"I got Netflix on my Bluray player, why do I need that?" says a friend - Google Chromecast

Yesterday, my Chromecast was delivered to my office via OnTrac. I was showing it to a friend and trying to explain it. We couldn't see it in action and I was only talking about it via what I'd heard on the Internet. I had a hard time explaining it and she just waved me off and said, "I can do all that with my BluRay player and it only cost $65 for a lot more functionality."
At the time I didn't have a good comeback because I hadn't used it. Then I took it home and saw why this is better than any "smart" BR player or TV or AppleTV or Roku device. I've kinda made a mental list to help me explain it to others. Here's the list. I was hoping you would help by adding to the list....
- No keyboard needed. Have you ever tried to search for something via a smart TV or BR player? Using a remote as a keyboard is a pain in the butt. People do it once or twice and give up. Using the ChromeCast (CC) eliminates the remote and lets you do all of the typing on your familiar phone or tablet.
- The ChromeCast picture quality in Netflix is 1080p. It's the first Netflix implementation of 1080p. Picture quality is stunning.
- You want to see Facebook on the big screen? Especially for photos and videos? Just use your laptop.
- What's that? You're in a hotel and want to watch a streaming football game on the Pac-12 network but the hotel doesn't offer it? Whip out your PC and stream the game via CC.
- It only cost me $11

- Open for developers. The possibilities are limited by hardware as opposed to some company's rules and need to keep things closed.

basically, Chromecast is an extension of your phone. (media) things that you want to do on your phone, you can "forward" it to the big screen (aka your TV)
it has a simple interface and little to no learning curve if you know how to use your phone (and these UI are typically better than your smartTV remotes)
TabGuy said:
- The ChromeCast picture quality in Netflix is 1080p. It's the first Netflix implementation of 1080p. Picture quality is stunning.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not true
http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/netflix-super-hd-3d-streaming/
- It only cost me $11
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
only if you discount the netflix cost(i.e. you are already a netflix subscriber paying)
you can't get the deal anymore
bengadget said:
- Open for developers. The possibilities are limited by hardware as opposed to some company's rules and need to keep things closed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i haven't seen them releasing the chromecast OS/kernel source yet... that would be a lot helpful

Related

Anyone else looking forward to Turning Chromecast into the new Pi / XBMC stick.

