Chromecast

Last updated

Chromecast
Google Chromecast wordmark.svg
Collection of Chromecast devices.jpg
A collection of devices released under the Chromecast product line
Developer Google
ManufacturerGoogle
Type Digital media player
Release date
  • 1st gen: July 24, 2013 (2013-07-24)
  • 2nd gen and Audio: September 29, 2015 (2015-09-29)
  • Ultra: November 6, 2016 (2016-11-06)
  • 3rd gen: October 10, 2018 (2018-10-10)
  • w/Google TV (4K): September 30, 2020 (2020-09-30)
  • w/Google TV (HD): September 22, 2022 (2022-09-22)
Introductory price
  • 1st, 2nd, 3rd gen, and Audio: US$35 [1] / £30
  • Ultra: US$69
  • w/Google TV (4K): US$49.99
  • w/Google TV (HD): US$29.99
DiscontinuedAugust 6, 2024 (2024-08-06)
Units sold100 million
Display
  • 1080p (1st, 2nd, 3rd gen, w/Google TV (HD))
  • 4K Ultra HD (Ultra and w/Google TV (4K))
Connectivity
Power
Predecessor Nexus Q
Successor Google TV Streamer
Website chromecast.com

Chromecast is a discontinued line of digital media players developed by Google. The devices, designed as small dongles, can play Internet-streamed audio-visual content on a high-definition television or home audio system. The user can control playback with a mobile device or personal computer through mobile and web apps that can use the Google Cast protocol, or by issuing commands via Google Assistant; later models introduced an interactive user interface and remote control. Content can be mirrored to video models from the Google Chrome web browser on a personal computer or from the screen of some Android devices.

Contents

The first-generation Chromecast, a video streaming device, was announced on July 24, 2013, and made available for purchase on the same day in the United States for US$35(equivalent to $45.78 in 2023). [2] The second-generation Chromecast and an audio-only model called Chromecast Audio were released in September 2015. A model called Chromecast Ultra that can display 4K resolution and high dynamic range was released in November 2016. A third generation of the HD video Chromecast was released in October 2018. The final models, called Chromecast with Google TV, were the first in the product line to feature an interactive user interface and remote control; a 4K version was released in September 2020, followed by a 1080p version in September 2022.

Critics praised the first-generation Chromecast's simplicity and potential for future app support. The Google Cast SDK was released on February 3, 2014, allowing third parties to modify their software to work with Chromecast and other Cast receivers. By May 2015, more than 1.5 billion stream requests had been initiated and over 20,000 Cast-ready apps had been made available, according to Google. Chromecast was the best-selling streaming device in the United States in 2014, according to NPD Group. Over 100 million Chromecast devices were sold over 11 years, according to Google. Many technology publications included Chromecast on their lists of popular and influential products of the 2010s. In 2024, the Chromecast product line was discontinued and replaced with the Google TV Streamer. [3]

Development

The Chromecast was originally conceived by engineer Majd Bakar. [4] His inspiration for the product came around 2008 after noticing the film-viewing tendencies of his wife Carla Hindie. Using her laptop, she would search for a film to watch on a streaming service and add it to her queue, before closing her laptop and using a gaming device to play the film on a television. She took these steps because she found television interfaces difficult to use when searching for content. [5] Rishi Chandra, who previously headed up development of the Google TV operating system, had similar experiences at home, as his wife watched YouTube videos in their living room on a laptop rather than on a television because she found it "too much of a pain" to play videos on their television. [4] Bakar found the whole process inefficient and wanted to build a phone-based interface that would allow video to play on a large display through a small hardware device. [5]

After joining Google in 2011 to work on products that "would change how people used their TVs", Bakar pitched the idea for the Chromecast. [5] In 2012, a small team split off from the Google TV team to begin development of the Chromecast; Chandra described it as a "true kind of little mini startup inside of Google". At the time, Google had limited experience manufacturing its own devices and had to partner with other companies for its Google Nexus line of devices. The Chromecast team subsequently enlisted an employee from Motorola, which Google had just acquired at the time, to coordinate manufacturing as a "20% time" side project. Google originally targeted an introductory price of US$25 for the Chromecast but had not accounted for factors such as certification testing and retailers' profit margins; the initial model ultimately launched at a price point of US$35. [4] Late that year, Bakar brought home a beta version of the product for Hindie to test. The device was launched in July 2013. [5]

According to a complaint filed against Google as part of a copyright infringement lawsuit, Google employees reportedly held several meetings with the company Touchstream in December 2011 to discuss its casting technology. However, Google later conveyed that it was not interested in Touchstream's technology. About 18 months later, Google introduced its Chromecast media-streaming devices, which were allegedly based on the technology demonstrated during those earlier meetings. [6]

