Google has been through quite a few technologies its attempt to compete with Apple’s Airplay. It now seems that Google has abandoned Miracast and with the introduction of Chromecast, a small $35 dollar dongle for your TV, Google could finally be heading for success.
Google Chromecast: yet another Airplay alternative
The Google Chromecast is a small dongle that connects to your TV on the back side via HDMI and USB. When connected, it lets you stream videos and content over WiFi to your TV via smartphone, tablet or PC; be it Android, iOS, Chrome or Windows.
With Chromecast you can stream online content directly to your TV screen
Chromecast can be incorporated into apps on all platforms and is different from Mircast that Google recently supported. Chromecast does not mirror your PC/mobile screen to the TV but instead seamlessly connects directly to YouTube, Netflix or something else when you click to Chromecast button on your PC or mobile device. Google says that Chromecast will be integrated into TVs, too.
Connect the small Chromecast dongle to the back of your TV
Chromecast is in a lot of ways similar to Apple’s Airplay in the Apple TV box but somewhat more limited at the moment. Google says that they have released an API for developers so we should start seeing broader support in apps soon. Chromecast also appears to be the actual successor to Google’s failed Nexus Q.
Chromecast is available to buy now for just $35 USD via Google Play and Amazon
. It will be available in international markets “as soon as possible”.
