What is a Chromecast, and Why You Should Be Interested

A chromecast, what are you talking about? Is it a cast of the metal chrome, or does it have some relation to the browser chrome?  The second guess is more correct. The chromecast is a device made by Google that allows someone to stream content to their TV wireless.  It was release July 24, 2013, and has been a fairly successful device since. 

To use a Chromecast, all you have to do is plug the stick into an HDMI port, and connect it to power.  Once turned on, you have to simply download their chromecast app, available on iOS and Android, follow the instructions to connect the chromecast to wifi, and then you're all set up. To stream content all you have to do is go to an app that is compatible and you will have a little chromecast icon that you can click to stream content to your screen. Some of the most useful streaming capable apps include Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, Play Movies, Spotify, Play Music, and Twitch.  

The chromecast is a great device to have around the house. You can have just one in the house, or multiple for multiple TVs, and stream your favorite video easily on any. It's very simple to setup and use. And the best part, is that it's only $35. If you look at other streaming devices, they pretty much all do the same job, but some devices has more compatibility in streaming services than others. Besides that, the chromecast is by far the cheapest option, with the most compatibility. 

Some bigger streaming devices include the Roku 3, Amazon fire TV, Nexus Player, and the Apple TV. All these devices are roughly $100 and are all about the size of a book. They are all devices you plug into your TV and use a remote to control. These bigger brothers are a whole different story.

The chromecast is a portable stick streaming device, and there are two main competitors; The Amazon Fire TV Stick and the Roku streaming stick. They're are all roughly $40, but have a range of different features. The chromecast is a link from your phone or tablet to your TV, and is completely controlled by your device. They other two come with remotes that control the stick's interface. Some people find these interfaces annoying and sometimes unresponsive. With the chromecast, all you have to do is open up any app that is supported, and click stream. 

Overall, there are a ton of streaming devices out on the market, and the chromecast is often overlooked. Though some of the more expensive streaming devices might offer more supported content, the chromecast is amazing for what it does, and only $35.

Links:

Chromecast Android App
Chromecast iOS App

Supported Apps