Features and operation

A first-generation Chromecast plugged into the HDMI port of a TV Chromecast plugged into TV.jpg
A first-generation Chromecast plugged into the HDMI port of a TV

All Chromecast devices offer at least two methods to stream content: the first employs mobile and web apps that include the Google Cast technology; the second, which applies to video models, allows mirroring of content from the web browser Google Chrome running on a personal computer, as well as content displayed on some Android devices. [7] In both cases, playback is initiated through the "cast" button on the sender device. [8]

When no content is streamed, video-capable Chromecasts display a user-personalizable content feed called "Backdrop" that can include featured and personal photos, artwork, weather, satellite images, weather forecasts, and news. [9]

If a television's HDMI ports implement the Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature, pressing the cast button will also result in the video-capable Chromecast automatically turning on the TV and switching the television's active audio/video input using the CEC command "One Touch Playback". [10]

Hardware and design

Chromecast devices are dongles that are powered by connecting the device to an external power adapter or USB port using a USB cable. Video-capable Chromecasts plug into the HDMI port of a high-definition television or monitor, while the audio-only model outputs sound through its integrated 3.5 millimeter audio jack/mini-TOSLINK socket. By default, Chromecasts connect to the Internet through a Wi-Fi connection to the user's local network. A standalone USB power supply with an Ethernet port allows for a wired Internet connection; the power adapter for early Chromecast models was first introduced in July 2015 for US$15, [11] while the adapter for Chromecast with Google TV was released in October 2020 for US$20. [12]

First generation

The first-generation video-capable Chromecast Chromecast (1st generation)-0869.jpg
The first-generation video-capable Chromecast

The original Chromecast measures 2.83 inches (72 mm) in length and has an HDMI plug built into the body. [13] It contains the Marvell Armada 1500-mini 88DE3005 system on a chip (SoC) running an ARM Cortex-A9 processor. The SoC includes codecs for hardware decoding of the VP8 and H.264 video compression formats. Radio communication is handled by AzureWave NH–387 Wi-Fi which implements 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz). The device has 512 MB of Micron DDR3L RAM and 2 GB of flash storage. [14] [15]

The model number H2G2-42 is likely a reference to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy abbreviation "H2G2"—in the novel, the number 42 is the "Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything." [14] [16] The bundled power adapter bears the model number MST3K-US, a reference to the television series Mystery Science Theater 3000 . [17]

Second generation

The second-generation video capable Chromecast Chromecast-2015.jpg
The second-generation video capable Chromecast

The second-generation Chromecast has a disc-shaped body with a short length of HDMI cable attached (as opposed to the HDMI plug built into the original model). The cable is flexible and the plug can magnetically attach to the device body for more positioning options behind a television. The second-generation model uses a Marvell Armada 1500 Mini Plus 88DE3006 SoC, which has dual ARM Cortex-A7 processors running at 1.2 GHz. The unit contains an Avastar 88W8887 radio chip, which has improved Wi-Fi performance and supports the 802.11 ac wireless protocol and 5 GHz band, while containing three adaptive antennas for better connections to home routers. [18] [19] [20] The device contains 512 MB of Samsung DDR3L RAM and 256 MB of flash storage. [21]

The model number NC2-6A5 may be a reference to the registry number "NCC-1701" of the fictional starship USS Enterprise from the Star Trek franchise, the "saucer section" of which the device resembles: NC2 can be read as NCC, and 6A5 converted from hexadecimal is 1701. [22]

Chromecast Audio

Chromecast Audio, without the 3.5 mm audio cable attached Chromecast Audio RUX-J42-5811.jpg
Chromecast Audio, without the 3.5 mm audio cable attached

Chromecast Audio is a variation of the second-generation Chromecast designed for use with audio streaming apps. Chromecast Audio features a 3.5 millimeter audio jack/mini-TOSLINK socket, allowing the device to be attached to speakers and home audio systems. [23] One side of the device is inscribed with circular grooves, resembling those of a vinyl record. [24] A December 2015 update introduced support for high-resolution audio (24-bit/96 kHz) and multi-room playback; users can simultaneously play audio across multiple Chromecast Audio devices in different locations by grouping them together using the Google Home mobile app. [25] The feature made Chromecast Audio a low-cost alternative to Sonos' multiple-room music systems. [26]

The model number RUX-J42 may have been a reference to the Jimi Hendrix albums Are You Experienced (stylized "R U eXperienced") and Midnight Lightning , which had the internal code J-42. Chromecast Audio was also developed with the internal codename Hendrix. [27]

