DJs

Google Chromecast (3rd Generation) brings a new design and updated hardware

Google Chromecast (3rd Generation) - Charcoal

Besides unveiling new Pixel phones, the Pixel Slate and Home Hub during the Made by Google event, the company also took the covers off their third generation Chromecast.

Instead of adding new features, they have opted for a slight tweak to the design with some hardware improvements this time around. The glossy plastic from the third generation has been replaced with a more simplistic matte finish and a small "G" for Google logo on top. In terms of hardware improvements, the new Chromecast is now 15 percent faster, and allows 1080p streaming at 60fps.

Google Chromecast (3rd Generation) - Chalk

Google is also planning a future update to the device which will allow it to play music in sync with other Google Home speakers, a feature which currently requires Chromecast Audio. While it was rumored that Google will include Bluetooth connectivity to the Chromecast, this feature is still missing.


The third generation Google Chromecast will be available in Charcoal gray and Chalk white to match the companies other range of products. It can now be purchased from the Google Store for $35.
DJs

Get the Chromecast from Google Play for $25 with 2 months of Hulu Plus and more

Google Chromecast

The Google Chromecast is available on the Google Play Store for $25 as part of the company's Cyber Monday deals, but Google is willing to throw in an extra something to make the deal even sweeter.

For starters you get three months of free Google Play Music streaming, which usually costs $9.99 per month. You also get two months of free Hulu Plus, which usually costs $7.99 per month. Additionally you also get 3 months of DramaFever Premium In order to qualify for the above mentioned offers, just make sure you setup your new Chromecast before the end of this year.

Other retailers are also offering deals with the purchase of a Chromecast. Costco is giving the unit at its retail price but will include $10 Google Play credit. Costco will honor both the manufacturer discount and include the $10 credit. Meanwhile Best Buy is giving the Chromecast at $23 and will include the same offer from Google.

The Chromecast was first introduced around two years ago, and still remains as one of the best deals as a multi-media accessory. The device is easy to setup and controlled on your Android or iOS device.


source - Google Play | Best Buy | BJs | Costco
DJs

[Android app] Chromecast updated (1.7) with screen mirroring support

The Chromecast for Android app has been updated, and it brings the ability to mirror our Android device display on our Chromecast dongle. This was one of the features that Google announced during the I/O 2014 which would be headed to the affordable media streaming device.

You can download the update directly on your device through the Google Play Store or by using the following link:

Download
Download from the Google Play Store
Price Free
Requirements Android 2.3 or greater

The new screen mirroring feature allows you to cast anything that is on your Android device's screen. Google demoed it on stage by showing off Google Earth as well as a live stream from a smartphone camera to a TV. From the Chromecast app, you can start screen mirroring from the navigation tray, and on Nexus devices, the option will be in the Quick Settings menu.

The only downside right now is in the compatibility. As was said during the keynote, only a select group of devices are compatible at first, including the Nexus lineup, Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5, and Galaxy Note 3, LG G Pro 2, LG G2, and LG G3, and the HTC One. More devices are said to be added soon.




source - Official Android Blog
DJs

Chromecast update to bring several new features

Chromecast

During I/O 2014, Google announced Android TV, which hopes to take over your living room. However the company hasn't quite forgotten one of its most successful releases, the Chromecast. The humbly priced, $35 dongle is about to get some decent features and improvements

One of the best new features heading to the Chromecast will be the ability to mirror your Android device display to your TV set. There will be a new button on select Android handsets which will say "Cast screen," and as soon as it's pressed, you will be able to see whatever you are doing on your device - gaming, watching a movie, reviewing pictures, even the camera app - stretched to your TV, and mirrored pixel by pixel. Mirroring to your Chromecast will be supported by devices like, Google's Nexus devices (of course), the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 3, LG G2, LG G2 Pro, and the HTC One.



Another feature Google is hoping to improve on the Chromecast is its idle screen. Currently the Chromecast serves a feed of photos which you cannot really edit or change. The update will give users much more control over their Chromecast, including the ability to select an image source from their own albums.

