Technology Chromecast

[Casey]

We've had quite a bit of discussion of Chromecast on various other threads so I figured we might as well have a main one, especially with the UK launch happening in the next few days.

I pirated the Plex app. I'll probably buy it, it's actually a far superior interface for controlling the Plex server. I liked that AllCast would allow me to cast local media as well as control the Plex server, but it's interface just isn't that great really. Now that Chromecast use in Plex doesn't require a Plex Pass, it's a better method, I think.

BBC iPlayer support is coming to Chromecast in time for the UK launch by the look of it.

http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/0...kely-timed-for-chromecast-launch-on-march-19/

Good to have another big name on board.

There's an excellent Chromecast version of the popular card game, "Cards Against Humanity" that just came out too. Good fun.

 

[Casey]

UK price is £30. As I suspected.

Also, this app is cool.

http://www.geek.com/android/mycastscreen-makes-your-chromecast-part-of-your-morning-routine-1588177/

 

[ARon]

I think I'm going to finally get rid of cable and use chromecast and probably get the n8 when it comes out

 

[Casey]

BBC iPlayer is working perfectly on the Chromecast. Used it last night to watch the new Stewart Lee show. Awesome.

 

[Pittsey]

I'll give it a try. I don't think I have the iplayer app.

 

[THEV1LL4N]

Bought one while I was on holiday last week and it arrived today. Haven't even opened it yet but will do later so I can view my photos on the TV now.

 

[Casey]

New Photo app from Google!

http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/0...ll-android-app-for-casting-photos-to-your-tv/

 

[Pittsey]

More good news.


http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/01/bt-sports-channels-chromecast-uk/

 

[Casey]

I don't watch sports, but BT have the rights to a lot of the stuff, right? So that's good news for sure.

 

[THEV1LL4N]

It would be good if they offered one-off event plans, but this isn't as useful if you have Sky because you could just watch it on your Sky box. But if you are watching from somewhere else then I guess this is good news.

 

[Pittsey]

It would be good if they offered one-off event plans, but this isn't as useful if you have Sky because you could just watch it on your Sky box. But if you are watching from somewhere else then I guess this is good news.

But... You can take your chromecast anywhere in your pocket..!

 

[THEV1LL4N]

But... You can take your chromecast anywhere in your pocket..!

I know, which is why it would be good if you are watching from somewhere else. Or if someone with a Netflix or BT Sports account came over to my house.

Hopefully BoxNation make streaming available for the Chromecast. Either that, or they make a live stream (subscription) channel for YouTube.

I think that paid subscription channels on YouTube will get a bigger push with the introduction of the Chromecast - let's see what happens.

 

[Pittsey]

I know, which is why it would be good if you are watching from somewhere else. Or if someone with a Netflix or BT Sports account came over to my house.

Hopefully BoxNation make streaming available for the Chromecast. Either that, or they make a live stream (subscription) channel for YouTube.

I think that paid subscription channels on YouTube will get a bigger push with the introduction of the Chromecast - let's see what happens.

And the Amazon Fire TV Box, which should push Google to make something worth buying... With XBMC, hopefully. The end of Broadcast TV moves ever closer.

 

[Casey]

I am not sure why anyone would buy the Amazon Box. What's it's USP compared to Roku, Apple TV, and the other stuff in that $100 price point?

Chromecast's USP is it's price, it's portability, ease of use and the fact that it just interfaces with your existing hardware and has no learning curve.

 

[Pittsey]

You can buy a gamepad and play games?

It streams Amazon Instant?

 

[S O F I]

http://ben-evans.com/benedictevans/2014/3/27/notes-on-tv

 

[Pittsey]

XBMC running on the Amazon TV Box.

 

[THEV1LL4N]

Amazon are claiming that their device is 3x more powerful than it's competitors - but how is this measured? I guess the Chromecast's specs are not great but that is because the phone or tablet would be doing most of the processing and the Chromecast acts as a receiver for the output. So yes, Amazon are right.

They are also promising that their games will cost $1.89 - which I think is good. I'm hoping that the Chromecast will enable us to game on the living room TV.

I've tried out Qcast which was fun. A little buggy and the questions were a little repetitive; but early days still.

 

[Pittsey]

http://www.theverge.com/2014/4/5/5584604/this-is-android-tv

 

[Casey]

Android TV has Amazon Instant by the looks of it so that's not unique to the Kindle box.