Chromecast Ultra

Chromecast Ultra Chromecast-Ultra-from-Stadia-Premiere-Edition-bundle.jpg
Chromecast Ultra

Chromecast Ultra is similar in design to the second-generation model, but features upgraded hardware that allows the streaming of 4K resolution content, as well as high-dynamic range (HDR) through the HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats. (The maximum resolution of the "Ambient" screensaver features is 1080p.) [28] Google stated that the Chromecast Ultra loads video 1.8 times faster than previous models. [29] Unlike previous models that could be powered through a USB port, the Chromecast Ultra requires the use of the included power supply for connecting to a wall outlet. The power supply also offers an Ethernet port for a wired connection to accommodate the fast network speeds needed to stream 4K content. [30] The Chromecast Ultra was one of the first devices to work with Google's now discontinued cloud gaming service Stadia; a Chromecast Ultra was included with a controller in the "Founder's Edition" and "Premiere Edition" bundles for Stadia. [31] [32]

Third generation

The third-generation Chromecast Chromecast (3rd generation).jpg
The third-generation Chromecast

The third-generation Chromecast added 60 frames-per-second playback capability at a resolution of 1080p, compared to the second-generation Chromecast's maximum of 720p at the same frame rate. Google said the third-generation Chromecast offered a 15 percent increase in speed over the second-generation model. The magnetic attachment between the dongle body and HDMI plug that was present on prior models was dropped for the third-generation device. [33] The model contains Chromecast Audio technology, allowing it to be paired with other devices for multi-room synchronized playback. [34]

Chromecast with Google TV

Chromecast with Google TV (4K model pictured) was the first device in the product line to have an on-screen user interface that can be navigated with a remote control. Chromecast-with-Google-TV-snow-color-on-wood-table2.jpg
Chromecast with Google TV (4K model pictured) was the first device in the product line to have an on-screen user interface that can be navigated with a remote control.

Chromecast with Google TV is the fourth generation of the Chromecast product line, and comprises two models: one capable of up to 4K resolution video that was released in September 2020; and a cheaper "Chromecast with Google TV (HD)" model capable up to 1080p resolution video that was released in September 2022. Unlike past models, Chromecasts with Google TV are bespoke digital media players based on the Android TV operating system, with the then-new Google TV user interface that offers content discovery and search across various media services. Like previous models, Chromecasts with Google TV allow content to be cast to them from other devices. [35] [36]

Chromecasts with Google TV are bundled with a Bluetooth remote control, which has dedicated buttons for opening YouTube and Netflix, as well as a Google Assistant button for initiating voice commands or search queries through the remote's microphone. [37] The remote can be programmed to control the power, volume, and input functions of televisions and soundbars through HDMI-CEC or infrared signals. [38] Unlike some previous models that could be powered by a television's USB port, Chromecasts with Google TV require a power adapter, which connects via USB-C. [39]

The 4K model shipped with Android 10 and was later upgradeable to Android 12 through a downloadable update. [40] It supports HDR through the Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ formats, while also supporting the Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos audio formats. [37] It contains 8 GB of internal storage, [41] 2 GB of RAM, [42] and an Amlogic S905D3 SoC. [43] The 4K model and its remote were produced in three different colors: Snow, Sky, and Sunrise. [39] [44]

The HD model shipped with Android 12. Like the 4K model, it included 8 GB of internal storage, [41] but many other technical specifications were reduced. The HD version contains 1.5 GB of RAM and a less powerful Amlogic S805X2 chipset. [45] It includes a hardware AV1 decoder, which was not in the 4K model. The HD model and its remote were only produced in the Snow color. [41] [46] [47]

Model comparison

Previous generationCurrent generation
ModelChromecast (1st generation)Chromecast (2nd generation)Chromecast AudioChromecast UltraChromecast (3rd generation)Chromecast with Google TV (4K) (4th generation)Chromecast with Google TV (HD) (4th generation)
Model NumberH2G2-42NC2-6A5RUX-J42NC2-6A5-D

