We’ve been laying around with the Google Chromecast we borrowed from my @geekynights co-host @marklim for the past week and checked if delivers on its promise. The device has been sold out in the US and shipment delays extended to months after initial release at only $35.
Right out of the box, the Chromecast looks like an oversized USB flash drive with an HDMI plug.
The basic set up looks like this: Chromecast plugs to the HDMI port of the TV –> the microUSB cable plugs to the Chromecast and a spare USB port in the TV (or to a plug to a wall charger) –> Chromecast runs a WiFi signal to hook up using any iOS or Android device –> download the Chromecast app in the Play Store or iTunes App Store –> iOS/Android device sets up the Chromecast to an internet-enabled WiFi network.
Take note that the app is only available in the US stores at the moment. There’s an APK for the Android app being shared but you have to have a US iTunes account to get it for iOS devices.
Once connected, you can open the YouTube app or Netflix app and select a media to play. Once playing, you will notice an icon on the top right corner of the video appear. Press the icon to stream the content to your Chromecast+TV setup.
Chromecast will take over the streaming. You can then use the smartphone to do something else; even close the YouTube app if you want to. Controlling the stream will require you to run the related app (for now it’s just YouTube).
If you’re on a desktop or laptop, you can also download the Google Cast extension in Chrome browser. This will also allow you to stream whatever page your are browsing to the TV. Very neat if you want to demo and display everything on your browser.
What we noticed is that streaming on YouTube seems to be much better compared to other methods we tried before (Android phone to TV via HDMI/MHL, laptop to TV via HDMI, Smart TV). Looks like there’s some optimization or prioritization going on in there that we don’t know.
The case use for now is very limited by Chromecast does it really well. And for $35, it’s already a good deal. We’re hoping there will be more apps supported (like VLC for downloaded movies, Gallery for photos and even documents).
YugaTech.com is the largest and longest-running technology site in the Philippines. Originally established in October 2002, the site was transformed into a full-fledged technology platform in 2005.
How to transfer, withdraw money from PayPal to GCash
Prices of Starlink satellite in the Philippines
Install Google GBox to Huawei smartphones
Pag-IBIG MP2 online application
How to check PhilHealth contributions online
How to find your SIM card serial number
Globe, PLDT, Converge, Sky: Unli fiber internet plans compared
10 biggest games in the Google Play Store
LTO periodic medical exam for 10-year licenses
Netflix codes to unlock hidden TV shows, movies
Apple, Asus, Cherry Mobile, Huawei, LG, Nokia, Oppo, Samsung, Sony, Vivo, Xiaomi, Lenovo, Infinix Mobile, Pocophone, Honor, iPhone, OnePlus, Tecno, Realme, HTC, Gionee, Kata, IQ00, Redmi, Razer, CloudFone, Motorola, Panasonic, TCL, Wiko
Best Android smartphones between PHP 20,000 - 25,000
Smartphones under PHP 10,000 in the Philippines
Smartphones under PHP 12K Philippines
Best smartphones for kids under PHP 7,000
Smartphones under PHP 15,000 in the Philippines
Best Android smartphones between PHP 15,000 - 20,000
Smartphones under PHP 20,000 in the Philippines
Most affordable 5G phones in the Philippines under PHP 20K
5G smartphones in the Philippines under PHP 16K
Smartphone pricelist Philippines 2024
Smartphone pricelist Philippines 2023
Smartphone pricelist Philippines 2022
Smartphone pricelist Philippines 2021
Smartphone pricelist Philippines 2020
lyn viginia says:
which mobile phones are compatible to chromecast?
lyn viginia says:
What mobile phones is compatible with chromecast?
Abe Olandres says:
Android Jellybean and latest.
chad says:
hi! considering the dismal internet speeds in our country, does the chromecast stream on 360p? god forbid, 240p? How would it fair on a 1mbps connection?
minix says:
dito na lang ako http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBR3ZrurMKI
Name: says:
Correct me if I’m wrong but the Chromecast doesn’t really stream content from Youtube on your phone to the TV right? Instead, the app triggers the Chromecast to connect to the internet and directly getting the video from the internet. This may be the reason why streaming is better since it doesn’t really play the video off the phone.
JP Habaradas says:
Yup, that’s correct. The mobile device just sends the information to the Chromecast and Chromecast does the streaming. Then you control the video (play, pause, skip, etc.) from the mobile device or laptop via Chrome browser.
abduldalsal says:
ahh parang apple tv
Jacklero says:
Do you guys feature android sticks? Such as Tronsmart T428 and Measy U2C? Those sticks have the same port as the chromecast but turns your TV into a android device.
jpacs2007 says:
Google Chrome can actually open some downloaded video files (tested on mp4). Can you try streaming that to Chromecast?
JP Habaradas says:
As long as the video file is supported by Chrome, you can cast it to Chromecast. Tried it with several .mp4 videos. For now, max supported resolutions is 720p.
The thing with Chromecast is it needs a good and strong WiFi connection. Make sure your router is not too far or else connection would get off every now and then.
Hazzik says:
pwede ba i mirror ung screen android phone mo to chromecast?
Isko says:
For now, it was meant to be used by supported apps and could only display those.
“Well, technically, yes, if you’re using android. Just download the preview sdk and do some coding yourself.. or wait for the right app to come out”
-but it turns out you have to wait longer:
http://readwrite.com/2013/10/08/chromecast-apps-google-holdup#awesm=~ojKmU2DJWNDL1Z
Diorarat says:
That would be one hell of a device if it could load google docs. All I would need is a bluetooth mouse and keyboard and I could make any TV a workstation.
Abe Olandres says:
Nope, just selected apps. Like YouTube and Netflix.