Google Chromecast

After getting my first smartphone I became familiar with the Google Play Store. Soon after that, I begin to hear about a device called Google Chromecast. In the beginning, I only had basic information. I knew that it could be used to get video from a smartphone or tablet to a TV, with an HDMI port. That information, motivated me to find out more. So, I begin researching this device. After finding out more information, I discovered that this could be a device that I could use. I decided to purchase the Google Chromecast.

Inside the box

The box containing the chromecast has a length and width of 4 ¾ inches. Printed inside the box is a three-step setup guide. To the right of the setup guide is the Google Chromecast. Under the chromecast is a USB power cable, standard power cable, and an HDMI extender for televisions with HDMI ports that are hard to reach. The Google Chromecast itself is 3 ¼ inches long.

What is Google Chromecast?

The Google Chromecast is a device that allows the content of an app to be sent to a television with an HDMI port. An app that can be stored on a smartphone are a tablet. Wifi is used to send the contents of an app to a television. The app you choose must be designated for the chromecast.

Google Chromecast apps

When I got my chromecast they didn't have many apps. But, I had one goal in mind and I didn't need many apps to accomplish this. At the time, my goal was to get youtube on my TV.

Now, they're adding more apps and they are becoming more appealing. But, they still don't offer as many apps as Roku or any of the other devices.

Despite not having as many apps as the competition I still find this device to be very useful. Currently, the apps available for the chromecast are Youtube, Google Play Movies and TV, HBO Go, Watch ESPN, MLB.com at bat, Qello Concerts, Haystack TV News, Google Play Music, Pandora Radio, NPR One, Netflix, Showtime Anytime, iHeart Radio, Rdio Music, Songza, Avia Media Player, TuneIn Radio, Real Player Cloud, Starz Play, Hulu, Crackle, UFC TV & UFC Fight Night, Polaris Office, Redbull TV, Encore Play, Music Match Music, PBS Kids Video, Daily Burn, Viki: Free TV Drama & Movies, Crunchyroll-Anime, and Drama, Post TV: Video News, Yupp TV- Indian Live TV & Movies, Twitch, NFL Now, Revision3, TED, ESPN Cricket 2015, CBS, Fox Now, FX Now, HGTV Watch, and Google +.

Requirements for owning the Google Chromecast

To own the Google Chromecast you have to have a 1.5mbps or higher broadband internet connection, wifi, HDMI port on your TV, and the chromcast app installed on your smartphone are a tablet. I installed the app on my android smartphone. I downloaded it from the Google Play Store.

My experience using the chromecast

After having the Google Chromecast for about a year I can say that I am enjoying it. I will always prefer to have a wired connection instead of wifi. But, I took a chance because I like the capabilities of the chromecast and the low price. Plus, I am finding that with the latest gadgets it's not always possible to have a wired connection.

The setup was simple. I had to enter the eight-digit key from my router to complete the setup process. I am using the Buffalo N300 router. It's working really well and has a good range. I would definitely recommend this router to use with the chromcast.

As I mentioned earlier, I just wanted to use the chromecast to get youtube on my TV. I have accomplished this task and I am watching youtube on my TV on a regular basis. I am also using it to cast movies on my TV. Recently, I went to the Google Play Store and rented Interstellar. It was a smooth process and the chromecast performed well. Besides youtube and google play apps I have also added Crackle, Redbull TV, and Post TV: Video News to my list of apps to cast.

Overall, my experience with the chromecast has been positive and I am looking forward to more apps. I am also planning on getting another chromecast.

One of the many chromecast home screens.

Overall

Even though the chromecast doesn't have as many apps as the competition, it's still worth getting. It has a growing list of apps, appealing price, and a compact size making it easily portable.

Square indicating that it is ready to cast.

Youtube on my TV.

Photo of a  youtube video on my TV.

Crackle on my TV.

One of a few  RedBull TV home screens on my TV.

Photo of a video on Post TV on my TV.

Tracfone

  

  A few years ago I begin to consider purchasing my first cell phone. I was once stranded and discovered that payphones were becoming obsolete. I couldn't find a payphone anywhere while stranded. So, I begin to research cell phone companies. First, I took a look at Boost Mobile. But, due to my lack of a steady income, I wanted to see if there was anything a little better. In my second search, I discovered Tracfone.

  After completely researching Tracfone, I discovered that this was the best option for me. Months later, I purchased my first cell phone from Tracfone.

