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

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
Click to expand...
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....
Click to expand...
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!

Related

Android Transporter is out!

Hey there,
I just want to tell you that Android Transporter is out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PsLb-nDXUyQ
http://esrlabs.com/android-transporter-for-the-nexus-7-and-the-raspberry-pi/
I would love to check it right now. But working...
Would love to see some comments from someone who checked it out.
fryroyal said:
Hey there,
I just want to tell you that Android Transporter is out.
http://esrlabs.com/android-transporter-for-the-nexus-7-and-the-raspberry-pi/
I would love to check it right now. But working...
Would love to see some comments from someone who checked it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you actually need a projector? And a Rasperry PI?
I don't quite understand this I think
Wilks3y said:
Do you actually need a projector? And a Rasperry PI?
I don't quite understand this I think
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It`s like a self made Nexus Q.
The Raspi is essential.
Every Screen would work which has a component or HDMI interface.
I think as long no Miracast or Nexus Q is available ìt`s awesome.
fryroyal said:
It`s like a self made Nexus Q.
The Raspi is essential.
Every Screen would work which has a component or HDMI interface.
I think as long no Miracast or Nexus Q is available ìt`s awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would be willing to get a Rasperry pi to do it, but could you put a HDMI cable into the rasperry, and then plug that into the TV and do it that way?
Or is the Projector essential also?
THANKS MATE !
fryroyal said:
It`s like a self made Nexus Q.
The Raspi is essential.
Every Screen would work which has a component or HDMI interface.
I think as long no Miracast or Nexus Q is available ìt`s awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it really the same as the Nexus Q? My reason for wanting to buy a Nexus Q (which isn't available in the UK), is as a party jukebox music hub, but reading the Android Transformer website, it doesn't seem to do much other than movie streaming...
The closest I have found is PlayMySong Android app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.playmysong.android&hl=en
However it's in rather a poor state of repair, the dev, a hipster it seems, focusing on Spotify...
Anyone know any alternatives?
What with miracast?
Wilks3y said:
I would be willing to get a Rasperry pi to do it, but could you put a HDMI cable into the rasperry, and then plug that into the TV and do it that way?
Or is the Projector essential also?
THANKS MATE !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No projector needed. Any display with hdmi would do it too. Even old tv`s would work bacause of the component interface of the raspberry.
CrazyPeter said:
Is it really the same as the Nexus Q? My reason for wanting to buy a Nexus Q (which isn't available in the UK), is as a party jukebox music hub, but reading the Android Transformer website, it doesn't seem to do much other than movie streaming...
The closest I have found is PlayMySong Android app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.playmysong.android&hl=en
However it's in rather a poor state of repair, the dev, a hipster it seems, focusing on Spotify...
Anyone know any alternatives?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it`s not the same as the Nexus Q. It`s just streaming the screen content from your nexus 7 to a display.
fryroyal said:
No projector needed. Any display with hdmi would do it too. Even old tv`s would work bacause of the component interface of the raspberry.
No it`s not the same as the Nexus Q. It`s just streaming the screen content from your nexus 7 to a display.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great thanks bud, currently bidding on a Raspberry Pi as we Speak
why do i need an extra firmware on my N7?
some software for windows/linux would be fine - already have a htpc.
I prefer using the YouTube app on the ps3 control by the nexus 7
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2
You need extra firmware because they are trying to get the lowest latency possible so it just being an app wouldn't do. Although they didn't mention gaming in the youtube demo so I assume in it's first version it isn't capable of that yet.
I'm hoping they (or someone) can make a patch for other roms and I also hope this becomes a common feature for all roms.
Yes this is very similar to miracast and they even said when the miracast spec is finalized, they will modify this to be in spec.
Yes you currently need a raspberry pi, but they might write a linux client down the road. Hopefully other projects start on that, maybe a windows client too.
cant you just twonky your photos/vids onto your tv
sark666 said:
You need extra firmware because they are trying to get the lowest latency possible so it just being an app wouldn't do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah ok, thank you!
I talked to the devs a couple months ago when it was only working on the Nexus S. They said you can capture the stream using VLC as well, but it is complicated to set up.
When I get my replacement N7 I'm definitely working on that!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
I'm surprised some people are dismissing this. The nexus Q only streams content that you have in google play, it streams nothing from your actual device. Twonky et al stream stuff to a media capable device (e.g ps3) in formats that the receiving device support. Your ps3 can't play that mkv file? Well it's not playing. ps3 doesn't support the subs you have? You're not going to see them. Want to stream a game to your ps3/tv? Not happening.
Think of this more like wireless hdmi. Whatever is on your device you can stream to your large display. It's basically miracast but it's available now. In their earlier demos they demo'd streaming games but I guess/assume they haven't gotten the latency low enough yet.
And as another mentioned, you may be able to stream to a pc with vlc or another player. The main thing is hardware decoding on the pc end for lowest latency. Not sure what decoder chip the pi has but if that was in a pc already, it would make a port easier. So down the road, a pi wouldn't even be needed, not for streaming to a pc hooked up to a large display anyway.
Two things bugged me about the nexus 7: no hdmi and no sdslot. This would solve one of those issues.
Again, I hope this spreads to the other roms and becomes a default option that all of them have.
I was reading more on their website and the current transmit time is around 200 ms which is a little disappointing for games anyway. But another cool featue is it utilizes android beam to stream to another android device.
I have the same functionality with my Galaxy Note 10.1 to my Samsung LED TV... It's a cool feature.
I've already got two Raspberry Pi's... will be looking at this tonight.
See it clears the Nexus 7 but not sure if that is the unlocking of the bootloader (which is already done by me) or also the software. Will look when I get more time.
Got the RPi's for this function originally!
this is cool right now i send youtube/etc from n7 to my rasbpi xbmc using the yatse remote app...
hope they build this into one of the pi xbmc builds...
Sent from my Nexus 7
This cements my decision to buy a Rasp Pi, don't forget to update the firmware to allow official overclocking!
http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/2008
Lastly, does anybody know if it upscales to 1080p, or is limited to the Nexus's default resolution?
It would be interesting if it could upscale to a higher resolution but I kind of doubt it. My understanding is it's basically making a video on the fly of whats on your screen and then decoded on the other end. So I would think it would be 1:1 regarding resolution. However, it would be nice if there was a option to lower resolution to try and lower latency or increase framerate for gaming. Might not hurt the image too much although text might appear more fuzzy. But there may be a performance penalty simply by scaling the source image.
I don't currently have a pi yet but if anyone has tried it let us know how it went.
Oh, and I didn't notice you can already use this with vlc
vlc rtsp://<Asus-Nexus-7-IP-Address>:9000/android.sdp.
Too bad it doesn't transmit sound yet. Hmm, I do wish it was an app but understand why it's built into the rom. Given this was released same day as 4.1.2 I assume this is built on 4.1.1 but I don't see that mentioned on their site.

