Thursday, August 8, 2013

Thrifty Thursdays - #5 - Google Chromecast



Available here, here, or here.

While I am an Apple girl through and through, I like to see what else is happening out there in the tech world.  Last week Google launched a new product called Google Chromecast which is a new easy way to enjoy online video and music on your TV.  Plug it into any HDTV and control it with your existing smartphone, tablet, or laptop.  There's no remotes required.  You can cast your favorites from Google Play, YouTube, Netflix and Chrome* to your TV with the press of a button.

I personally have Apple TV and love it!  Every time my parents are over they love to play with my Netflix account and see what all is available with the press of a button.  At $99 though, that can seem to be an expensive toy for someone who isn't sure how much they will use it.  

For only $35 though, the Google Chromecast is a great alternative to all of the Roku's, Apple TV's, video game consoles, and Blu Ray Players that were previously the only way to stream content.

They sold out immediately online the day they launched, but are available for backorder.  

For a limited time they are also offering a free 3-month subscription to Netflix as well - bonus!  

Here are some of the features:

Content you love, with even more to follow

Chromecast currently supports Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies, and Google Play Music. Chromecast will automatically update to work with a growing number of apps.

No learning curve

Chromecast taps into the same app and browsing experience you're familiar with on your smartphone, tablet, and laptop, so there's nothing new to learn. Just open a supported app, press the cast icon, then sit back and enjoy.

Remote-free

Browse for what to watch, control playback, and adjust the volume using the smartphone, tablet, or laptop you already know how to use.

Works across platforms

Chromecast works with Android smartphones and tablets, iPhone® and iPad® devices, Chrome for Windows, Chrome for Mac®, and Chromebook Pixel. Support for other Chromebooks coming soon.

Multitask without interruption

Switch to another app, open a new browser tab, or let your device go into sleep mode while you continue to watch your favorites on the TV, all without draining the battery on your smartphone, tablet or laptop.

Cast the Web to your TV*

With Chromecast, cast a Chrome browser tab with anything from photos to music to video from your Windows or Mac laptop or Chromebook Pixel to your TV at home.

Plug in and play

Get started in 3 easy steps: Plug Chromecast into your TV, connect it to Wi-Fi, then cast videos and more from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to your TV.

Stays out of sight

Chromecast is designed to plug directly into the back of your TV, slipping out of view. It's a small device in its category, making it easy to set up on any TV in your house.

For everyone

Friends and family can use your Chromecast with their phones and tablets without having to set up anything, as long as they're connected to the Wi-Fi network at your house.

High-definition entertainment

Chromecast supports up to 1080p video resolution, so you won't lose picture quality from high-def sources.
*Casting from Chrome feature is currently in beta.

My rating?  For $35 it's a great little gizmo with hopefully more apps and features down the line - get on the list today!

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