topic.
I, for one, am paying close attention to any functionality like this to surface, then it'll truly meet my needs.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
littleemp said:
topic.
I, for one, am paying close attention to any functionality like this to surface, then it'll truly meet my needs.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love xbmc on it. i have an old dell as my htpc and my pi as my tv computer. id love it!
I want this too.
Some people say to just get a pi but what they don't understand is with a pi which is 35$ alone you still don't get an SD card, wireless adapter, HDMI cord or even a case. Not to mention iirc Chrome cast is clocked 300Mhz higher than the raspberry with even lower power consumption.
thatbigmoose said:
I want this too.
Some people say to just get a pi but what they don't understand is with a pi which is 35$ alone you still don't get an SD card, wireless adapter, HDMI cord or even a case. Not to mention iirc Chrome cast is clocked 300Mhz higher than the raspberry with even lower power consumption.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
damn. We need someone on this stat!
Lookin forward to replacing my original xbox with this, for my new xbmc media player...
littleemp said:
topic.
I, for one, am paying close attention to any functionality like this to surface, then it'll truly meet my needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same thing here. This is really why I bought one.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4
I cant wait for this. As soon as this happens I will buy a chromecast for all the tvs in the house
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 4
Cast Xmbc over Chromecast using Avia Player
Hi,
You can now cast XMBC over Chromecast using Avia Player($2.99 Addon Charge). A video tutorial is up on You Tube.
Using Smartphone - XMBC can be watched over Chromecast through Avia Player which costs $2.99. YouTube Video shows how.
http://youtu.be/vS-7hwYe4nw
Using Computer - XMBC can be watched over Chromecast through Avia Player which costs $2.99. YouTube Video shows how.
http://youtu.be/NCgP0r5Dvp8
Good Luck
It will never be a XBMC stick...
What you might get though is have XBMC stream to it and support other DIAL devices, once the XBMC devs stop being stubborn and listen to what their Users have been asking for.
They seem to think DIAL isn't worth supporting since they already support UPnP.
Asphyx said:
It will never be a XBMC stick...
What you might get though is have XBMC stream to it and support other DIAL devices, once the XBMC devs stop being stubborn and listen to what their Users have been asking for.
They seem to think DIAL isn't worth supporting since they already support UPnP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Rockchip MK808 stick runs XBMC and Cheapcast..indeed most Android phones you might have lying around collecting dust will do. I don't use it much, but the wife loves her Android games on the big xcreen.
wideasleep1 said:
My Rockchip MK808 stick runs XBMC and Cheapcast..indeed most Android phones you might have lying around collecting dust will do. I don't use it much, but the wife loves her Android games on the big xcreen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your Rockchip Stick has everything needed to navigate/control it via BT Same with Phones...CCast has none of this.
Whats more is the fact that Source compatibility is going to be a real problem there, You can't store content on the CCast and while reading from a network source is possible that source had better be CCast compatible or it won't play well.
But even if you manage to get past all those hurdles you have one bigger issue to contend with that you can't really solve....
Google will never Whitelist it as it does not conform to their UI Guidelines at all.
I would much rather see XBMC add the ability to send content to DIAL devices because the PC/MAC/LINUX versions of XBMC could easily add Transcoding to their system if they wanted to and remove the source compatibility issue and it would allow two people in the house to watch the same content on different TVs.
Asphyx said:
Your Rockchip Stick has everything needed to navigate/control it via BT Same with Phones...CCast has none of this.
Whats more is the fact that Source compatibility is going to be a real problem there, You can't store content on the CCast and while reading from a network source is possible that source had better be CCast compatible or it won't play well.
But even if you manage to get past all those hurdles you have one bigger issue to contend with that you can't really solve....
Google will never Whitelist it as it does not conform to their UI Guidelines at all.
I would much rather see XBMC add the ability to send content to DIAL devices because the PC/MAC/LINUX versions of XBMC could easily add Transcoding to their system if they wanted to and remove the source compatibility issue and it would allow two people in the house to watch the same content on different TVs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that's no surprise really. I'm still somewhat surprised folks want so much from what amounts to a hdmi-alternative wireless dongle. Sure it's handy and works great for the services it currently supports (tab casting aside..simply atrocious for me) and it's dirt cheap to be a no brainer. But to get real server services requires an entirely different approach: a front end/back end and expandable, stable database. CC ain't gonna take us there.
wideasleep1 said:
Well that's no surprise really. I'm still somewhat surprised folks want so much from what amounts to a hdmi-alternative wireless dongle. Sure it's handy and works great for the services it currently supports (tab casting aside..simply atrocious for me) and it's dirt cheap to be a no brainer. But to get real server services requires an entirely different approach: a front end/back end and expandable, stable database. CC ain't gonna take us there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the age-old conundrum - specialized device, or general-purpose device?
It's like getting a dishwasher versus a housekeeper.
Dishwasher is predictable and doesn't ask for a raise or days off but it won't wash or fold your clothes.
Housekeeper can wash dishes and wash and fold clothes, but might ask for a raise or days off.
The best solution really depends on the individual situation.
wideasleep1 said:
Well that's no surprise really. I'm still somewhat surprised folks want so much from what amounts to a hdmi-alternative wireless dongle. Sure it's handy and works great for the services it currently supports (tab casting aside..simply atrocious for me) and it's dirt cheap to be a no brainer. But to get real server services requires an entirely different approach: a front end/back end and expandable, stable database. CC ain't gonna take us there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I guess some folks don't realize the limitations of this device and how in some cases Less is actually more!
The simplicity of how CCast works makes it much more versatile than Miracast or DLNA Dongles,
But something like XBMC or Plex frontends which requires saving files and a Database will never be one of those things it does well.
And that doesn't even address the Navigation issues. The whole point of CCast is to make a device you can display to (Like Miracast) while off loading Power, and Navigation to another device that is much easier to write code for but doesn't require tying up the device to display (Like Miracast) a very targeted solution to a very specific problem.
bhiga said:
It's the age-old conundrum - specialized device, or general-purpose device?
It's like getting a dishwasher versus a housekeeper.
Dishwasher is predictable and doesn't ask for a raise or days off but it won't wash or fold your clothes.
Housekeeper can wash dishes and wash and fold clothes, but might ask for a raise or days off.
The best solution really depends on the individual situation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just like you can run Plex off a RasPi or NAS but neither is actually a very good option to run a media server from due to the Transcoding power requirements that usually require far more power than a Pi or NAS can give you.
There are two schools of thought here....