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

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

Now what for Chromecast

I am happy with the functionality of the Chromecast. Netflix, Play Music and YouTube function quite well. I liked briefly being able to play local media. But I can't help but wonder what will Google add to it. Roku has so many channels both official and private. Apple TV just added a couple more. Not very many but still many more then Google. Any thoughts on how Chromecast will mature.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium HD app
I think so many people are caught up in the idea of playing their local media, that they had forgot that this device can do so much more!
I am personally working on a couple of preview/proof-of-concept projects, within the guidelines that Google has given us, including having my Chromecast whitelisted. And they still work just fine, aka not blocked.
One is a game (with plans to develop quite a few games).
One is a home automation/security hub integration.
There is a lot of potential for this device. And even with an unfinished SDK, the current API allows for all of this still.
Consider this. The receiver app API is 100% compatible to JavaScript and HTML5. And so much can be developed on these platforms.
The problem I see is, we have SOOOOOO many more "consumers/users" roaming this device then we do developers. And when the proof-of-concept that the CC could playback local media emerged, everyone was FLING'n to that and didn't allow their minds to see outside that box (like the pun there?).
I for one am still extremely excited for this product. As a developer, I see it as a great tool that adds an outlet to my creativity which can be integrated with current relevant apps and web experiences, and future ones.
I truly hope that the rest of the community can see this "light at the end of the tunnel" as well. I'd hate to see the CC get such a bad rep just because an ability that was never promised in the first place, got, for all we know, temporarily disabled.
Unholyfire said:
I think so many people are caught up in the idea of playing their local media, that they had forgot that this device can do so much more!
I am personally working on a couple of preview/proof-of-concept projects, within the guidelines that Google has given us, including having my Chromecast whitelisted. And they still work just fine, aka not blocked.
One is a game (with plans to develop quite a few games).
One is a home automation/security hub integration.
There is a lot of potential for this device. And even with an unfinished SDK, the current API allows for all of this still.
Consider this. The receiver app API is 100% compatible to JavaScript and HTML5. And so much can be developed on these platforms.
The problem I see is, we have SOOOOOO many more "consumers/users" roaming this device then we do developers. And when the proof-of-concept that the CC could playback local media emerged, everyone was FLING'n to that and didn't allow their minds to see outside that box (like the pun there?).
I for one am still extremely excited for this product. As a developer, I see it as a great tool that adds an outlet to my creativity which can be integrated with current relevant apps and web experiences, and future ones.
I truly hope that the rest of the community can see this "light at the end of the tunnel" as well. I'd hate to see the CC get such a bad rep just because an ability that was never promised in the first place, got, for all we know, temporarily disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for this post. We finally get one of the few adult posts around here. I'm very interested in what you have planned so far.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4
Unholyfire said:
I think so many people are caught up in the idea of playing their local media, that they had forgot that this device can do so much more!
I am personally working on a couple of preview/proof-of-concept projects, within the guidelines that Google has given us, including having my Chromecast whitelisted. And they still work just fine, aka not blocked.
One is a game (with plans to develop quite a few games).
One is a home automation/security hub integration.
There is a lot of potential for this device. And even with an unfinished SDK, the current API allows for all of this still.
Consider this. The receiver app API is 100% compatible to JavaScript and HTML5. And so much can be developed on these platforms.
The problem I see is, we have SOOOOOO many more "consumers/users" roaming this device then we do developers. And when the proof-of-concept that the CC could playback local media emerged, everyone was FLING'n to that and didn't allow their minds to see outside that box (like the pun there?).
I for one am still extremely excited for this product. As a developer, I see it as a great tool that adds an outlet to my creativity which can be integrated with current relevant apps and web experiences, and future ones.
