Chromecast: Everything you need to know about the Google accessory!

It’s hard to miss this little accessory from Google. Chromecast, which has been available in the Atlantic since last year, landed in France a few weeks ago (Chromecast has a global launch in 2014). While many users who had to walk the flowerbeds of the Apple TV remained skeptical of its true usefulness, some tech enthusiasts were looking forward to it.

What is it really? What is this Chromecast? What is it for and how does it work? What compatibilities? Many questions that we will try to answer through this file dedicated to Chromecast.

What is Google Chromecast?

the Chromecast it is a media streaming player device in real time. The size of a USB key, this device connects to your TV’s HDMI port and allows you to send audio-visual content from a mobile terminal or a computer to your television.

A current of 5 volts is required. This can be achieved using the supplied USB cable or power supply. So you won’t have you don’t necessarily need an electrical outlet. Needless to say, Chromcast does not work with all televisions as they must have an HDMI port. This dongle is equipped with a single button on the back to manage the configuration and an LED light that indicates if it is active.

Technicial Specifications

• exit : Compatible with HDMI, CEC protocol
• Maximum output video resolution : 1080p
• dimensions : 72x35x12mm
• Weight : 34g
• connection : Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz
• to feed : USB (including AC adapter)
• Compatible operating systems and devices : Android 2.3 and above, iOS 6 and above, Windows 7 and above, Mac OS 10.7 and above, Chrome OS

How does it work ?

As stated above, Chromecast plugs into TV’s HDMI port. Power comes from the Micro-USB port located on the back of the terminal, which connects to a USB port on the TV or other power source. You need to install the Chromecast app and have a WiFi connection. A good WiFi connection is required to enjoy a quality picture and avoid interruptions.

The setup process is as easy as pie. By launching the application on your mobile terminal or computer, you automatically scan for the Wi-Fi network you are connected to. This step will put the Chromecast into “setup” mode. In other words, you will have to download the dedicated app, connect to the WiFi network and adjust some settings On your TV (dictated by Chromecast).

he can too connect to internet to read content, using an internet browser or another application such as YouTube. HAVE From a computer (Windows or Mac OS X), you can cast multimedia content, especially from Chrome, thanks to a small extension to install (Google Cast extension is available here). Once installed, you can spawn the content of the web page (note that most audio/video formats are supported).

It will be possible to cast the entire screen of your PC or Play locally stored videos on from browser (File, Open from Chrome). Some formats (for example, fast time) are not supported and you may have the image muted. vOf course, you are in control of your computer and the television reflects what you see. If you want to remotely control your computer via a smartphone or tablet, TeamViewer software is for you.

Note that several Chromecasts can exist on the same WiFi network, and you can even rename them to find your way around. The mobile terminal then transforms into a remote control to control the playback and volume of videos, music and others. That’s it, you’re ready to cast.

What does it do?

“Enjoy your favorite online entertainment with Chromecast Movies, TV shows, music or many other content offered by CanalPlay, YouTube, FranceTV Pluzz, Google Play, SFR TV and Google Chrome easily on your HD television. This is how Chromecast is offered by Google.

As you can see, officially Chromecast is not required to broadcast local content. Again, there are third party apps to do the same. AllCast, Plex, Avia, Local Cast, BubbleUPnP, etc. allow you to stream locally stored content. Be careful, here too the audio and video formats need to be compatible with Chromecast, for example, there is a risk that the image will be muted.

HAVESignificant advantage for Chromecast notification : Stop mobile don’t have to stay presence during transmission. Le By taking over the Chromecast video stream, it is possible to “close” the application and open others.

L‘device remains fully usable for User. you can Stream a movie via Chromecast while surfing the web or typing a message from somewhere. your Smartphones Google adds that the accessory is automatically updated to accept more and more apps.

Which compatibilities?

Chromecast is compatible not only with Android smartphones and tablets, but also iPhones and iPads, as well as Mac and Windows computers (if you use Google Chrome). Currently, the applications supported by Chromecast remain quite limited. However, since this is open to developers, These apps should multiply. in the coming months.

It is also announced Netflix’s future arrival (among others) via Chromecast until the end of the year (Netflix has recently confirmed its arrival in France). While we wait for the American VOD giant, other apps are already available.

Those in love with Google dongle will be able to enjoy Google Play Music and Play Movies, France TV Pluzz (France Télévisions replay service), Canal Play (movies and videos streaming), basic Youtube and many other services. others (Cast for Google Chrome, Plex, SFR TV, Crackle, Vevo, PhotoCast, GoodPlayer, Spoticast, RealPlayer Cloud, Songza, ArcadeCast, etc.).

Please note that some of these apps are paid. We also note Mozilla is reportedly considering Chromecast support in Firefox for Androidinformation reflecting the growing interest of developers in the Google dongle. Chromecast owners can download the Cast Store below, an app that includes all Chromecast compatible apps.

What competition?

Orange, Apple, Amazon or boxThe competitors are many. Currently, many internet service providers are offering offers with boxes that can do what Chromecast does. Accessory is more interesting in the United States, where offerings vary widely.

Unlike Apple TV / AirPlay, Chromecast (officially) does not allow you to stream your locally stored files. Apple TV is only related to Apple terminals and is much more expensive. Some consider Chromecast to be a somewhat restricted Apple TV with very limited services and interests.

Amazon has also launched its tethered box that lets you view streaming content called Fire TV. This one was marketed across the Atlantic on April 2 and costs $99. Another future competitor to Chromecast is a dongle signed by Orange.

Operator and president Stéphane Richard explained currently developing its own keyHe added that “it will present a different offer from Google”. Orange should make it possible to bring televisions to internet customers who don’t have a Lovebox and need to be equipped with OCS (especially allowing HBO series to be watched 24 hours after they air on the Atlantic).

Miracast tech could outshine Chromecast too to the extent that this allows the content of a device under Android 4.2+ or Windows 8.1 to be displayed on a television (if compatible with Miracast, otherwise an adapter will be required). Any application can be published. Miracast does not require a wired connection or router. On the other hand, it is only compatible with Windows 8.1 for computers and it is impossible to continue using the terminal once the video is broadcast.

Solution

Although Chromecast offers fewer services than Apple TV, it remains much cheaper and more “universal”. Chromecast remains the most affordable way to access streaming on his television. Currently, various services are limited. There is no doubt that these will increase over time.

Sold for 35 euros in France ($39 in the United States), Chromecast has already attracted millions of users across the Atlantic. Success will also be in France.. While SFR announced that it had sold 65,000 copies by mid-March, Google and FNAC announced that they had reached their target without giving exact figures.

After the failure of the Nexus Q, Google seems to have found an attractive formula general public. As a “bonus”, we offer you a short video of the Chromecast. Feel free to share your views on the Google accessory. Interested in Chromecast? Have you bought it, and if so, are you tempted?