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[drspeedy]

My god, imagine a future version added Bluetooth support for controllers and you could stream games. *drools*

The best reason I can see buying one of these over a HTPC or a quad core Android stick.

I don't see how all those roku apps won't come to chromecast eventually. At this price, they won't have an issue getting a large usernase.

Apple TV does have more functionality since you can stream off your device. Kind of tough for google to get partners to sign on if they allow that in their open ecosystem lol

Google has some work to do, sideloading and other security concerns could turn off a lot of content providers vs Roku. I especially don't think we'll see any network TV for a LONG time (not that it's available on Roku per se, just saying...)

 

[teiresias]

Does Google Music work well on this? Using it to get music to my sound system would be my primary use for it at this point since I'd rather watch Netflix via the PS3.

 

[kehs]

Does this actually work overseas?

Edit: I guess not

That's ridiculous.

I hope there's a way around that since I sent one to OT a few days ago.

 

[Zeppu]

That's ridiculous.

I hope there's a way around that since I sent one to OT a few days ago.

You don't really need the app. It's purely for setup which you can do from a PC.

 

[kehs]

You don't really need the app. It's purely for setup which you can do from a PC.

Oh. But if they're being shitty about the setup app I can only think that would extend to their server streaming too. I hope not though.

 

[Zeppu]

True. Why does Google not accept our love from not USA?

 

[Chairhome]

Does Google Music work well on this? Using it to get music to my sound system would be my primary use for it at this point since I'd rather watch Netflix via the PS3.

Worked great for me, even shows the album art on the screen (though the quality isn't good blown up, i think most album art is low res).

I don't have it hooked up to my stereo though, just the tv.

However, the music needs to be uploaded to Google Music to be streamed. It won't play content that is only on your phone/tablet.

 

[Chairhome]

Any more news on Amazon and the Netflix issue? Have people started getting their codes yet?

I don't know if someone posted something similar already, but I emailed them this weekend and they said that it should be sent out within 5 days of the order, and they told me to wait till then. I think that would be today. I'll send them another email tomorrow if i don't hear anything.

 

[poppabk]

Mine is due to arrive Thursday from best buy. Already got my code from them. I have an HTPC hooked up to a smart TV, so I think the main use for this is going to be sending YouTube videos to the TV in a fairly seamless manner.

 

[SimleuqiR]

The potential for Chromecast is big.

Google needs to ramp up production to keep the momentum going.
Pretty much any online website that service video could include a Chromecast button (yes, even porn site - though Google might not approve).

The fun will be when NAS companies like Synology and Buffalo build in the functionality into their OS.

I wonder when we will get an software update from the big G? Would these be silent?

Anyone else loves how when idle, Chromecast becomes a great little TV wallpaper/screensaver. Some of the scenery is very nice.

 

[Erasus]

The potential for Chromecast is big.

Google needs to ramp up production to keep the momentum going.
Pretty much any online website that service video could include a Chromecast button (yes, even porn site - though Google might not approve).

But they dont really need to because you can stream a real PC tab from chrome right? Or does that lag?

 

[SimleuqiR]

But they dont really need to because you can stream a real PC tab from chrome right? Or does that lag?

Using a PC (laptop) is fine, I guess. I like the simplicity of this though. I like to be able to come home and control CC from my phone or tablet (no need to use a PC). For local content I wouldn't mind my Buffalo NAS to have an app that I can use to browse my files on Phone/Tablet, then just pick the one I want to broadcast.

The functionality is there. Now all it needs is the support. So selling as many as possible is important.

 

[Dead Prince]

Using a PC (laptop) is fine, I guess. I like the simplicity of this though. I like to be able to come home and control CC from my phone or tablet (no need to use a PC). For local content I wouldn't mind my Buffalo NAS to have an app that I can use to browse my files on Phone/Tablet, then just pick the one I want to broadcast.

The functionality is there. Now all it needs is the support. So selling as many as possible is important.

me too. i like to use my phone/tablet and just lay around to control things.

 

[zychi]

Using a PC (laptop) is fine, I guess. I like the simplicity of this though. I like to be able to come home and control CC from my phone or tablet (no need to use a PC). For local content I wouldn't mind my Buffalo NAS to have an app that I can use to browse my files on Phone/Tablet, then just pick the one I want to broadcast.

The functionality is there. Now all it needs is the support. So selling as many as possible is important.

If you don't mind not being able to surf the internet, this WDTV does everything you ask, and plays just about every type of video file. (I've had issues with random mkv files, but 99% of file types work, even iso). Even has an app that can control everything from your smartphone.

 

[kehs]

Using a PC (laptop) is fine, I guess. I like the simplicity of this though. I like to be able to come home and control CC from my phone or tablet (no need to use a PC). For local content I wouldn't mind my Buffalo NAS to have an app that I can use to browse my files on Phone/Tablet, then just pick the one I want to broadcast.