One side wants something they can navigate and control their TV with (Lets call them the Navigators). They just want a device that will give them a better interface than their Smart TV has (Roku, GoogleTV, XBMC Etc...) or want something to make a dumb TV smart. CCast doesn't take that approach at all
The other side I'll call the ROUTERS or maybe the Remote Controllers (and I guess I am in this Group) are looking for LESS Navigation and more Mobile Device integration in the same way we have Smart Houses being controlled by our Mobile devices. I don't want to go through navigation of Menus just to see something on a particular display I would prefer to use the same controls for ALL devices and merely rout signals where I want them without having to SET UP the device I wish to display on.
Just like in a Smart House I can set the temp of one room while sitting in another I should be able to display things on a TV in another room from the same screen I am using to control the display in the room I'm in.
Essentially routing Media throughout my house the same way I do to Monitors in my production truck or TV Studio.
Imagine if I had to go to every monitor in my studio, Hit Menu, Select the app before I could get the signal I wanted on the Monitor. That seems to be what the Navigators want.
Me I don't ever want to have to change a thing on the Monitor just rout my signal to it and have it display it.
This is essentially what DIAL and the CCast is all about.
Asphyx said:
Yeah I guess some folks don't realize the limitations of this device and how in some cases Less is actually more!
The simplicity of how CCast works makes it much more versatile than Miracast or DLNA Dongles,
But something like XBMC or Plex frontends which requires saving files and a Database will never be one of those things it does well.
And that doesn't even address the Navigation issues. The whole point of CCast is to make a device you can display to (Like Miracast) while off loading Power, and Navigation to another device that is much easier to write code for but doesn't require tying up the device to display (Like Miracast) a very targeted solution to a very specific problem.
Just like you can run Plex off a RasPi or NAS but neither is actually a very good option to run a media server from due to the Transcoding power requirements that usually require far more power than a Pi or NAS can give you.
There are two schools of thought here....
One side wants something they can navigate and control their TV with (Lets call them the Navigators). They just want a device that will give them a better interface than their Smart TV has (Roku, GoogleTV, XBMC Etc...) or want something to make a dumb TV smart. CCast doesn't take that approach at all
The other side I'll call the ROUTERS or maybe the Remote Controllers (and I guess I am in this Group) are looking for LESS Navigation and more Mobile Device integration in the same way we have Smart Houses being controlled by our Mobile devices. I don't want to go through navigation of Menus just to see something on a particular display I would prefer to use the same controls for ALL devices and merely rout signals where I want them without having to SET UP the device I wish to display on.
Just like in a Smart House I can set the temp of one room while sitting in another I should be able to display things on a TV in another room from the same screen I am using to control the display in the room I'm in.
Essentially routing Media throughout my house the same way I do to Monitors in my production truck or TV Studio.
Imagine if I had to go to every monitor in my studio, Hit Menu, Select the app before I could get the signal I wanted on the Monitor. That seems to be what the Navigators want.
Me I don't ever want to have to change a thing on the Monitor just rout my signal to it and have it display it.
This is essentially what DIAL and the CCast is all about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep...I only see the CC as and 'end" device. To introduce feature creep would complicate and obscure its real value. API release and further app development will be all the enhancement it needs. Clear purpose market wise, solid community support=widespread success. Let the specialists do their thing.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
wideasleep1 said:
Yep...I only see the CC as and 'end" device. To introduce feature creep would complicate and obscure its real value. API release and further app development will be all the enhancement it needs. Clear purpose market wise, solid community support=widespread success. Let the specialists do their thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup!
For my usage, I don't need YAR (Yet Another Remote) - I already have a HTPC, but Chromecast's interface as an extension of apps I already use is much more convenient.
wideasleep1 said:
Yep...I only see the CC as and 'end" device. To introduce feature creep would complicate and obscure its real value. API release and further app development will be all the enhancement it needs. Clear purpose market wise, solid community support=widespread success. Let the specialists do their thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For years in broadcast we have used a sort of networked transmission called "The Switch" it was little more than a network router that you could send video to any TV network on "The Switch Network".
TVs are in my mind a destination for content and it doesn't really matter what kind of content it is (Music, Web, Video, Pics). CCast can turn a TV into a destination. Until TV Manfs get on board and see this is the best way to send digital signals all over the place (by Pushing instead of Pulling) the CCast will at least get the concept rolling until those Manufacturers catch up. I know for a fact Sony would LOVE to get rid of their Smart Interface department because it generates little to no revenue and is constantly having to keep up and upgrading TVs that were already bought and sold. In time whatever money they made off the TV will be spent supporting it's Smart interface to keep up with User Demand for apps when if they merely supported DIAL they wouldn't need any SMART interface at all!
Thats kind of where I hope CCast (and DIAL standard) is taking us!
bhiga said:
Yup!
For my usage, I don't need YAR (Yet Another Remote) - I already have a HTPC, but Chromecast's interface as an extension of apps I already use is much more convenient.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's funny how the first wireless remotes used light to control but were then abandoned for Radio devices which were then Abandoned for IR (Light again) only to be usurped again by Radio in the form of WiFi! LOL
As they say what goes around comes around! LOL
There isn't a universal remote that can be bought that would be as versatile as my Tablet or Phone is....
Turning my Chromecast into my XBMC machine is literally why I logged into XDA today. GOGOGO!!!!
I can't wait for that. I currently play everything off an HTPC but if I don't ever need to turn it on again, good.
Asphyx said:
It's funny how the first wireless remotes used light to control but were then abandoned for Radio devices which were then Abandoned for IR (Light again) only to be usurped again by Radio in the form of WiFi! LOL
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Click to collapse
Indeed... I actually had a TV that used a sonic remote, I think it might've been Zenith.
When I printed graphics using my dot-matrix* printer, certain graphics would change the channel. It was freaky at first, and pretty funny afterward.
* Kids, look that one up or go to an automotive dealership that still uses carbon-copy forms.
Asphyx said:
There isn't a universal remote that can be bought that would be as versatile as my Tablet or Phone is....
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Click to collapse
:good: Indeed! Harmony is close but not as slick as native control. Hard to get more native than building it into Google Play Services!
bhiga said:
Indeed... I actually had a TV that used a sonic remote, I think it might've been Zenith.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL Yes It was a Zenith....I remember My Uncle could change the channel by Whistling! Would drive my great Grandmother Nuts!

