Google Announces Wireless Media Streaming Stick – Chromecast

Google Chromecast is a small and affordable device that simply plugs into an HDMI port of a high-definition TV and allows you to use a phone, tablet or laptop to “cast” online content to the big TV screen. It works with Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, and Google Play Music, with more apps like Pandora coming soon. In addition to apps like Netflix, one can use Chromecast to bring a broad range of content available on the web to big screen, thanks to a new feature in the Chrome browser that allows you to project any browser tab to a TV. To ensure a great Chromecast experience over time, Google has built Google Cast, a technology that enables developers to build consistent, intuitive multi-screen experiences across mobile devices and TVs. A handful of early developers are already working on enabling Google Cast technology in their apps, so more supported apps are coming soon. And while the Chromecast device is the first instantiation of Google Cast, Google expects the technology to be embedded in a range of hardware from its partners in the future. Unlike in cases of other streaming solutions, users can still multitask – send emails or surf the web – while enjoying what’s on the TV screen. It works across platforms, including Google Android tablets and smartphones, Apple’s iPhones and iPads, Chrome for Mac and Microsoft Windows (more to come), so a personal device is also a remote control. The Chromecast device is available for $35 on Google Play, Amazon.com and BestBuy.com. It will be available in Best Buy retail stores across the U.S. starting July 28. For a limited time, customers will also get three months of Netflix included.