I truly hope that the rest of the community can see this "light at the end of the tunnel" as well. I'd hate to see the CC get such a bad rep just because an ability that was never promised in the first place, got, for all we know, temporarily disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I look forward to the gaming part as from what I understand there is a lag between the input and display on the tv. And for gaming lag is an absolute no-no.
Unholyfire said:
I think so many people are caught up in the idea of playing their local media, that they had forgot that this device can do so much more!
I am personally working on a couple of preview/proof-of-concept projects, within the guidelines that Google has given us, including having my Chromecast whitelisted. And they still work just fine, aka not blocked.
One is a game (with plans to develop quite a few games).
One is a home automation/security hub integration.
There is a lot of potential for this device. And even with an unfinished SDK, the current API allows for all of this still.
Consider this. The receiver app API is 100% compatible to JavaScript and HTML5. And so much can be developed on these platforms.
The problem I see is, we have SOOOOOO many more "consumers/users" roaming this device then we do developers. And when the proof-of-concept that the CC could playback local media emerged, everyone was FLING'n to that and didn't allow their minds to see outside that box (like the pun there?).
I for one am still extremely excited for this product. As a developer, I see it as a great tool that adds an outlet to my creativity which can be integrated with current relevant apps and web experiences, and future ones.
I truly hope that the rest of the community can see this "light at the end of the tunnel" as well. I'd hate to see the CC get such a bad rep just because an ability that was never promised in the first place, got, for all we know, temporarily disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing with local media streaming is that it should have been included from the start and is one of the most common and basic needs for Android users. We all have these really nice smartphones with incredible cameras and want a very easy way to push pictures or video we have taken to our big screens for reviewing as a group. I have no doubt it will come once the SDK is out of beta and it's really too bad that we all had access to AirCast because it provided a key functionality then Google took it away. Yes, it should never had happened and I understand why they had to block the hack but they also had to realize it was going to upset a lot of people. I just don't get why they didn't provide this functionality from the start, it's just such a natural solution for Android to share pictures on a big screen....
verysmartncool said:
I look forward to the gaming part as from what I understand there is a lag between the input and display on the tv. And for gaming lag is an absolute no-no.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since my proof-of-concept game does not require millisecond latency for control interface from the player to the screen, this is not an issue. Also, the lag that is present appears to be less than a second thus far anyway.
rkirmeier said:
The thing with local media streaming is that it should have been included from the start and is one of the most common and basic needs for Android users. We all have these really nice smartphones with incredible cameras and want a very easy way to push pictures or video we have taken to our big screens for reviewing as a group. I have no doubt it will come once the SDK is out of beta and it's really too bad that we all had access to AirCast because it provided a key functionality then Google took it away. Yes, it should never had happened and I understand why they had to block the hack but they also had to realize it was going to upset a lot of people. I just don't get why they didn't provide this functionality from the start, it's just such a natural solution for Android to share pictures on a big screen....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure why it should have been included. It was never advertised as having that functionality. The Chromecast website states...
The easiest way to enjoy online video and music on your TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will be great once the SDK is officially released and developers can release an app for that... but it was and is sold as a solution for online video.
I am hopeful people can bring a variety of things to the Chromecast. I can stream my local files to the roku quite easily. And actually I have a slimport and a push2tv. So it is easy. I can already use the roku for angry birds. Not sure whether latency is an issue. It is true that Google did not advertise that it could play local files but they are smart enough to know that customers would want to. If they are worried about upsetting the Cable companies, etc. We have plenty of ways to stream content from our Android devices to the television. I. Can play a local file on the computer using a chrome browser. Granted it looks terrible but it works.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