The functionality is there. Now all it needs is the support. So selling as many as possible is important.

Co Star dude.

 

[UrokeJoe]

Co Star dude.

Whats that?

 

[SimleuqiR]

If you don't mind not being able to surf the internet, this WDTV does everything you ask, and plays just about every type of video file. (I've had issues with random mkv files, but 99% of file types work, even iso). Even has an app that can control everything from your smartphone.

This is nice and all, but it is still an extra set-top box. I already have a Mac-mini setup as my main HTPC.

The beauty of the CC is that, for the most part, it's a clean install (no extra box or wires).

Just as long as you have a good Wifi signal you can stream anywhere in your house.

This has the potential of replacing my HTPC if and when browsing local content on a NAS becomes available and it's intuitive and easy to use.

I kill for my NAS to support CC and then maybe have an app (phone/tablet) that displays my conten like the XBMC remote app to chose what to broadcast:

Soon.

Co Star dude.

Whats that?

http://www.vizio.com/costar/overview

Yet another box. I want to move away from that.

 

[biosnake20]

So the chromecast button is not showing up for me on my iOS youtube app and it's the latest version. Happening for anyone else?

 

[Chairhome]

So the chromecast button is not showing up for me on my iOS youtube app and it's the latest version. Happening for anyone else?

Are you connected to wifi? i think it only shows up if you are connected to wifi. might have to have a CC connected to the same network, too. I'm looking at my android YT app and it doesn't show the icon.

 

[Zeppu]

I kill for my NAS to support CC and then maybe have an app (phone/tablet) that displays my conten like the XBMC remote app to chose what to broadcast:

https://lh3.ggpht.com/ZwghpS2N58RFSuRTFNYmo2rJCr8uvMOkEkh5Xp_o1BRoFY2j8AtWV_lkhORi0ome7g=h900[IMG]

[IMG]https://lh4.ggpht.com/PVnLP1aL4kpqwDQ_NgwBnvH_E5CZGwtuVNKfQXCmf1J3QSnyhAXa53mUXCXbK-SC5pf5=h900[IMG][/QUOTE]

Official XBMC remote is outdated as fuck. [URL="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.leetzone.android.yatsewidgetfree"]This[/URL] on the other hand is godly. It also allows you beam pretty much anything to XBMC. And for stuff like Youtube it works exactly like chromecast does.

 

[SimleuqiR]

Official XBMC remote is outdated as fuck. This on the other hand is godly. It also allows you beam pretty much anything to XBMC. And for stuff like Youtube it works exactly like chromecast does.

Heyooo!!! Thanks! This is neat. Going to try it out.

But again, why build an HTPC (unless you do more than just watch video and play music with it) if today's NAS can do the grunt work of streaming the video to something like Chromecast.

Then again, many HTPC enthus need to push higher bitrate rips (bluray etc). So we have to wait and see if this dongle can handle higher bit rates without choking.

 

[Zeppu]

Heyooo!!! Thanks! This is neat. Going to try it out.

But again, why build an HTPC (unless you do more than just watch video and play music with it) if today's NAS can do the grunt work of streaming the video to something like Chromecast.

Then again, many HTPC enthus need to push higher bitrate rips (bluray etc). So we have to wait and see if this dongle can handle higher bit rates without choking.

Yes yes, I'm not arguing against your points, but since you referred to the XBMC remote I thought I'd set you straight a bit.

 

[SimleuqiR]

Yes yes, I'm not arguing against your points, but since you referred to the XBMC remote I thought I'd set you straight a bit.

Much appreciated.
I stopped using the "official" remote, as it stopped getting updates. Just didn't bother looking for a replacement. But now that I have a brand new Nexus 7(2) I'm going to try Yatse out.

 

[Mango Positive]

I've been streaming to my TV for years, but my wife just "won" a 32 inch HDTV for the bedroom and we've had the laptop connected to it for streaming stuff. Since I got in on the Netflix deal, the purchase of Chromecast was a great deal. We can now remove the laptop from it's precarious perch on the laundry hamper!

Netflix: Works great. Slight pixelization for about 10 seconds, then flawless.
Youtube: Works great.
Streaming HBOGo: Had some trouble here. The app will need to support it, as I couldn't get it to work with fullscreen. I guess the rumor is that they're pretty advanced in the testing for this functionality with the app.
Videos stored on my computer (porn (I didn't test porn)): This worked flawlessly. My computer is wired to the router, so this may have had something to do with it. The 1080p video I tested (GI Joe: Retribution) was pristine, no sound syncing issues.

Considering how many of these units they sold, I'm pretty sure support will be robust before too long.

 

[popeutlal]

Tried the tab streaming, it barely works...Hulu and HBO Go are unwatchable. Currently there isn't much use for the device. Hopefully support for it starts to be included in apps soon.

