Look out, AppleTV! Moments ago, Google sent a shockwave through the technology trade press with its announcement of Chromecast, a device that supposedly allows us to stream Web content from our phone/laptop/tablet directly to our TVs.
Google calls Chromecast "the easiest way to enjoy online video and music on your TV." In contrast to AppleTV, which comes with its own set-top box, cord and dedicated remote and costs at least $100, the two-inch-long $35 Chromecast "dongle" plugs directly into a HDMI port on your TV. Then, any Chrome-enabled device with WiFi capability -- laptop, tablet, even iPhone -- turns into a streaming media remote control.
Just two days ago, I connected my new MacBook Air to my TV using a 13-foot cable. The video quality is great, but the laptop interface is still cumbersome. The notion of using the phone I already have as a remote control to watch the Web on my big-screen HDTV is instantly appealing.
Can it really be this simple? Thirty-five bucks to merge the Web and TV? I've ordered one from the Google Play store already. I'll let you know how it works out.
More details from Gizmodo.
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