All in all the the affordable Chromecast an almost unbeatable value when it comes to connecting your Android gear to your TV.
DJs

Mozilla's Chrome-cast like streaming stick based on Firefox OS demonstrated on video

Mozilla Firefox OS streaming stick

We recently told you that Microsoft may be planning to release its own Surface-branded Miracast dongle to challenge the Google Chromecast. However it looks like Mozilla already has one of its own in the works based on Firefox OS, which even connects with Chromcast enabled apps out of the box.



The home screen interface of the Mozilla streamer looks quite a lot like the Chromecast, with the substitution of "Fling" for "Cast" as the operative verb. Apps that can connect to Chromecast will see the Mozilla stick as a casting target, and most of them allegedly work as intended. The video only shows YouTube playback, but the interface is oddly complex for a device with no remote control. It should also be able to mirror tabs from Firefox browsers.

It is not known who Mozilla is teaming with to manufacture the streaming stick, but we should learn more about this device in a few weeks. If it actually does work correctly with Chromecast apps, the Firefox OS streaming stick will make a great alternative to the Chromecast -- the device will have open source software with an open bootloader. Though, pricing will probably be the determining factor.


source - 
DJs

How to play nearly any video on your Chromecast

Google Chromecast

Google's Chromecast is an amazing tool which allows you to easily stream your video files to your HDTV. Unfortunately finding the right software to stream your files is not that easy, and even when you do, it won't be easy connecting to video files on your network devices. Videostream hopes to fix this.

Videostream has released its own Chrome app, which allows you to stream almost any locally stored video file to your Chromecast without the requirement of installing any other software. You can download Videostream for Chrome directly on your device through the Chrome web store or by using the following link

Download from Chrome Web Store

Additionally the developers have put together an Android app, which lets you stream local videos (downloads, etc.) from your computer to your Chromecast in full 1080p! 

Download
Download from the Google Play Store
Price Free
Requirements Android 2.3.3 or greater

An iOS app is also reportedly being developed, but is not available at this time. While the app is free to download and use, you can support further development and get access to additional features (including exclusive) beta content by purchasing the premium version of Videostream. The premium version includes an ad free experience with features like PlayList Support and the ability to use the Android app as a remote control, if you don't like getting out of your couch to change videos.



DJs

Chromecast to get 100+ channels through PlayOn


The popular media server PlayOn has announced today that their PlayOn and PlayLater services now offer support for Chromecast. PlayOn users will now be able to beam content from over 100 channels to Chromecast including NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, Hulu and more.

Using the PlayOn mobile app, users can browse content on a mobile device and also access the PlayLater option to record videos for viewing at a later time.

Download
Download from the Google Play Store
Price Free
Requirements Android 2.2 or higher
-
Download PlayOn Media Server
Download PlayOn media server for your PC


To access these features, users will need to install the PlayOn app both on a mobile device and PC. PlayOn is available as an annual subscription for $29.99/year or lifetime for $59.99. In addition to Chromecast, PlayOn can also stream to Xbox, Xbox 360 and Roku devices.

Press Release


source - AndroidCentral
DJs

Chromecast now includes Crackle and Rdio support

Google Chromecast

Google has announced two new Chromecast partners and even more option for streaming movies, TV shows and music. Starting today users will be able to stream both Rdio and Crackle content directly to your TV using your Google Chromecast.

Crackle is an on-demand streaming service from Sony’s entertainment division, which offers popular TV shows and movies for free with the support of ads. The site also features some original content, including Jerry Seinfeld’s webseries Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. Most important, however, it’s the only place online to legally stream old episodes of Seinfeld, though you’re limited to 10 hand-picked episodes per month.

Meanwhile, Rdio offers on-demand streaming as well as online radio. The service is available for free with ads, though you can upgrade to Rdio Unlimited for just $9.99 per month to get ad-free mobile streaming. While adding support for Chromecast, the company notes it went beyond simply letting you pipe your music through your TV speakers. “Music fans can access Rdio’s massive catalog of over 20 million songs or start a station easily, all from Chromecast on their TV,” says CEO Anthony Bay.