Google blocks Chromecast apps that let you stream your own videos

Google blocks Chromecast app that let you stream your own videos...
"Google hasn't provided a clear answer on whether Chromecast will eventually let users stream their own local videos and music to the TV screen. But if early updates for the $35 dongle are any indication, the company doesn't want third-party developers trying to deliver that functionality. The most recent Chromecast update has broken support for AllCast, an Android application that previously allowed users to stream their personal media to a TV. AllCast (also known as AirCast thanks to a trademark dispute) could play back files stored in a phone's gallery, Dropbox, or Google Drive. Developer Koushik Dutta accomplished the feat by reverse engineering the Chromecast's code. He'd released several betas of the app, even planning a release on Google Play, before Google's latest software update broke things — "intentionally" in Dutta's opinion."
Read more...
http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/25/4...chromecast-app-that-let-you-stream-own-videos
They blocked these two apps so far:
https://plus.google.com/110558071969009568835/posts/G3jF2JynLc2
https://plus.google.com/117916055521642810655/posts/23BrB267QHJ
Let Google know exactly how you feel about this issue. If you're not happy downgrade and comment on their official Chromecast app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app&hl=en
xuser said:
They blocked these two apps so far:
https://plus.google.com/110558071969009568835/posts/G3jF2JynLc2
https://plus.google.com/117916055521642810655/posts/23BrB267QHJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those apps were never approved and on the app whitelist. ALL apps are blocked by default. Only approved apps will run on the Chromecast. What those apps were doing was reverse engineering the Chromecast and using a hack to get around it. Google fixed that hack.
New names for Chromecast:
iCast
Castrate
ClosedCast
CastOff
OutCast
Sucks that now only YouTube and Netflix are the only things that'll play. Enjoyed the ability to play local media.
xuser said:
New names for Chromecast:
iCast
Castrate
ClosedCast
CastOff
OutCast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm calling mine Ebaycast.
I've got a Roku3 that does everything I need..
Very disappointing! I was at a friend's home and he was showing off mirroring his iclone through Apple tv. Was hoping Chromecast would top that.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
After getting Aircast and fling to work, I ordered 2 more Chromecast dongles. Just cancelled them.
Hopefully Google is just temp blocking until ready to officially supporti 3rd party apps. If not, back to Roku.
I don't know if anyone else noticed but casting a local video file from a chrome browser tab actually plays smoother now. But aircast provided the easiest way to cast a video file from an Android phone.
After getting Aircast and fling to work, I ordered 2 more Chromecast dongles. Just cancelled them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no interest in buying another Chromecast until this gets sorted out either.
So everyone is disappointed that it doesn't do something they never said it would? A lot to do about nothing if you ask me.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
So everyone is disappointed that it doesn't do something they never said it would? A lot to do about nothing if you ask me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mostly because it was more useful when AllCast and Fling worked. Kind of back in the ballpark with Google TV now in that it doesn't do a lot (for me anyway). Nothing more, nothing less.
Disappointed
akellar said:
So everyone is disappointed that it doesn't do something they never said it would? A lot to do about nothing if you ask me.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd say we are disappointed because it appears Google is intent on heading off the kind of innovation and creativity that has made the Android platform so wonderful. Google should let developers do what they do best: reverse engineer, hack and create, to turn Chromecast into the most powerful and versatile device it can be. They should let people root the device, they should let people work around the limits.
The disappointment is more that this is a sign that Google is not interested in fostering a creative, innovative developer community for Android. The disappointment is more that Google seems so short sighted in thinking they need to lock everything down. I thought they knew that a large part of the appeal of the platform has always been how open it is.
akellar said:
So everyone is disappointed that it doesn't do something they never said it would? A lot to do about nothing if you ask me.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may never have been announced to be able to do it, but to most it was obvious that the device was capable of doing it and that with dev support a lot was possible. It is disappointing to see how restrictive Google is being in taking away support for a function that the chromecast can handle. That being said, there will always be a way to accomplish this, it is just a matter of how inconvenient Google is going to make it.
