Google has entered the hardware media streamer business with its Chromecast device. The popular device, already sold out at Amazon, aims to bring the Internet and streaming videos to "dumb" TVs that aren't capable of connecting to the Internet.
At only $35, and no bigger than your typical USB thumb drive, buyers snapped up the device in record time. Early adopters also managed to grab a free 3 month worth of Netflix (valued at $24), before the offer was ended prematurely due to overwhelming demand.
The device plugs into your TV's HDMI port (powered optionally via the TV's USB port, or an AC adapter), and connects to your existing Wi-Fi network. Then, using the Chrome mobile or desktop browser, users can set up the device and beam everything that is being displayed on the Chrome browser to their Chromecast connected TV. In addition, the Google Play Music and Movies, YouTube and Netflix Android apps also have an Chromecast feature to beam the content directly to the TV.
While Chromecast's app support is so far limited to these four apps, more apps and platforms will be supported in the future now that Google have released the API to Chromecast.
Chromecast is currently not available to buy, officially, for Australian users. But for those that manage to get their hands on one, and coupled with a geo-unblocking service or add-on (like the free Hola extension for Chrome), it could represent the cheapest way yet to enjoy Netflix on your TV.