With its $35 Chromecast, Google is poised to potentially dominate the set-top box market by offering the cheapest option available. That may change later this week if Amazon announces a streaming device of its own at an upcoming media conference focused on the company’s video business. The online retail giant already boasts a massive video library, and if it can offer that same content in a device priced competitively with Google it’s sure to attract plenty of customers. Chromecast is sure to keep adding more partners, though, so don’t worry if you already bought the device.


source - Google | Rdio
DJs

[Android app] Google Play Music updated with Chromecast support

Google Play Music for Android and Google Play Movies & TV for Android have been upgraded and add support for Chromecast. There doesn't seem to be much more in terms of features other than some bug fixes and small user improvements which make context menus easier to access.

You can download the update directly on your device through the Google Play Store or by using the link which follows:

Download
Price Free
Requirements Android 2.2 or greater


Google Play Music for Android makes it easy to discover, play and share the music you love on Android and the web. With our new All Access service, you can play millions of songs on Google Play, listen to radio with no limits, and enjoy playlists handcrafted by our music experts.

With both All Access and Standard versions of the Google Play Music app, you listen to your music collection anywhere. All your music is stored online, so no need to worry about syncing, storage space or offline playback.
DJs

[Android app] Google Play Movies & TV updated with Chromecast support

Google Play Movies & TV for Android and Google Play Music for Android have been upgraded and add support for Chromecast. The update adds support for virtual surround sound on both the new Nexus 7 and the Nexus 10 running Android 4.3, and there is a new option for syncing your Watch Now items across devices. You also get the usual bug fixes and performance enhancements.

You can download the update directly on your device through the Google Play Store or by using the link which follows:

Download
Price Free
Requirements Android 4.0 or greater


Google Play Movies & TV for Android allows you to watch movies and TV shows purchased on Google Play. You can stream instantly on your Android phone or tablet, or download so you can watch from anywhere, even when you’re not connected. Also, get quick access to your personal video collection, including those captured by your phone or tablet.
DJs

Google Chromecast announced, allows streaming content to your TV from any device

Google Chromecast announcedToday was a day full of announcements from Google, which included a new Google Nexus 7 and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. But one of the most interesting announcements came in the small form of the Google Chromecast.

The Chromecast is a tiny dongle which you can attach to your TV HDMI port and allows you to control your TV from a range of Android, iOS devices or a Windows or Mac computer which is running Google Chrome.

Once you have found an available HDMI port on your computer and connected your Chromecast to it, ensure your controlling device and Chromecast are on the same network. The YouTube for Android app and the YouTube website will offer options to broadcast content from your controlling device to your Chromecast and allow you to enjoy your media on the larger TV display. Google also demonstrated the ability to enjoy Netflix movies or Pandora music on your TV and surround speakers through Chromecast. You can even enjoy your Google Play content through Chromecast


Google will offer developers the ability to Chromecast their own content. Chromecast will be available for Android and iOS devices and for computers running the Chrome web browser, but Windows Phones and Windows RT tablets are currently left out as Google has chosen not to support these platforms yet.


While apps on Android and iOS will be limited to those developers who add support for Chromecast, the web browser on your Mac and Windows computers offers limitless opportunities. Google will add the ability to stream your Chrome tabs to your TV, which means photos, videos and content you are browsing on your computer can be streamed through Chromecast. Google Cast for Chrome is still in beta, but you can download it using the following link and try it out now.

Download Google Cast

Obviously the most important component is the device itself, which is current priced at an ultra affordable $35 and can be purchased on the Google Play Store starting today by using the following link.

Buy Chromecast

Additionally Chromecast comes bundled with three months of free Netflix, which should allow your to catch up on popular movies and TV shows you like. Chromecast will also be available through most major retailers from July 28th.
Check price on Amazon