Advanced Television

Chromecast multi-device TV dongle from Google

July 25, 2013

By Colin Mann

ChromecastGoogle has unveiled a device to enable the delivery of OTT Internet video to HDTVs. Chromecast is a $35 two-inch dongle that plugs into the back of a television and enables users to access content from sources such as YouTube and Netflix, using a mobile device as a remote control.

Writing in the Google Chrome blog, Sundar Pichai, SVP, Android, Chrome and Apps, says: “When I was growing up, my family had a single screen we huddled around every day: the television set in the living room. Nowadays, we ‘huddle’ around multiple screens—laptops, smartphones and tablets—using them almost interchangeably as we navigate through our day. In a world of ubiquitous computing, life would be a lot simpler if we didn’t have to learn new behaviours and interfaces each time we switched screens—if we could have one consistent, intuitive experience no matter where we are or what we’re doing. Today, with the launch of Chromecast and the new Nexus 7 tablet, it’s even more effortless to enjoy content you care about—whether it’s video, music, movies, games—wherever you are, across your devices.”

“To help make it easy to bring your favourite online entertainment to the biggest screen in your house—the TV—we’re introducing Chromecast. Chromecast is a small and affordable ($35) device that you simply plug in to your high-definition (HD) TV and it allows you to use your phone, tablet or laptop to ‘cast’ online content to your TV screen. It works with Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, and Google Play Music, with more apps like Pandora coming soon. With Chromecast, we wanted to create an easy solution that works for everyone, for every TV in the house,” he continues.

In addition to apps such as Netflix, Chromecast can bring a broad range of content available on the web to a user’s big screen, thanks to a new feature in the Chrome browser that allows a user to project any browser tab to their TV. “From sharing your family photos to enjoying a video clip from your favourite news site, it’s as simple as pressing a button. This feature is launching in beta, but we’re excited for people to try it out and give us their feedback,” he says.

The device comes with three months of Netflix access.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: Articles, OTT, OTT, Portable Media