While Google is within their own rights to change parts of the software that was never intended to be used for 3rd party, it's a massive mistake for Google to do this just to kill off those 3rd party apps. There must be a good reason for it and Google should make a public announcement as to why. There's probably a good % of sales of Chromecast specifically because of the functionality AirCast gave. I was going to buy a ChromeCast only because of the functionality AirCast gave but without this, a ChromeCast is useless for me.
I won't be buying until this functionality is officially supported or Google provides an official API/support for 3rd party applications that do provide this functionality.
Such a shame as Google had some much promise behind this product but that seems to have disappeared.
Hey
Just discovered an app that streams local content to any dnla player - wiTV. It offers mostly russian online contant but.. It also offers streaming local content from all of your devices including apple pc and Android. It creates a dnla local server on mobile devices and you can launch local media playback and scroll through it on the mobile device plays well on my old asus oplay r3 and samsung tv
Have fun and screw u Google! I can't believe i paid $100 to buy junk
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
jamosjamos said:
I'd say we are disappointed because it appears Google is intent on heading off the kind of innovation and creativity that has made the Android platform so wonderful. Google should let developers do what they do best: reverse engineer, hack and create, to turn Chromecast into the most powerful and versatile device it can be. They should let people root the device, they should let people work around the limits.
The disappointment is more that this is a sign that Google is not interested in fostering a creative, innovative developer community for Android. The disappointment is more that Google seems so short sighted in thinking they need to lock everything down. I thought they knew that a large part of the appeal of the platform has always been how open it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SDK isn't final. And in this case the developer hacked around one of the most essential parts (the app whitelist). No offense, but I don't want Netflix, HBO, etc to pull their content off the Chromecast so Google can let hackers design apps to stream content from my phone in a non-standard way that was never intented. How about we all wait until the SDK is final before judging Google. All they did was fix a security hole in the device.
Techno79 said:
While Google is within their own rights to change parts of the software that was never intended to be used for 3rd party, it's a massive mistake for Google to do this just to kill off those 3rd party apps. There must be a good reason for it and Google should make a public announcement as to why. There's probably a good % of sales of Chromecast specifically because of the functionality AirCast gave. I was going to buy a ChromeCast only because of the functionality AirCast gave but without this, a ChromeCast is useless for me.
I won't be buying until this functionality is officially supported or Google provides an official API/support for 3rd party applications that do provide this functionality.
Such a shame as Google had some much promise behind this product but that seems to have disappeared.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree.
I purchased the ChromeCast only for the purpose of wireless playing movies from my laptop to my HDTV. I currently use a HDMI cable, but thought wireless would be ideal.
I never use Netflix.
I never use Utube.
I wasted $35 plus shipping, because google refuses to allow me to use the hardware I purchased the way I want to.
It just arrived a few days ago, and I can root it.
But I don't think rooting it will help.
It's just a paperweight now.
Maybe I can return it to Google for a full refund?
ddiehl said:
I'm calling mine Ebaycast.
I've got a Roku3 that does everything I need..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I just love DLNA support on my Roku3.
jamosjamos said:
I'd say we are disappointed because it appears Google is intent on heading off the kind of innovation and creativity that has made the Android platform so wonderful. Google should let developers do what they do best: reverse engineer, hack and create, to turn Chromecast into the most powerful and versatile device it can be. They should let people root the device, they should let people work around the limits.
The disappointment is more that this is a sign that Google is not interested in fostering a creative, innovative developer community for Android. The disappointment is more that Google seems so short sighted in thinking they need to lock everything down. I thought they knew that a large part of the appeal of the platform has always been how open it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you sent this as feedback, very well put. The corporate device manufacture, including Google has benefited from free private development. A lot of the features that come on devices today started with the devs witch in turn busted sales from their innovation and put android where it is today.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
I don't under stand what the problem was. I mean, I was just using AllCast to watch videos of my kids on the TV. I'm not willing to spend time to upload videos to YouTube just to do that (nevermind privacy concerns and the fact the world doesn't care about my kid doing backflips off the couch).
I already have an HTPC for media playback, there's only personal content on my phone.
This was probably disabled because it wasn't using the actual SDK and was more of a hack. Was neat while it lasted.