 

[Downhome]

For me Hulu and HBOGo work just fine from the tab. I guess it depends on the computer you are trying to use, I dunno.

 

[hope32]

It depends on your computer and wifi network. Try using the HDMI extender that came with the package if your wifi signal is weak. My chrome browser streaming is flawless as well.

 

[popeutlal]

Its not the WiFi signal, its my laptop. As soon as I hit the cast button the framerate dies. Laptop is an AMD A6 quadcore chip, its not exactly a beast but not crap either.

Using Playon on TV is such a superior experience, which also streams from the laptop.

 

[Robobandit]

Its not the WiFi signal, its my laptop. As soon as I hit the cast button the framerate dies. Laptop is an AMD A6 quadcore chip, its not exactly a beast but not crap either.

Using Playon on TV is such a superior experience, which also streams from the laptop.

That's because it records and encodes a video of your tab on the fly and transmits that to the chromecast.

If you don't have a higher end cpu, it probably isn't going to work well. I'm not sure that any of amd's apus would have enough power to do that effectively.

 

[ReturnOfTheRAT]

They threw in an HDMI port saver too. I love Google so much. Easy breezy setup on this thing. This is already a step above the YouTube on your tablet to PS3 integration.

Streaming my music and the Google Play Access library is east, skipping about, etc, and now I've got my laptop Chrome session on my TV.

Best $35 ever?

 

[Goldrush]

Argh...Can't get CC to turn my LG TV on. It identifies as Simplink and it would switch to the input when I cast, but it will not turn on the TV. The Simplink works fine with my Bluray player so I know the capability is on.

 

[Junior Mint]

Argh...Can't get CC to turn my LG TV on. It identifies as Simplink and it would switch to the input when I cast, but it will not turn on the TV. The Simplink works fine with my Bluray player so I know the capability is on.

You have it plugged into USB or power outlet?

 

[Fatalah]

My friend's Best Buy order arrived today, and he sold me one of the two he ordered.

So far, so amazing!

 

[SimleuqiR]

Vimeo and Redbox support confirmed

http://feedly.com/k/13V12zM

 

[Goldrush]

You have it plugged into USB or power outlet?

First I plugged it into the TV USB, but I find out that it doesn't stay on when the TV is off. So, right now, it's in the power outlet.

 

[Stuggernaut]

I must be missing the point of this...

I already have a Roku for watching all my online media, home media streaming, and listening to music.

I have a tablet for browsing while I watch, controlling the Roku, and or pushing media to it.

What does this thing do that I can't do on that?

 

[Marty Chinn]

I must be missing the point of this...

I already have a Roku for watching all my online media, home media streaming, and listening to music.

I have a tablet for browsing while I watch, controlling the Roku, and or pushing media to it.

What does this thing do that I can't do on that?

Roku will let you push content to it from a PC? I didn't realize that. How do you push YouTube to it? I'm genuinely curious; I had no idea you could do that. The interface was always something that I wasn't keen on with the Roku.

 

[kaskade]

Man, I am tempted to get one of these, especially for that price. I'll check best buy tomorrow since I should be near one. I've been reading that it's pretty easy to just drag a video on my laptop, put it in chrome and it'll play.

How is it as a netflix player? If I don't have to boot up my PS3 and get the same quality I'm pretty much sold. Does it work with the browser the same way as the phone app?

 

[Stuggernaut]

Roku will let you push content to it from a PC? I didn't realize that. How do you push YouTube to it? I'm genuinely curious; I had no idea you could do that. The interface was always something that I wasn't keen on with the Roku.

Tablet or phone actually is the pushing.

You use an app called TwonkyBeam and you can "beam" a bunch of types of media.

Here is a screencap of the channels you can beam (taken from my Nexus 4). Works really well.

 

[Marty Chinn]

Tablet or phone actually is the pushing.

You use an app called TwonkyBeam and you can "beam" a bunch of types of media.

Here is a screencap of the channels you can beam (taken from my Nexus 4). Works really well.

Oh, well that's not really using the Roku other than making it a client for DLNA. Not quite the same. So the differences are from what I can gather is, you don't need the phone or tablet to be doing anything once you told the Chromecast what to do. You can completely shut off your phone or tablet and it will still work. What you posted, if I understand it right, you'd have to pull the stream to your phone/tablet which would then push to the Roku but both would be in use at all times.

Another thing is, Roku doesn't work with PCs, and the Chromecast does. PC support is important to me, as I'm sure it is to others. So depending on your PC usage, it may or may not be a factor. On top of PC usage, you can also push your whole browser tab or even full desktop to the Chromecast. So that's a perk of it too.

Add on that you can do all that for $35, it could be a better option than a Roku if you're comparing the two and trying to decide. The PC advantage is definitely key though and the future potential.

