A new device from Google makes it easy to stream video from several popular services to a high-definition TV. Chromecast is tiny enough to dangle from a keychain when not in use, but it packs a big punch for a low price
At just $35, Chromecast is irresistible. Using your home Wi-Fi network, it streams some of your favourite shows from some of your favourite services, including Netflix and Google’s YouTube. It takes only a few minutes to set up, and the device works flawlessly.
Chromecast, which is about the size of a thumb drive, plugs directly into the HDMI port of an HDTV. A USB cable must be inserted at the other end of the Chromecast and connected to a power source, either a wall outlet or a USB port on the TV.
It was easy to sync Chromecast with my Android phone, and it was an even nicer experience with Google’s new Nexus 7 tablet. There’s something to be said for turning my touch-screen device into a remote control for Netflix.
Even though I already have a Netflix app on my smartphone, I had to download a Chromecast version of it, as well as the main Chromecast app from Google. That’s a one-time affair, and it’s a snap to get them up and running after the initial installation.
For now, there are only a handful of apps currently available to use with Chromecast. But they are among the most popular Internet video services. Video from Apple’s iTunes isn’t likely to come to Chromecast any time soon, but you can expect many more to be added if the device takes off.
