Chromecast

[AnalBumCover]

I pulled this out of the ESPN3/WatchESPN and 2013 NFL Season Threads and thought it might deserve its own thread.

Who's got one and what are your thoughts so far?

I already have a Sony Internet TV device, so it's not a must-buy for me, but at $35 it's certainly piqued my interest.

[ISiddiqui]

I have one and I love it. I have a Roku as well, but the Roku doesn't get used nearly as much. Much quicker to grab the Nexus 7 and pull up Netflix and go.

Also, even though some folks reported issues, mirroring a Chrome tab is buttery smooth for me (though I have a really quick wi-fi connection - just got an ac router).

[Easy Mac]

I have one. Used it for about 40 seconds and its just sitting connected to the TV. I have a Google TV, so it does everything the chromecast does, but better. Another TV has a mini PC with XBMC, which does even more. A computer is hooked up to the playroom TV, so again, not useful there.

If I didn't already have everything, I could see it being useful, but I'm in one of the extreme use categories where its pretty pointless right now for me.

I do like the 3 free months of netflix I got with it though.

[Neuqua]

I'm interested in this as well. Mom just moved into a new house and she watches all her SouthAsian programming on youtube on her tiny laptop. I feel like combo'ing this Chromecast with the new flatscreen I'm buying her as a new home gift would make a perfect combo.

[Easy Mac]

bump. It now supports Hulu Plus.

I don't think I've used it since the first night I bought it. It's just sitting there, connected to the TV.

[BrianD]

I tried it and found the wireless range to be way too limited. There is one wall between my TV and the wireless router and I couldn't get a signal. If both were in the same room, I got plenty of signal, but I can't have both in the same room.

[ISiddiqui]

I use it on a daily basis - it's great for Youtube watching. And much easier for Netflix than using the Roku (though I use my Nexus 7 [2013] as a remote, so that may be why). Interesting that it now supports Hulu Plus.

[henry296]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

I have one and I love it. I have a Roku as well, but the Roku doesn't get used nearly as much. Much quicker to grab the Nexus 7 and pull up Netflix and go.

Also, even though some folks reported issues, mirroring a Chrome tab is buttery smooth for me (though I have a really quick wi-fi connection - just got an ac router).

What AC router did you get? I think my old N router is starting to show its age with the volume of tables / computers / video games and trying to get my internet to work well in my basement since the router is on the main floor in my office.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

I use it on a daily basis - it's great for Youtube watching. And much easier for Netflix than using the Roku (though I use my Nexus 7 [2013] as a remote, so that may be why). Interesting that it now supports Hulu Plus.

much much easier for netflix than using my ps3, or hooking my laptop up to the tv. great for youtube videos too

[Berger]

I watch a ton of youtube videos through mine. It's worked like a charm for me. I may be a lucky one. I don't have the greatest router and even though it's upstairs and my chromecast is downstairs, I haven't had an issue yet.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Chromecast on sale for $23.99 at Best Buy.

[RainMaker]

Crummy move by Amazon

Amazon to Ban Sale of Apple, Google Video-Streaming Devices - Bloomberg Business

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Crummy move by Amazon

Amazon to Ban Sale of Apple, Google Video-Streaming Devices - Bloomberg Business

It is crummy, but I like it. It will be interesting to see what else Amazon will do with its market power. They are a massive company, but so far all of their decisions have been very much pro-consumer - lower prices, faster delivery, easier ordering processes, etc. Now that they are venturing into more restrictive practices, I look forward to possible complaints.

[BillJasper]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

It is crummy, but I like it. It will be interesting to see what else Amazon will do with its market power. They are a massive company, but so far all of their decisions have been very much pro-consumer - lower prices, faster delivery, easier ordering processes, etc. Now that they are venturing into more restrictive practices, I look forward to possible complaints.

Not sure I see an issue. Both Google and Microsoft are massive companies that can easily sell their own devices. I'd be disappointed if Amazon put the stops to any competitors, however.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by BillJasper

Not sure I see an issue. Both Google and Microsoft are massive companies that can easily sell their own devices. I'd be disappointed if Amazon put the stops to any competitors, however.

Here, there is no issue. There are plenty of ways to get Chromecast or Apple TV. Just considering what Amazon could do in the future.