-->

Review: Google Chromecast, Low Price, Low on Functionality

Article Featured Image

In StreamingMedia.com's breathless announcement of the Google Chromecast in July, we enthused that its functionality would "expand quickly as services rush to build in Chromecast support." Well, it's now late September. Where are other services?

The answer is that Google hasn't released the final SDK (software development kit) yet, and has asked that the temporary one now available be used only for testing, not for production apps. Google isn’t saying when the final SDK will be ready, but here's hoping it's soon.

Chromecast, for those who haven't heard, is a smart set-top box alternative, a dongle that connects to an HDMI port and uses the owner's smartphone or computer for the user interface. The $35 price tag makes it an impulse buy, and we found that using it couldn't be easier. Installation took only a few minutes with the iOS Chromecast app. Chromecast shows that Google has learned much since the launch of Google TV, and is thinking creatively about streaming entertainment.

After living with Chromecast for a month, we're anxious for new apps. The device still only streams content from Netflix, YouTube, and Google Play, as well as the Chrome browser when using a computer. Using those apps is a pleasure, though. Selecting and sending content to a TV is easy and quick, and YouTube and Netflix content looked great on our set. Web pages don't come through with the same high quality.

Netflix on Chromecast is a better experience than on Roku, we found, because the Netflix iOS app supports profiles while Netflix on Roku doesn't yet. Since Roku doesn't have a YouTube channel, Chromecast wins in that area, too.

But Roku boxes have vastly more content than Chromecast, with over 1,000 streaming channels. Once developers start adding Chromecast support to their apps, however, Google will have a new problem in creating a unified experience. Will it add a central interface, so that users don't have to continuously switch apps? Will it create a central queue for content?

Some developers are sure to block Chromecast support -- the major networks, for example. Many in the industry will be watching to see if Google can pull together enough support to make Chromecast a real platform and a rival to Roku and Apple TV, or if it's doomed to be the next Boxee, a good idea that never quite takes off.

Streaming Covers
Free
for qualified subscribers
Subscribe Now Current Issue Past Issues
Related Articles

Amazon Intros Fire TV Stick, Competes with Google Chromecast

The TV device market is getting crowded, but that didn't stop Amazon from unveiling its second device, this one a compact stick with remote.

Chromecast Usage Is Actually Rising, Claims Google

Google says Chromecast use is up 40 percent since Q3 2013, but its data looks at only the most active owners.

Google Chromecast Usage on the Decline: Parks Associates

After the initial buzz has worn off, Chromecast owners decide they'd rather stream with a game console or set-top box.

Google Releases Chromecast SDK; Expect a Flood of Enhanced Apps

While Chromecast functionality has been limited so far, that will quickly change. Uses could go far beyond what set-top boxes allow.

Vevo, Songza, RealNetworks Announce Chromecast Support

Chromecast is no longer just for Netflix, HBO, and YouTube, as several additional apps announce they've added support.

Google to Phase Out Google TV, Move Ahead with Android TV

Never loved, three-year-old Google TV is going away. Look for a more flexible Android TV platform to rise in its place.

Hulu Plus Surprises with Google Chromecast Integration

The $35 TV streaming device gains an important partner in Hulu, with support ahead of the final SDK release.

Chromecast: Did Google Just Win the Connected TV Battle?

Google surprised the industry and changed it overnight with the introduction of a $35 HDMI dongle.