Pretty much useless

I bought chromecast the day it came out from best buy. Since then I have used it maybe 3 times. It was more of an impulse buy since most Google stuff is awesome.
The fact that I can only use this with Netflix or YouTube is bs. Trying to get local vids to play through chrome browser is hit or miss. Most of the time it just downloads whatever movie I try to play. If I want to watch a local vid from the comp I just turn on the Xbox.
Hopefully Google gets their stuff together and let's ppl stream from the phone to the tv, then I would use it. Until then it will remain plugged into my TV taking up an HDMI port until I need to plug in something that I will use or until Google adds more functionality. And Netflix streaming sucks. Kinda a crappy "bonus" if u ask me.
Not useless, but my excitement has waned significantly. Google seems to be following the GoogleTV mode on this device too, which means we most likely won't ever see it reach its potential, for a myriad of political and monetary reasons. My similarly priced Rockchip MK808 GTV stick has lots of capabilities, but I did have to buy a control point (Lenovo N5902) and it is a bit more fiddly than Chromecast, but the power and capability makes it worth it.
What's with the incessant whining? The product has only been out for less than a month, it's still getting into customers' hands and its development is in progress. The product's capabilities were clear when you bought it (Netflix, YouTube, Google Play and Chrome tab streaming). Wait for progress or return it and save us the drama.
If you want to see what incessant whining looks like, please visit any Logitech Revue GTV forum...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
I see a lot of people complaining that this device only does what google said it would do. I don't understand this. When the SDK is officially released and apps start appearing then you will get extra functionality but until then don't complain that you can do exactly what was advertised.
I agree, chromecast is pretty much useless.
Casting from a Chrome browser tab gives me a low quality picture.
I'm back to using hdmi cable.
It will gather dust until someday Google permits Fling to function again.
Or maybe until the next garage sale?
Regards
I'm pretty happy with it so far. Netflix support is great and Play Movies is (in my opinion) the best place to purchase digital movies. Really the only thing it's missing for me is playing *ahem* acquired movies.
I am happy with it so far.
I have never been a big youtube user because i don't like to sit at the computer and watch videos. Chromcasting youtube has been a ton of fun for me over the past couple of weeks. I find it a little easier than using youtube in the browser on my htpc with the keyboard. I experience less eyestrain looking at the tablet in my hands than trying to navigate youtube the screen 10+ feet away.
...but hoping the pace of new casting enabled apps picks up.
HowardZ said:
I agree, chromecast is pretty much useless.
Casting from a Chrome browser tab gives me a low quality picture.
I'm back to using hdmi cable.
It will gather dust until someday Google permits Fling to function again.
Or maybe until the next garage sale?
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats funny since the app you loved so much uses the same video compress as the chrome browser. I cant beleive anyone is happy flinging <480p video(as far as i know the 500px width is about the highest quality webm video they've gotten to go to the chromecast. Its a neat tool but not practical for transcoding hidef video(or even dvd)
I agree with the current lack of usability. Hopefully new functions will appear soon.
It does what Google said it would do. More functionality hopefully will come and should come. But I use Chromecast daily for watching Breaking Bad and YouTube for my son
Sent from my CLEAN Note II
I got mine about a week ago ir less after being on backorder for 4 weeks. I too HOPE we get more functionality from it soon/in time. BUT it has been nice to have for me for the price. My living room big tv has directCRAPtv connected to it which is okay but no other real devices except dvd player and vhs bel8eve it or not (which hardly ever get used).
So for the price it cost $42 shipped even with netflix it is worth thst little money. We have 3 roku's connected in three other rooms with netflix already, Hulu+ and they cost what about 3 times as much and dont do much more than this.
Since we have already seen some PREVIEW apps that shows what it CAN DO I know in time it will have more usage available. Hell I remember when the google market didnt have many apps with my first android device. I kept seeing comparisons (as stupid as they were) about iCrap having way mire apps available. Some things like this Chromecast start off slowly but I bet most apps worth streaming will work soon enough. So for the price I paid I can wait a while for the functionality I want.
I am an adult and have some patience. We have already seen Google response to the local streaming content. So I know in time it will come. So no worries. I probabky wont buy another 1 or more until it has the functionality/apps ready. But for the price and features already it is worth it. I rather watch the netflix on the 72" screen than my rooms 3w inch screens, let alone my tab or phone. Do I watch it on the other devices? Yes. So I feel the difference in the big screen...
Sent from My Spiderman Themed I337
wideasleep1 said:
If you want to see what incessant whining looks like, please visit any Logitech Revue GTV forum...
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Click to collapse
No offense to you but a good amount of that "incessant whining" is highly justified. Logitech pretty much has left us with a device that is buggy beyond belief. If I can't do simple stuff like YouTube without having to reformat it every other day then it's a fail in my opinion. Aw well once I can get my hands on the MiniX Neo X7 then I'm done with the Revue once and for all.
AngryManMLS said:
No offense to you but a good amount of that "incessant whining" is highly justified. Logitech pretty much has left us with a device that is buggy beyond belief. If I can't do simple stuff like YouTube without having to reformat it every other day then it's a fail in my opinion. Aw well once I can get my hands on the MiniX Neo X7 then I'm done with the Revue once and for all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None taken...I felt your pain for a few weeks before throwing in the towel on that product (ow, the pain of early adopter). My point is that we've 'been here before' with some Google widget that fell short of its promise, owing to a too-early, 'not ready for prime-time player' (nod to the SNL oldsters out there) and disorganised messages about updates and direction of development. If they're hunkering down in attempt to curry favor with big media companies (learned a lesson from GTV?), we're in for a long wait, and likely a hampered SDK, Still, I like what I've seen from these third-party devs (Bubble, ALL/Air, etc.), and hope we see a quick release and uptick on 'indie' dev that doesn't necessarily promote Google's own agenda.
edit: I'm curious why you prefer the Minix X7 over a recent MK Rockchip stick?
What is useless is this thread. Please remember this is a developers forum and not a complaint site. Unless you have something that contributes to development do not create threads.
Thread closed

