Buzz
Recently, Google introduced the Chromecast, a $35 HDMI stick that streams content straight to your TV. It sold out almost instantly because of its affordable price, but can it rival other streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV?
The Setup Is Simple and Straightforward
How it works: Setting up the Chromecast is surprisingly easy. There's no remote included; instead, you'll need a smartphone, tablet, or PC to control it. Typically, this lack of a native input device could be a problem for setup, but it works here.
Thankfully, the Chromecast pairs directly with your control device during the initial setup. You'll be redirected to a webpage where you'll either download an app or a browser extension for pairing. After entering your Wi-Fi credentials, the device stays connected to your network, ready to stream whenever you are.
What sets it apart: Devices like Roku and Apple TV offer a setup process almost as straightforward as Chromecast. Connecting to Wi-Fi is simple, though other boxes often require account logins to stream content. Chromecast, on the other hand, doesn’t ask for account information since you’re already logged in through your apps on the control device, making it slightly more convenient. That said, logging in to accounts is a one-time setup on boxes like Roku. Personally, I found Chromecast easy to set up, though others (including our own Adam Dachis) had some trouble using it with a Mac and Nexus 7. Results may vary.
The App Selection Is Excellent, Especially YouTube
How it functions: After the setup, any device connected to the same network can stream videos to the TV. There's no need to log in, input codes, or join any groups. Once Chromecast connects to your Wi-Fi, every device on the network becomes a potential remote control.
When using a supported app, the experience is seamless. Currently, Chromecast works officially with Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Music, and Movies. These apps include a button in the Action Bar to connect with Chromecast and start streaming. Instead of transferring video directly from your device, Chromecast fetches it directly from the server when available, improving performance.
Most apps perform well, but YouTube stands out. Multiple users can connect to Chromecast (although it will interrupt a video when someone joins). Each user can pause, play, or add videos to the queue. This feature reveals a unique potential of Chromecast: remotes transform into interactive mini-apps within the main apps themselves. If developers take full advantage of this, Chromecast could surpass traditional set-top boxes. Unfortunately, only YouTube currently utilizes this expanded capability.
What makes it different: While other devices usually offer app support, using smartphones and tablets offers a more flexible experience. YouTube stands out with its group playlist feature, but overall, traditional set-top boxes still have the upper hand due to offering more services. Popular apps like Hulu, HBO GO, and ESPN are unavailable on Chromecast, unless you screen share a browser tab.
Streaming via Browser Isn't Ideal
How it works: When Google can't fully create its own ecosystem, it often offers a workaround that fills the gaps but doesn’t quite provide the best experience. This is true of Chromecast's browser streaming feature. For one, you can't use your phone to stream a browser tab. Mobile devices can only stream content to Chromecast if the app has built-in functionality for it.
This results in a significantly different experience when using a laptop with Chromecast. Sharing YouTube via the website doesn’t offer the same group playlist feature as the apps. While you can stream anything that Chrome can display, the experience can be shaky if your Wi-Fi isn’t strong. If your connection is unstable, the video will skip parts instead of buffering. With a solid connection, it works fine, but if your connection dips, the video might become unwatchable.
It’s not exactly ideal for couch viewing either. Using a phone or tablet as a remote can work, but a laptop feels awkward for this purpose. It's large, clunky, and not designed for handheld control. If you're okay with that, it works, but it's unnecessarily cumbersome.
Quick note about playing local files: it's possible, but not ideal. You can open a local video in Chrome and cast that tab to stream your downloaded files to the TV. However, this is far from perfect, as you're essentially watching a video of a video. This can cause a drop in quality. For something like a YouTube clip, it's not a big issue, but for that 1080p Blu-Ray rip you made, it can be a painful experience.
How it differs: Chromecast's approach is a temporary fix. Google has provided an SDK for developers to integrate Chromecast directly, but until more do so (assuming many will), tab casting fills the gap. For streaming content that isn't available through an app, you must use a laptop. The device you'll need as a remote will depend on which service you use to watch the video. Local file playback is still uncertain. Often, it might be simpler to plug your laptop directly into the TV, though that defeats the purpose of set-top boxes: convenience. HTPCs have their place, but if you were considering something like the Chromecast, this setup likely won't be satisfying for regular use.
The Chromecast Is Worth Exactly What You Pay For
The Chromecast holds significant potential. It's not exactly Google's version of Airplay yet. Services that offer native playback are actually using lightweight HTML5 apps to stream content directly from servers. Sending a video from your iPod to Chromecast isn't yet supported.
That said, $35 for access to Netflix and YouTube is a great deal if you can't already stream them to your TV otherwise. Additionally, Google Play is a pretty solid service. Movie rentals from Play Movies are generally cheaper than Amazon, and Play Music is a pretty great subscription option. Until Google expands its apps to other devices, Chromecast is the best way to get their content on your TV if you don't have an HTPC connected directly.
At its current stage, the Chromecast is unlikely to surpass any established streaming device. We can revisit this in a year to see if developers embrace the platform, but for now, it lacks the necessary app support to truly compete. That being said, Google has priced it just right.
