Google just debuted a new streaming media stick called Chromecast that beams what’s happening on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to your television.
The new device brings Apple TV’s Airplay-like functionality for both Android and iOS mobile devices. And instead of charging $50 to $100 like the cheapest Roku model or Apple’s Apple TV, Chromecast is only $35. Insanely cheap for what it does.
Google first showed off the functionality of Chromecast with YouTube, which not only pushes videos you’re watching to your TV screen but also automatically changes to the correct input.
Obviously, this is a nice perk for video, but it also streams music and media from individual tabs via Google Chrome web browser on laptops. The company said most Macs and Windows 7- and 8-ready laptops should be compatible with the Chromecast functionality.
Chromecast will connect to your television via an HDMI port, but still requires that you plug it to an external power source via a USB power adapter. The requirement of external power is pretty standard among set-top boxes, although Google didn’t show the cord in its product shots.
The device should be available by Sunday, July 28 through a variety of online stores, including Amazon, Google Play
