There was a lot of buzz surrounding the release of Google’s $35 streaming stick the Chromecast. At launch it worked with apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Google music (on Android). The user experience with this apps was generally pretty good and received positive reviews. Personally, I can attest to the fact that the YouTube integration in Chromecast is fantastic and always easy to use.
Google had said they would make a Chromecast SDK available so that developers could interface their applications with. Companies such as Revision 3 and HBO had stated their intention to update their apps to make use of Chromecast. Tech blogs had also said Chromecast compatible apps from Redbox Instant and Vimeo were also pending.
However, we have yet to see new versions of these apps come out supporting the device. Don’t worry, they are still coming we may just have to wait awhile. The Chromecast SDK is still in beta and Google has asked that it not be used in production apps, but instead in testing and early development efforts. Once the floodgates open I’m guessing the floodgates will open and there will be many updated apps that are Chromecast compatible.
In the meantime Google has released the Chromecast app for iOS. It makes setup using an iOS device much easier. When I setup my Chromecast, I used the Chrome browser and had little trouble with setup, but the new app is incredibly simple. If you’re a new owner of a Chromecast and own an iOS device download the app and use it for setup. Once the setup is complete the app is then used to manage your Chromecast’s settings.
Stay tuned to Gonna Geek, as soon as we hear anything new on Chromecast apps we’ll let you know!
My friend at work is still mad because she ordered hers day one and it still hasn’t showed up. Apparently Google is still having trouble getting the product to people.
They were tons more popular than expected. Good problem to have I suppose.
That’s a shame, I setup a Google alert for mine, got it through BestBuy 3 hours later on the 27th of August, and it arrived on the 31st. One of the rare times ill actually ENDORSE BestBuy over Amazon ^_-
I bought mine from Google on the 1st and they said it would not ship until after the 12th.. Then it showed up on the 5th.. I will say that I expected more than Netflix and YouTube and of course Google play.. I was hoping for more.. It’s just another way to watch Netflix and YouTube right now, my TV does that already…
She’s lucky, I waited, and got mine in a week. Useless piece of crap.
hey dude, I ordered one from Amazon, got a date of Oct, so I ordered one from google.
it works like a champ with netflix and youtube. I just got the second one from amazon, which I don’t need, so am willing to sell for face value of $35. just leave comment with your info
I don’t understand how an independent developer could release an incredibly useful app that would allow us to cast any app (that was later blocked by Google) and Google can’t make that functionality available now? I am impatient for more robust functionality!
My understanding is that an Android developer reverse engineered the Chromecast API to get access to stream anything. Google says that didn’t block it but that instead a regular software update to Chromecast broke that app. Seeing as Chromecast is in beta still I’m inclined to believe that.
I’m impatient too and want more robust functionality. I get the feeling that its coming, just fairly slowly.
Interesting that roku could (finally) release the functionality of streaming your own device content with a recent update! http://phandroid.com/2013/09/09/roku-app-update-local-streaming/
Chris just stole the words out of my mouth – that’s what I heard too.
I’m an independent developer, who is eagerly waiting for the official Chromecast SDK release. I’ve a feeling Google is delaying it. They haven’t made any changes in more than a month: https://developers.google.com/cast/release-notes
That is very unlike Google, may be they are dealing with piracy issues and content producers.
Here’s a video preview of Chromecast support coming soon to one of our Android apps: Split Browser available in GooglePlay
http://youtu.be/i4wnr-icTTc
Apps like that have me seriously considering making the jump to Android.
Chris, you’re missing the Android party! I’m curious to see what Apple’s next move is going to be after Samsung’s Gear & Note 3 release this week. Exciting times to be in no matter which side of the fence you are!
Agreed. Apple has been banking on the simplicity/stability card for a long time, and if their re-work ends up being glitchier than their previous versions – they could see a downfall rapidly.
I ordered mine a few weeks ago on my birthday from Google.. Amazon’s site was backordered for 2-3 months, as was Best Buy’s site.. so I figured, why not just order right from the source? It came in 2 1/2 weeks, and worked great, right out of the box! Granted, it’s quite limited at the moment, Only really good for Netflix and Youtube. (But.. it’s REALLY good for Netflix and Youtube!!) I was using a ps3 to view these things, but will never again! Chromecast made it so much simpler, especially with the HDMI control built into it.. it switches my TV on from an off state, or switches the source automatically the instant you stream anything to it.
I am very happy with it thus far, but, I purchased it knowing it’s a brand new product with limitations at the moment, but also for it’s potential in the future! This thing is capable of so much! I am very excited to see where it goes! :)
I think a lot of people bought the Chromecast based on future potential. One rumor that has be intrigued is Google is pursuing the NFL Sunday ticket. That would work real nice with Chromecast I bet.
