80 Volt: 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.