 

[Stuggernaut]

Oh, well that's not really using the Roku other than making it a client for DLNA. Not quite the same. So the differences are from what I can gather is, you don't need the phone or tablet to be doing anything once you told the Chromecast what to do. You can completely shut off your phone or tablet and it will still work. What you posted, if I understand it right, you'd have to pull the stream to your phone/tablet which would then push to the Roku but both would be in use at all times.

Another thing is, Roku doesn't work with PCs, and the Chromecast does. PC support is important to me, as I'm sure it is to others. So depending on your PC usage, it may or may not be a factor. On top of PC usage, you can also push your whole browser tab or even full desktop to the Chromecast. So that's a perk of it too.

Add on that you can do all that for $35, it could be a better option than a Roku if you're comparing the two and trying to decide. The PC advantage is definitely key though and the future potential.

For the Twonky, yes ... kinda. I'm not sure what you call it. I browse Youtube on my phone, hit "beam" and it sends it to the TV. Can't turn phone 100% off though. I can Q a bunch of videos and once they are beaming you can continue browsing or control the media....basically I only use it for Youtube because it is fast and simple.

As for the CC...

At first I thought it sounded like the ideal solution for me as I pretty much stream every bit of content I own. But sounds like a lot of the potential is simply that, potential...or upcoming.

I will buy one...because, well it's just $35 and I like new toys. But I am not hyped...was looking for inspirational hype I guess ;P

Maybe once I get my hands on it.

 

[Mairu]

Man, I am tempted to get one of these, especially for that price. I'll check best buy tomorrow since I should be near one. I've been reading that it's pretty easy to just drag a video on my laptop, put it in chrome and it'll play.

How is it as a netflix player? If I don't have to boot up my PS3 and get the same quality I'm pretty much sold. Does it work with the browser the same way as the phone app?

Seems to work great for Netflix - no stuttering or audio issues that I can see/hear. Browsing & choosing what to play from the Nexus 7 works great

 

[Dead]

So I guess I can't cast music that is only locally stored on my phone¿ is that what that side loading shit means¿ fuck loading all my shit on the cloud...

 

[The Faceless Master]

Oh, well that's not really using the Roku other than making it a client for DLNA. Not quite the same. So the differences are from what I can gather is, you don't need the phone or tablet to be doing anything once you told the Chromecast what to do. You can completely shut off your phone or tablet and it will still work. What you posted, if I understand it right, you'd have to pull the stream to your phone/tablet which would then push to the Roku but both would be in use at all times.

Another thing is, Roku doesn't work with PCs, and the Chromecast does. PC support is important to me, as I'm sure it is to others. So depending on your PC usage, it may or may not be a factor. On top of PC usage, you can also push your whole browser tab or even full desktop to the Chromecast. So that's a perk of it too.

Add on that you can do all that for $35, it could be a better option than a Roku if you're comparing the two and trying to decide. The PC advantage is definitely key though and the future potential.

If Roku supports DLNA, you should be able to push media to it from WMP on PC or with other DLNA clients for PC.

 

[thespot84]

So I guess I can't cast music that is only locally stored on my phone¿ is that what that side loading shit means¿ fuck loading all my shit on the cloud...

give yourself to the dark side

 

[Mindwipe]

Pretty much any online website that service video could include a Chromecast button (yes, even porn site - though Google might not approve).

Errr, not easily - the Chromecast would need a receiver app, and Google is whitelisting those so far.

It remains to be seen if they will allow a generic reception app that would take content from a bunch of sites.

 

[Chris R]

Does Google Docs stream well via chrome tab? I'm assuming it shouldn't be an issue but won't get my dongle until tomorrow or Wednesday.

 

[DunderHassan]

Why can't Chromecast just be an app for Android?
Are there some limitations to the hardware or something?
Serious question, sorry if this was already asked.

I seriously see no point in this device, when you can turn your TV into a computer (Android) with a HDMI stick for under $50, which have been around for years.
Sure, $35 is not much, but just a YouTube/Netflix player for $35 seems like a waste of money in my eyes.

 

[Mindwipe]

Why can't Chromecast just be an app for Android?
Are there some limitations to the hardware or something?
Serious question, sorry if this was already asked.

I seriously see no point in this device, when you can turn your TV into a computer (Android) with a HDMI stick for under $50, which have been around for years.
Sure, $35 is not much, but just a YouTube/Netflix player for $35 seems like a waste of money in my eyes.

Those Android HDMI sticks aren't too good for HD video, and more importantly they certainly aren't getting proper Netflix and other streaming provider support as they aren't shipping with the Microsoft Playready and Widevine DRM libraries on the device - the licensing costs of which wouldn't be plausible on a $50 Android stick.

 

[Dizzan]

Another botched product launch by Google.

Surely they knew an essentially $11 media streamer would sell like hotcakes.

Now the waiting game trying to get a few to Australia......................