connects to YouTube or Netflix and starts streaming.
Solutions Etcetera said:
It is not a mirroring device. It allows you to stream content from supported services, using your device as a remote control. In other words... if you send a YouTube or Netflix video to it from your handset, the ChromeCast actually connects to YouTube or Netflix and starts streaming.
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Click to collapse
I probably won't use it then being as I have a ps3 for all of that
If you already have some equivalent of a home theater PC, a Chromecast is a little redundant.
I love mine, though - it basically gives me a HTPC in a tiny, low power device that I can unplug and take with me traveling.
It appears that Google has put some hooks into Android 4.4.2 that may support screen mirroring in the future, though.
Actually it can mirror the chrome browser on the PC or Mac. I will assume HBO go has an app coming and plex is semi supported (will be fully in a month or two I'd guess)
Sent from my XT1056 using xda app-developers app
I have one. Its just nice using your phone or tablet to control everything instead of some other ui. Though I got it when it came with 3 months Netflix so it was basically $10.
Sadly it doesn't support a lot of services yet like a full htpc does but it has a lot of potential.
gliz5714 said:
Actually it can mirror the chrome browser on the PC or Mac. I will assume HBO go has an app coming and plex is semi supported (will be fully in a month or two I'd guess)
Sent from my XT1056 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually HBO Go is now supported so this thing is awesome!!
Sent from my XT1056 using xda app-developers app
Yes, HBO GO is awesome. So much more content than "On Demand" through cable / satellite providers.
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Blitzpwnage said:
Actually HBO Go is now supported so this thing is awesome!!
Sent from my XT1056 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
ahhh. I am getting my chromecast in a few weeks, just haven't gotten any apps for it yet. glad HBOgo is supported now!
I have one and barely use it but it is pretty cool, kinda a novelty. Say someone is telling you about something on youtube and you are by your tv and want everyone in the room to see it, just cast it to the tv and there it is.
I have one but I really didn't use it that much because it lacked the ability to cast local data. Now that it can it has much more purpose. Android mirroring is in the works from what I've read which is pretty cool.
I tried to explain a chromecast to someone and said it's similar to a wireless HDMI cable. It's perfect for me since I can take it to work and do training in one big swoop as opposed to having my shift sit down at a computer one at a time and hope they actually do what I told them to do.
I use it almost daily, stream my hbo go, and comcast, hulu and other things to it. There is rumor that it will we getting device mirroring in the near future as someone found some code relating to it in 4.4 kit kat.
I just got one a few days ago, after the Plex update, since I needed it for media center streaming.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
I have a Chromecast that I use on the small TV in my bedroom. I like it better than the Roku I used to have in there, and it's more useful (Roku, as far as I know, won't stream Google Music, and I use my TV as my speakers in the bedroom). I recently downloaded Real Cloud, because I think you can cast videos from any of your devices with the app on it - so I want to see if I can install the app on my laptop where I have some movies and cast them to the TV using the Android app.
sicmadek said:
I probably won't use it then being as I have a ps3 for all of that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works way better than PS3 for streaming services and uses a very small amount of power. PS3 is a waste of energy for netflix and what not.
I haven't found any other way to stream Google Play Music All Access (without plugging in), and it's actually pretty great for that purpose alone. Play/Pause, Prev/Next, and volume control, all wirelessly from the phone.
I actually just picked up a second one since I had a $25 credit at Amazon, and they are selling them for $32 with free 2nd day shipping with Prime. Cost me $7 out the door, and landed on my porch 2 days later.
Wade-0 said:
I haven't found any other way to stream Google Play Music All Access (without plugging in), and it's actually pretty great for that purpose alone. Play/Pause, Prev/Next, and volume control, all wirelessly from the phone.
I actually just picked up a second one since I had a $25 credit at Amazon, and they are selling them for $32 with free 2nd day shipping with Prime. Cost me $7 out the door, and landed on my porch 2 days later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
being a parent, having netflix is awesome. and, since we watch zero adult programming, hulu is awesome too. so i have 4 as it works as a perfect replacement for a PS3/HTPC, etc solution - especially where you can't have one of those devices (or multiple devices).
i just disconnected my htpc from the main TV because support on a few items were starting to get scarce. i have my Cc plugged in now instead. the only drawback is its less convenient to stream media from my local drive. i wish there was an easy solution. Real Cloud makes it sound liek you have to upload the media first.
640k said:
being a parent, having netflix is awesome. and, since we watch zero adult programming, hulu is awesome too. so i have 4 as it works as a perfect replacement for a PS3/HTPC, etc solution - especially where you can't have one of those devices (or multiple devices).
i just disconnected my htpc from the main TV because support on a few items were starting to get scarce. i have my Cc plugged in now instead. the only drawback is its less convenient to stream media from my local drive. i wish there was an easy solution. Real Cloud makes it sound liek you have to upload the media first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just use WiFi Direct on my phone and it 'flick' over a YouTube video and it works great. I guess the Chromecast is for people without a Smart TV?
RyanTX said:
I just use WiFi Direct on my phone and it 'flick' over a YouTube video and it works great. I guess the Chromecast is for people without a Smart TV?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't have a single TV in my house with WiFi.
640k said:
being a parent, having netflix is awesome. and, since we watch zero adult programming, hulu is awesome too. so i have 4 as it works as a perfect replacement for a PS3/HTPC, etc solution - especially where you can't have one of those devices (or multiple devices).
i just disconnected my htpc from the main TV because support on a few items were starting to get scarce. i have my Cc plugged in now instead. the only drawback is its less convenient to stream media from my local drive. i wish there was an easy solution. Real Cloud makes it sound liek you have to upload the media first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you can stream from any device that has the app installed on it. I'm going to install the app on my computer tonight and see if that's the case, or if I have to upload.
Hello world,
My cousin bought a cheap Samsung tv, where he was told it was with SmartHub. But apparently it wasn't. So instead she wanted a chromecast. She wants to use it to play Disney Jr for his kid and to watch Netflix. The cable companies mobile app doesn't support chromecast. So, how can I make the iPhone cast the screen? I don't have any knowledge in chromecast. I'll root it if needed. Ill do whatever it takes to make this work. It's an iPhone 5.
-André
Every chromecast can't be rooted, only the really early ones with vulnerable bootloaders can
And the chromcast screen cast list is kinda short and I don't think an iPhone will make it since it is an Apple product
Can still cast Netflix and hulu though
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
andreglud said:
Hello world,
My cousin bought a cheap Samsung tv, where he was told it was with SmartHub. But apparently it wasn't. So instead she wanted a chromecast. She wants to use it to play Disney Jr for his kid and to watch Netflix. The cable companies mobile app doesn't support chromecast. So, how can I make the iPhone cast the screen? I don't have any knowledge in chromecast. I'll root it if needed. Ill do whatever it takes to make this work. It's an iPhone 5.
-André
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download chromecast app from App Store to cast apps to tv.
Cast screen for iOS is not supported yet.
https://support.google.com/chromecast/answer/6059461?hl=en&ref_topic=2995192
I'm wondering if anyone has a good idea to stream amazon prime streaming onto the chromecast. I try to to just cast the whole screen and then it lags. However I'm wondering if the new one might be better for screen mirroring.
I'm almost positive that the new one has better broadcasting options for Amazon video.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk
Amazon has pretty much gone to war with Google over streaming video. You basically have to pick one (Chromecast/AndroidTV, or FireTV), or go with a successful neutral like Roku. They're being real dicks about it.
http://www.techhive.com/article/298...mazon-video-on-chromecast-and-android-tv.html