Chromecast - Any good?

[Anonymous]

http://www.google.co.uk/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromecast/

I've seen this advertised on TV quite a bit and like the look of it. Has anyone got one that could give their opinion on?

I can connect my Z10 directly to my TV via HDMI cable anyway so not sure if I would immediately see the benefit of Chromecast unless I got an Android phone or Tablet. In saying that, I said the same thing about Apple TV before I saw it...and now think its a great idea for iDevice users!

So is it worth spending £30 on?

NB: Chromecast works with Android tablets and smartphones, iPhone and iPad devices, Chrome for Windows, Chrome for Mac and Chromebooks.

[Anonymous]

@Anonymous I am disappointed there have been no reponses to your query sir.  I was thinking about Chromecast myself and was anxious to get some user feedback.  Not being a techy person I am not even sure I need one - I have a Samsung Smart TV and can get the usual Freeview Channels, as well as displaying photos & videos wirelessly from my Galaxy S4.  What extra features would the Chromecast thingy provide?

[Anonymous]

Like you @Anonymous I am watching this with interest as I don't have a smart tv but it does have hdmi and usb connections.

Anyone got a Chromecast?

[Anonymous]

@Anonymous By the sounds of it you are able to do much of what ChromeCast can do already with your Smart TV. However I believe you would also get the following features:

* Browser mirroring from a PC or Mac (you could show on your TV what is in your browser)

* Portablity (You can take ChromeCast and plug it into a friends TV)

* BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Youtube (I'm going to assume however that your TV already has these!)

So...ummm...it looks like the main plus point for you would be the portability of the device! You could do what you do with your TV and phone with someone else's TV when you're away from home.

Would you pay £30 to be able to do that?

[Anonymous]

Hi @papadug. Are you well?

If I get this right, Chromecast effectively turns a non smart tv into a form of smart tv instead of using an hdmi cable between a laptop and the tv?

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much for that helpful clarification @Anonymous .  I can certainly think of a lot of other things I'd rather spend £30 on.     

Gerry

[MI5]

A quick resurrection of this thread to say it is available this bank hol weekend from Currys at £18 if reserved or ordered on line (£20 in store otherwise).
It also seems like a good place to have a Chromecast chat room as there are 3 of us with them now that I know of - Anyone else got one?

[jonsie]

I'm sure there will be more snapping them up at that price!

[Anonymous]

Oooooo thanks for the heads up! I might just get one at the weekend then, just because!

[jonsie]

You really can't afford to be without one at the offered price.