Google Posts Massive User Experience Guide For Chromecast Developers

Hi this is great news! Chromecast is getting its turn with a brand new User Experience Guide!
I read this article in androidpolice.com in this link:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/1...lopers-still-no-word-on-the-whitelist-policy/
The guide is here:
https://developers.google.com/cast/design_consider
Google Cast is a technology that allows Android and iOS mobile apps and Chrome web apps to “cast” content - like video, audio, and screen sharing (mirroring) - to Cast-ready devices like Google Chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(Emphasis added)
Screen sharing must be coming!!
bhiga said:
(Emphasis added)
Screen sharing must be coming!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Koush saw it in the source code of KitKat so yes it will be coming but it may be restricted. and dependent on the Unit Manufacturer for implementation.
Which suggests it may not work for apps (they would use the current methods) and be a Device and ROM specific feature.
The fact that it will be possible will make those restriction more like Guidelines than rules once Devs get their hands on how it works.
I am loving where this is all going! As I always say..it is only a matter of time.
Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk 2
shelby04861 said:
I am loving where this is all going! As I always say..it is only a matter of time.
Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen!
Also the guide makes it clear that the current Chromecast is only one implementation. I think the rumors of a Nexus TV being announced early next year are probably true and it will include native Cast support.
bozzykid said:
Also the guide makes it clear that the current Chromecast is only one implementation. I think the rumors of a Nexus TV being announced early next year are probably true and it will include native Cast support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I can see some Smart TVs adding this capability natively at some point. Biggest user complaint they get is they hate the Menu and navigation on the TV and this might make it easier to create an App that would do all this for their TVs in a much better way!
The good news on this Google release is it seems to suggest the SDK is about to drop to the FULL PUBLIC...
It was invitation only before the Hackathon and I think the Hackathon was really meant to test the SDK to see if it was ready for Public consumption...
Once it goes full public expect to see a FLOOD of Apps supporting CCast maybe even Games where the video displays on the TV but the phone or tablet just has control functions. Would open the door to much more sophisticated control options in the vain of what PC has been able to do via it's keyboard.
Asphyx said:
Yes I can see some Smart TVs adding this capability natively at some point. Biggest user complaint they get is they hate the Menu and navigation on the TV and this might make it easier to create an App that would do all this for their TVs in a much better way!
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, indeed. Lately, I have found myself wanting to use YouTube more and more on a big screen and, even though my TV is only 2 years old, navigating to the TV app is a painful experience.
I bought my Chromecast specifically for YouTube and for me it was worth the $35 just to be able to access it without having to trawl through the clunky TV menus Everything that came last week and the features still to come have been a has been a great bonus .
Restorer said:
Yes, indeed. Lately, I have found myself wanting to use YouTube more and more on a big screen and, even though my TV is only 2 years old, navigating to the TV app is a painful experience.
I bought my Chromecast specifically for YouTube and for me it was worth the $35 just to be able to access it without having to trawl through the clunky TV menus Everything that came last week and the features still to come have been a has been a great bonus .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tell my friends that if they can find one to avoid buying a smart TV since there are so many better ways to get that capability including just hooking a Computer to the Monitor.
But try and find a TV without it! LOL