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

Is it me or.....

..... Are there way to many local media casting apps?
It seems another one pops up every few days.
I am all for a free market but, c'mon, let's get some originality!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Nothing wrong with it, in my opinion. One of them might come up as the ultimate Chromecast app. So far for me, top stop is reserved for BubbleUPnP, but I would change in the heartbeat if something better comes out (tough ask).
abuttino said:
..... Are there way to many local media casting apps?
It seems another one pops up every few days.
I am all for a free market but, c'mon, let's get some originality!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was about to post the same thing. So far it has been very redundant and underwhelming. We need mirroring ASAP. And I'm still waiting for that app that makes me say, "Wow, I never thought of using the chromecast that way!"
Don't get me wrong, I love my chromecast. Best bang for the buck in the history of computers/electronics. I'm just spoiled. LOL!
I've never been opposed to choice. In fact it's why I own Android products and not an iPhone.
Sent from my Nexus 7 (2013) using xda-developers app
I stated that in my post. I am all for free market.
I would just hope that someone can think of something better than all these local media streamers.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk
abuttino said:
..... Are there way to many local media casting apps?
It seems another one pops up every few days.
I am all for a free market but, c'mon, let's get some originality!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's just a matter of those apps being the most logical early adopters for CCast support cause once one media player supports CCast the rest have to make sure to follow or lose marketshare.
And I wouldn't discount Google and the Whitelisting for reasons why we aren't seeing more innovative Apps for the CCast.
Players are pretty straight forward and other Apps are probably getting a bit more scrutiny from Google before getting approved for Whitelisting since those operations actually require a more complex code on the CCast side than the Local Player apps do.
The only thing that I'm disappointed in is the fact that none of the Local Stream Devs are doing much to expand the capabilities of the player on the CCast side. Bubble has probably done the most with it's subtitle support, and Plex's latest release has added a ton of features including Music Photo and some Eye Candy during navigation.
The Most popular Android player apps were popular due to the extra container and codec support they had but unless they can add that support to the CCast side player (difficult I know) their supporting CCast really isn't going to help them retain Market.
As for Mirroring you probably have two forces at play holding it up.
First the Operating System support has to be there which means only devices with 4.2.x or higher will likely be able to run it,
and Second would be the security issues (@bhiga mentioned early on) that could be triggered by some malware that could trigger your unit to mirror to someone else and violate privacy.
Even if someone finds a way to do Mirroring well I would expect Google to go over it with a fine tooth comb before they whitelisted it and lets be honest they may NEVER allow 3rd party Mirroring Apps and prefer to control that function all on their own. Perhaps as part of future versions of Android which currently the SDK seems to have the code for it but is not being used by anyone at the moment.

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