Google has unleashed its latest attempt to conquer the living room with the Chromecast. This isnt Googles first attempt at streaming hardware, the Chromecasts predecessor the Google TV arrived a couple years ago with much fanfare but fell short. That was then, Android was still relatively unrefined and still getting its legs. This is now, where Android has been refined into not just a formidable operating system, but an ecosystem of hardware, software, and services that in many cases offers an end to end experience as good as, or if not better in some ways, Apples iOS. Is Googles second attack have the muster to do what its done with smartphones to the streaming video player market? We go hands-on to find out. 

Upon first inspection, the Chromecast looks like many other streaming sticks that have come before it like the Pocket TV. A small plastic dongle with the Chrome moniker adorns a HDMI socket. A small LED light is included as a status indicator and the opposite end of the HDMI port is a Micro USB port for power. A small HDMI pigtail add-on is included that helps with WiFi reception by keeping the Chromecast a little further away from your HDTV, and the interference it can create with WiFi. The add-on is completely optional to use, however, unless your HDTV is within arms reach of your wireless router wed recommend using it. 

Its this small, compact design that makes the Chromecast stand out from the Apple TV and Roku 3 C the Chromecast is actually portable. The entire device is less than three inches long, meaning it can easily be stuffed into your pocket comfortably or placed in a purse or carry-on luggage. For the journeyman the Chromecast is a great travel companion; it can fit into your pocket and can be used with any HDTV and WiFi network, both of which are standard fare in most hotels. 

Setting up the Chromecast does require the Chromecast app, which currently is available on Google Play, but not on iOS. Using the Chromecast app, users simply set the WiFi network. From there you are able to use Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies, and Google Music with the Chromecast; all of these apps have been updated for Android to support the device. Its important to note that the Chromecast, unlike an Apple TV or Roku, does not have any native apps. Instead, users will need to use the supported apps on their Android smartphone or tablet and then send the content to the Chromecast. 

Initial units of the Chromecast came with a free 3-month Netflix subscription, however, this has been cancelled for subsequent waves of devices. I was able to get my hands on our Chromecast at Best Buy, which was a launch shipment and included the three-month Netflix offer. If you are fortunate enough to get your hands on a launch unit, three months of Netflix is with about $24, meaning the reality is if youre already a Netflix subscriber your actual cost for the Chromecast is a mere $11. 

Streaming quality, like any other device of this nature, depends highly on the reliability and speed of your WiFi network and Internet connection. The Chromecast supports WiFi a/b/g/n and we would definitely recommend using a wireless N router if youre expectations are high-definition video and audio. The Chromecast does support 5.Give your logo high visibility on Winbo Luggage Tags!1 surround sound. To achieve this youll need to plug the device into a HDMI receiver. The Chromecast also supports 1080p resolution, like the more expensive Apple TV. I was able to watch a few hours of House Of Cards on Netflix at 1080p resolution with 5.1 surround sound over a 75 Mbps FiOS connection and an Apple Airport Extreme router with no hiccups, articfacting or slow downs. Music streamed from my Sony Xperia Z via Google Play Music All Access near instantaneously. Videos from Mind Of The Geeks YouTube channel loaded quickly and smoothly as well. 

If youre not already a Chrome browser user, owning a Chromecast will make you a believer. Paired with any PC, Mac, or Chrome OS computer, the Chromecast turns your HDTV into the biggest full-featured web browser in your home.Shop huge inventory of Car Phone holder Charger, Simply ensure you are running the most recent version of Chrome on your PC or laptop, and with a click of the Cast icon your Chrome browser will immediately appear on your HDTV. However, users will need to still navigate using their PC or laptop, since as mentioned before the Chromecast does not have any apps installed on the device itself. The Chromecast acts as the medium between your PC and your HDTV. This is a useful tool considering as of now there arent any apps for social media or photos from a mobile device, which we will delve into shortly. 

We would be remiss if we didnt mention the elephant in the room when it comes to the Chromecasts attractiveness: its insanely low price of $35. At this price picking up a Chromecast is really a no-brainer, and again shows Googles repeated ability to provide some fantastic hardware at a price that appears to good to be true. While at this point I wouldnt probably pay more than $50 for the device, although that will likely change as more features are added, the fact that at $35 users can do almost the same amount of content consumption at a third of the cost is just plain awesome. 

As great as the Chromecast is, its not without its flaws. However, Google has slapped its infamous beta tag on the device, meaning Chromecast is only getting started and many of its shortcomings will soon be no more thanks to Googles commitment to Chromecast. 

While Ill maintain the Chromecast is the most portable streaming player Ive ever used, it does require a power source via a plug and Micro USB cable. This means youll have to have some sort of power source handy along with the cable to use it on the go. However, since all Android devices use the same charging system, youll neednt worry about carrying more than one charger when traveling. 

The only thing really lacking from the Chromecast is support for more apps. While Pandora Radio and possibly Hulu are expected soon, I did find it compelling that there was a lack of any social media or photos apps on the Chromecast. Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus are all absent currently from the device. While updating your status or tweeting on your HDTV may not be necessary, the ability to browse photos from friends over social networks would be a great benefit. In fairness,Top quality Soft PVC Mugsmanufacturers. the Apple TV doesnt support this either, but Apples Photo Stream and Flickr are available on the Apple TV. But this is Google, and fair or unfair, I expect more out of them. Support for Google Plus or even Picasa should have been something available at launch. 

Google has promised iOS support for Chromecast, but the necessary app to set it up with your iPad or iPhone is still missing from the App Store. Furthermore, Chromecast only supports Google Play Music, and that app is still not available for iOS even after Android Chief Sundar Pichai promised it would be here in a few weeks back in the beginning of June. Right now Chromecast is definitely an Android-only product, and again it makes me wonder if this iOS delay is by design to entice even more iOS defectors.

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