Back in 2013 I heard about a device from Google that was totally unexpected and changed the way we stream online TV and entertainment. The device was the Chromecast and it’s a dongle type device that plugs into the back of the HDMI socket of your TV, from this you can control what you watch from any mobile device, tablet or laptop.
At first this was released in the states, but in 2014 I got my hands on one and even thought the technology was just starting out I was amazed! At the time smart TV’s were just coming out, this £30 device was able to give your TV 80% of what it needed to be a smart TV, Netflix, YouTube, Chrome web browser – all controllable from your phone, tablet or laptop. I also thing it looks pretty smart too!
image credit: Google Store
All you did was plug it into an HDMI socket on your TV, connect the power either from USB on the TV or the supplied power supply. Then you needed the Chromecast app on your device, name the Chromecast, wait for updates and BAM! You’re going!
With the device you are also given an HDMI cable extender, a power supply and a nice box to throw away in the recycling bin. This was something that the engineer’s and marketing people thought a lot about and the beauty and simplicity of the product reflects this. With that the ease of operation is something that surprised me,. Ok, being the impatient man I am I couldn’t see why I had to wait 10 minutes to download updates, but it’s not a big problem.
Image Credit: Vimalsuresh.com
The last thing I liked was the vast array of images the device displays when it’s on standby – I often left the device running just for the pictures – they were great! But I seem to be in the minority on this as many didn’t like it and I think they’ve ditched this in the new device in favour of the users gallery.
Taking about the new device – here it is:
It came out last yet and I’ve yet to try this – when I do I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes!
Simon 🙂
Images given credit where necessary – Ownership only claimed on first picture.
I’m useless with technology, but I wanted to stop by and say… 3 MORE SLEEPS TO GO!!! Ahem. I shall retreat back to my darkened room now.
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Haha… I wish I was in a darkened room. I can’t book my tickets, it won’t let me! 😦
I just found a post on it, apparently the venue is a ‘good walk’ from the station.
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I saw that too. I bet it isn’t that far. Anyway we can walk fast 🙂
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We can walk fast… if we need to. It’ll be fine!
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It’s going to be epic 🙂
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Oh yeah!
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I am low-tech. My Macbook is over 5 years old and hanging onto its last legs. I am hoping to replace it later this year and get back up to date with all the updates that are on the market 🙂
http://runwright.net
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I love old tech that keeps going, the problem is keeping it useful.
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I never got one because I erroneously assumed you plugged it into a USB port, and our flatscreen is a little too old and doesn’t have one. But if it works on HDMI… *ponders*
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It does, they’re pretty good. Any HD ready to should be able to work with it! 😃
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Sweet!
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Very informative.
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😃
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finally found an informative website similar to mine. Wondering if you would like to review any products on my website?
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Hi, sorry your comment was buried in my spam, I would be pleased to review any products you suggest. 🙂
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Thanks 🙂
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