Airtime cards

   When you first purchase a Tracfone you have to decide on which airtime car is right for you.

   Tracfone offers airtime cards in 60,120,200,450, and one-year formats. Depending on what type of phone you choose airtime cards can double or triple. Currently, I have a triple minutes phone. I usually buy airtime cards in the 60-minute format and it triples to 180 minutes. The price that I pay for this option is $19.99.

Airtime activation

   Once you have selected an airtime card you have to use the code located the back of the card. The code can be entered through the phone itself or online using the Tracfone website. Once the code is entered you will be alerted and your phone will be ready to use. You will know how many minutes and days of service you will have after you have been alerted. On standard phones, minutes available and days of service will be clearly displayed on the main screen. On smartphones, it can only be seen with an app or requested from the Tracfone website. Whether you use an app or the website you will receive a text message indicating the amount of minutes etc you have available.

This is how minutes and days of service are displayed on a standard phone.

Airtime expiration

   Airtime cards have to be purchased every 90 days. But, if you decide to purchase an airtime card before your old one expires, days will also be added. This makes it possible to extend the expiration date beyond 90 days.

This display is also an example of when days are added to the expiration date.

Phone selection is becoming better

   My first cell phone from Tracfone was a standard feature phone. At the time when I bought the phone, there were complaints here and there about Tracfone not having smartphones. As I begin to use my first phone and became aware of its capabilities, I complained as well. My phone performed well but it was very weak in the app department. I became disappointed because some of the apps seemed outdated and because the phone wasn't capable of using the popular apps that I was hearing about.

   Fortunately, Tracfone(as I hinted at earlier) now offers smartphones. I was lucky enough that they became available 7 months after I got my first phone.

   I bought my first smartphone from HSN and I am now enjoying all the popular apps from the Google Play Store.

This is my Samsung Galaxy Centura that I bought from HSN.

My opinion of Tracfone

   So far I don't have any regrets about using Tracfone as my cell phone provider. I haven't had any problems with call quality or reception. Their service is affordable, simple to use, and I haven't had a need to contact customer service. They appeal to me more than any other cell phone provider.

Overall

  

Using Tracfone as a cell phone provider is a wise choice. They are perfect for those that are looking for a phone to use in an emergency, minutes rollover, once activated you are given 90 days(instead of the typical 30) before it's time to pay again, smartphones are now available, users can select a new phone to purchase (instead of being required to wait) at anytime, and you don't have to have a steady income to use the service.

This was the balance that I requested from the website that was sent to my smartphone as a text message.

Xbox 360 4GB Slim Update

 

  When I purchased the Xbox 360 I was worried that I would face many of the technical problems(such as the red ring of death) that I had heard about. Problems that would make my Xbox 360 unusable. But, despite my concerns, I still bought the game system. I really wanted a next-generation system and the PlayStation 3 seemed expensive at the time.

   Since my purchase, I feel like I have completely tested the console. I have found that the Xbox 360 is a durable game console. I have played games for hours and have done a variety of other things without any technical problems.

   So, if you have been considering the Xbox 360 there is no need to worry. This console is durable and fun to use.

How I use the Xbox 360 4GB Slim

   When I got the console I chose the 4GB version and only planned on playing games.    But, after a while, I wanted to try out the other capabilities of the console. Along playing games on disc I have downloaded games from Xbox Live Marketplace added a hard drive, used apps to watch free TV shows and movies, and occasionally surf the web.

Xbox Live Silver is now better

   When I decided to test the capabilities of the console I signed up with Xbox Live Silver, the free version of Xbox Live. In the beginning, it had limited capabilities.

   But, after a period of time, the free version became better. A few of the features from Xbox Live Gold was added to Xbox Live Silver.

   As I mentioned earlier, Xbox Live Silver now gives users the ability to download free apps, and surf the web using Internet Explorer. The ability to download games from Xbox Live Market place was always available on Xbox Live Silver.

Xbox 360 online

 

Sample of apps 1

Sample of apps 2

Sample of apps 3

 

Internet Explorer on Xbox 360

Games I have downloaded

 The latest game I am playing:

Overall

   Despite the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4 being available the Xbox 360 is still a wise choice. The games or good, games are still being sold, it's durable, and the improvements made with Xbox Live Silver make the Xbox 360 worth purchasing.