I guess its too late for this season? Can’t wait to dump our cable, and having NFL is all we need! We have mlb.com, and its like watching HDTV.
It’s been perfect for watching US Open Tennis! Just bring up the US Open live streaming on a computer browser in the other room and cast it to the big screen! Sure beats watching it around a tablet and/or computer screen!
Did you have any kind of lag doing that? I tried before with some other apps and had some lag.
I have been streaming my chrome tabs a lot and there is a second or 2 lag from the computer to tv but the video displayed on the tv is distorted or freezing ever
So – Where can I get this Chromecast app for my Apple Iphone 5?
The app is only for setup and options configuration. Just search the App Store for Chromecast.
So does chrome stream from iPhone . I can’t seem to make it stream from my iohone 5. However this Netflix and YouTube are definetly fantastic . But there are conflicting articles some saying that with the new app people are steaming chrome from there iphone . Is this possible ?
I cannot stream from Chrome on iOS to a Chromecast. It has to be from a chrome browser on a pc/Mac.
That’s right, streaming from Chrome browser in PC or Mac uses WebRTC to constantly transfer data between the browser and Chromecast, which is different from how Netflix and YouTube apps work. These apps merely control (play, pause… etc) the video stream coming directly from the Internet to Chromecast.
I doubt Google will build a Chrome browser for Android or iOS that will stream the contents of a tab using WebRTC, because it will be a huge battery drain. Even in the PC you can tell Chrome browser struggles to decode the video stream for display and then encode at the same time to stream it back to Chromecast, hence the lag.
XBMC IOS app + Chromecast = Media streaming awesomeness I would happily pay a few bucks for. Get to it developers :)
I ordered my Chromecast on 28 July from Amazon. It took quite a while, but I finally received mine this past Tuesday.
I’ve noticed abit of lag streaming Youtube, and had Netflix crash on it once.
My Insignia TV (NS-32E440A13) only supports HDMI 1.2, not 1.4. So, I have use either the USB AC Adapter or my TV’s USB port.
My TV does suppose CEC (labelled as inLink in its setup menu). The Chromecast does turn on my TV, but doesn’t always switch to the correct input channel.
Overall, I’m quite pleased with mine. It’s worth the $35. I also have an Apple TV 3rd generation. But, those are different devices.
Also, I’ve tried the Google Cast extension in both Windows and Linux. I can still control my Chromecast from Linux for YouTube videos. But, I can only cast tabs or the entire screen from Windows.
Google just released a Chromecast SDK updates for Android & iOS. Hopefully they will get to the final release soon.
Now that is encouraging.
Fingers crossed!
I can’t seem to get the chrome browser on my ipad to cast tabs … Am I doing something wrong???
Only Chrome on your PC can cast tabs.
Checked with Google yesterday and they don’t have any updates on when they will finalize the Chromecast SDK!
Meanwhile, here’s a closer look at the remote control features in Split Browser while casting Hulu, Nick Jr. and other video sites: http://youtu.be/Nv8JfwaG1k4
As you can tell, we’re ready with our app but Google isn’t! Does anyone here know what is going with Google & Chromecast? Will this be like Google Glass going into next year?!
Is there plans to be able to chromecast from an android chrome browser?
I just installed Chomecast and used my Toshiba andriod tablet running andriod 4.0.4.01 and it worked okay — rented a move from Google and it casted to my TV.
I really bought it to use with RedBox but I guess there’s no working app yet.
Ok, reality check: 3 months later, and its just becoming vaporware.
My TV and blu-ray players can already do most of what this thing can, and my very OLD Roku can run circles around it.
It was a good idea, but the fascists @ Google locked down the apps, so now it’s just useless JUNK. Don’t waste your $, and don’t fall for the next scam Google comes up with, either.
I think part of the problem is that the SDK hadn’t been officially released until just recently. Google released the SDK and invited developers to come to HQ and get a brief on how things work. I think that the Chromecast demand was unexpected and the software wasn’t quite ready. In a month or two we might see some really cool apps out there.
Just released Split Browser 2.9.0 (and trial 2.4.0)… they are Chromecast ready! Give it a try and let us know what you think. Cast away!!
Hey is it possible to cast the US Open Tennis 2014 matches? I tried but a separate window pops open when we open the live stream and there is no chrome cast button in the new window. I can cast YouTube and other stuff though. Am I doing something wrong? we cannot cast the US open.
Fantastic post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject?
I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more.
Many thanks!
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