Haven’t you ever browsed your computer and wished you could just play the window you are viewing on your television? Or more specifically Youtube videos? For the more tech savvy user, there are HDMI cables that you can use. For the regular user, there is nothing that is as simple as doing this with just the click of a button… Until Chromecast.
What is the Chromecast?
Chromecast is a Google product that uses a far more simpler approach to streaming videos directly from your device to your TV without the hassle of cables. The Chromecast is a simple black HDMI dongle that is connected to your TV’s HDMI port. After a setup that literally takes only couple of minutes, you are automatically connected to Youtube and many other video apps. Chromecast uses your phone/ tablet/pc/mac as a remote to stream videos while not sucking out the battery life of your device.
How much does it cost?
Chromecast costs $35. It is a very competitive price for a dongle that creates a much simpler way to stream the web to your TV.
How do you setup the device?
The Chromecast stick is itself only a couple of inches long after plugging in.Once you put the Chromecast stick into the HDMI port, you connect to your WiFi network and download the setup program to complete installation. The program will then prompt you to type in a name for your Chromecast that is used when streaming the web. You are then required to download a Chromecast extension for your Chrome browser. And your setup is done.
What can I view using Chromecast?
Literally, everything. Currently apps that support Chromecast are Youtube, Netflix and a few other Play store apps. For casting anything besides this, you simply use the Chromecast extension button your browser. So really, there is nothing that you view on your Chrome browser that you can’t view on your TV.
Why do I need Chromecast?
Chromecast provides a broader experience and makes it possible to view exactly what you want to see on your TV. In some sense, Chromecast creates the possibility for users to dictate what content they want to see on their television as opposed to cable operators forcing contents down our throats. With companies like Box TV and Spuul who already provide viewers with the power of content in their hands, Chromecast takes it a step further and makes it possible to view anything and everything under the sun – the way it is supposed to be.
The Verdict
If you are the kind of person who loves to watch many movies and Youtube videos, Chromecast would be a worthwhile investment. I, for one, have stopped using my Playstation to stream Netflix and other video apps as I find it more convenient to stream directly from my browser. With the world headed towards more customizable content, the Chromecast makes an excellent tech addition that actually adds a whole lot of value.