Vget, Streaming Video, and Amazon Prime Video

Well, will this work? I can get prime videos to play through mobile firefox, but that is as far as I've gotten. I've tried but I don't know that I am using it right. Is there some way, with the new apps, to get Amazon Prime video streaming from my phone/tablet to my chromecast?
primetime34 said:
Well, will this work? I can get prime videos to play through mobile firefox, but that is as far as I've gotten. I've tried but I don't know that I am using it right. Is there some way, with the new apps, to get Amazon Prime video streaming from my phone/tablet to my chromecast?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm betting for now that the answer is NO...But there may be ways with a Hacked Rooted CCast.
I would be guessing but I expect there to be DRM in those that requires a player that can decode the DRM stream.
Netflix has one for the CCast and until Amazon supports CCast natively I wouldn't expect it to work without direct streaming whatever is on the Tablet screen directly to the CCast via Allcast or some other app that requires a Rooted CCast..
You can use vget with the full version of Avia
Sent from my EndeavorU using Tapatalk 2
drivenby said:
You can use vget with the full version of Avia
Sent from my EndeavorU using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the full version of Avia. How can I use it with Amazon prime videos?
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk 4
primetime34 said:
I have the full version of Avia. How can I use it with Amazon prime videos?
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably can't, I'm guessing it has some kind of drm.
I meant using vget for sites like putlocker or other storage sites.
What I do is use vget as a dlna server and read it through avia.
Works as a charm MOST times.
For some reason some files won't play through dlna or streaming, and I have to download them with vget
Sent from my EndeavorU using Tapatalk 2
As far as I know...Anything that can only be played through a proprietary portal and their proprietary software (This includes NetFlix, GPlay, and Amazon) are most likely protected with DRM so that they can only be played on their proprietary player.
Which means it is pretty much up to them to incorporate Casting to CCast before you can cast those content items.
No way around it that I can think of.
Netflix activates an app on the CCast that knows how to decode their DRM encryption to play.it's streams.
It's a safe bet GPlay does this too and Amazon will need to create the same system they use.
While we all want Screen Mirroring and Local casting...The truth is the DIAL technology was always meant to be used in the way NetFlix uses it.
Thankfully it is flexible enough that we can get those other things as well.
Asphyx said:
As far as I know...Anything that can only be played through a proprietary portal and their proprietary software (This includes NetFlix, GPlay, and Amazon) are most likely protected with DRM so that they can only be played on their proprietary player.
Which means it is pretty much up to them to incorporate Casting to CCast before you can cast those content items.
No way around it that I can think of.
Netflix activates an app on the CCast that knows how to decode their DRM encryption to play.it's streams.
It's a safe bet GPlay does this too and Amazon will need to create the same system they use.
While we all want Screen Mirroring and Local casting...The truth is the DIAL technology was always meant to be used in the way NetFlix uses it.
Thankfully it is flexible enough that we can get those other things as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes sense. I just hope that sooner, rather than later, Amazon decides to open up their videos to all the android users...I mean for crying out loud, there is an app for the Wii and nothing for Android yet. Ridiculous.
primetime34 said:
That makes sense. I just hope that sooner, rather than later, Amazon decides to open up their videos to all the android users...I mean for crying out loud, there is an app for the Wii and nothing for Android yet. Ridiculous.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm waiting for Amazon too... can already do it on my TV, but my TV's interface is klunky.
I think they will get there but it's a huge company whose software divisions are pretty much focused on their Kindle and Internal stuff.
Unfortunately I don't see them listed under the Dial Registry Database at all right now...
http://www.dial-multiscreen.org/dial-registry/namespace-database
Now that posting could be out of date and it may not mean they aren't working on it just that they haven't registered their Name yet.
They may be waiting for the public release of the SDK. Not sure how close they are with Google as far as development goes to be right on top of it.
I tend to avoid buying any music or content with DRM. I would rather buy the disc and rip it into a DRM free format so I can keep it on the Media Server or NAS.
Asphyx said:
I tend to avoid buying any music or content with DRM. I would rather buy the disc and rip it into a DRM free format so I can keep it on the Media Server or NAS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally my attitude as well though recent life changes have pushed me to more of a "wherever, however" methodology, heh. Still won't pay for DRMed stuff as I've been burned too many times in the past, but I'll rent/subscribe for streaming now. Scary. I finally subscribed to Netflix... but mainly because I had the code from Chromecast. Nice bonus, the $8.99 1-month DVD+streaming gift card I bought years ago redeemed for two months of streaming service ($15.98 value). :victory:
bhiga said:
Totally my attitude as well though recent life changes have pushed me to more of a "wherever, however" methodology, heh. Still won't pay for DRMed stuff as I've been burned too many times in the past, but I'll rent/subscribe for streaming now. Scary. I finally subscribed to Netflix... but mainly because I had the code from Chromecast. Nice bonus, the $8.99 1-month DVD+streaming gift card I bought years ago redeemed for two months of streaming service ($15.98 value). :victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Netflix is a pretty good value when you get right down to it. I just signed up for the first time last month as well. Not sure I'll keep it but at the time Plex didn't support CCast! LOL
Truth is I got it as much for my Mother to use the account as for me! I may only keep as long as the MidSeason Break is on because there is nothing but crap on until January! LOL
Netflix is worth every penny imho.
Well, American Netflix. The other ones ain't so hot but if you have an open mind, there's plenty to watch.
If you are more of a 'up to date' guy, then Hulu might be the better alternative.
Sent from my EndeavorU using Tapatalk 2

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