GA3A00403A14

NC2-6A5B

GA00439

GZRNL/G9N9N

GA01919

G454V/G9N9N

GA03131

Release dateJuly 24, 2013September 29, 2015September 29, 2015November 6, 2016 [48] October 10, 2018September 30, 2020September 22, 2022
Sales discontinuedSeptember 29, 2015October 10, 2018January 11, 2019September 30, 2020September 22, 2022——
Launch priceUS$35US$35US$35US$69 [48] US$35US$49.99US$29.99
Operating system based onChromecast firmware (simplified version of Chrome OS)Chromecast firmware (simplified version of Chrome OS)Chromecast firmware (based on Chrome OS)Chromecast firmware (based on Chrome OS)Chromecast firmware (based on Chrome OS) Android TV Android TV
System on a chip Marvell Armada 1500 Mini 88DE3005-A1 [14] Marvell Armada 1500 Mini Plus 88DE3006Marvell Armada 1500 Mini Plus 88DE3006 (1.2 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A7) [20] Marvell Armada 1500 Mini Plus (1.2 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A53) ? Amlogic S905D3 (1.9 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A55) and Mali-G31 MP2 GPU [43] Amlogic S805X2 (quad-core ARM Cortex-A35) [47]
Memory512 MB DDR3L [14] 512 MB DDR3L [21] 256 MB DDR3L [21] 1 GB DDR3L ?2 GB DDR3L [43] 1.5 GB DDR3L [47]
Storage2 GB [14] 256 MB [21] 256 MB [21]  ? ?8 GB [49] 8 GB [47]
Display 1080p @ 30fps or 720p @ 60fps1080p @ 30fps or 720p @ 60fps—1080p @ 60fps
  • 4K Ultra HD @ 60fps
  • High dynamic range (HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG) [52]
Software and Security SupportEnded in May 2023SupportedSupportedSupportedSupportedSupportedSupported
Audio DAC——AKM AK4430 192 kHz 24-Bit DAC [21] [53] ————
Remote control —————IncludedIncluded
Connectivity
  • HDMI (can use CEC)
  • Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n/ac @ 2.4/5 GHz) [54]
  • Ethernet (with Ethernet power adapter)
  • HDMI (can use CEC)
  • Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n/ac @ 2.4/5 GHz) [54]
  • Ethernet (with included Ethernet power adapter) [50]
  • HDMI (can use CEC)
  • Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n/ac @ 2.4/5 GHz)
  • Ethernet (with Ethernet power adapter)
  • HDMI (can use CEC)
  • Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n/ac @ 2.4/5 GHz) [54]
  • Bluetooth 4.2
  • Ethernet (with Ethernet power adapter) [50]
  • HDMI (can use CEC)
  • Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n/ac @ 2.4/5 GHz) [54]
  • Bluetooth
  • Ethernet (with Ethernet power adapter) [52]
Power Micro-USB
(USB port or power adapter)		Micro-USB
(USB port or power adapter)		Micro-USB
(USB port or power adapter)		Micro-USB
(power adapter required)		Micro-USB
(USB port or power adapter)		 USB-C
(power adapter required)		 USB-C
(power adapter required)
Dimensions72 mm × 35 mm × 12 mm (2.83 in × 1.38 in × 0.47 in)51.9 mm × 51.9 mm × 13.49 mm (2.04 in × 2.04 in × 0.53 in)51.9 mm × 51.9 mm × 13.49 mm (2.04 in × 2.04 in × 0.53 in)58.2 mm × 58.2 mm × 13.70 mm (2.29 in × 2.29 in × 0.54 in) [50] 51.81 mm × 51.81 mm × 13.8 mm (2.04 in × 2.04 in × 0.54 in)162 mm × 61 mm × 12.5 mm (6.38 in × 2.40 in × 0.49 in)162.5 mm × 61 mm × 12.5 mm (6.40 in × 2.40 in × 0.49 in) [52]
Weight34 g (1.20 oz)39.1 g (1.38 oz)30.7 g (1.08 oz)47 g (1.66 oz) [50] 40 g (1.4 oz)56.7 g (2.00 oz)55 g (1.9 oz) [52]

Software

Google Cast SDK and compatible apps

Icon for the "cast button", which is used to connect, control and disconnect from Google Cast receivers. The button can also represent compatible non-Cast receivers, such as Bluetooth audio players. Chromecast cast button icon.svg
Icon for the "cast button", which is used to connect, control and disconnect from Google Cast receivers. The button can also represent compatible non-Cast receivers, such as Bluetooth audio players.

At the time of Chromecast's launch, four compatible apps were available: YouTube and Netflix were supported as Android, iOS, and Chrome web apps; Google Play Music and Google Play Movies & TV were also supported, but originally only as Android apps. [58] [59] Additional Chromecast-enabled apps would require access to the Google Cast software development kit (SDK). The SDK was first released as a preview version on July 24, 2013. Google advised interested developers to use the SDK to create and test Chromecast-enabled apps, but not distribute them. [60] While that admonition remained in force, Chromecast-enabled applications for Hulu Plus and Pandora Radio were released in October 2013, and HBO Go in November. [61] [62] Google opened the SDK to all developers on February 3, 2014. [63] In its introductory documentation and video presentation, Google said the SDK worked with both Chromecast devices and other unnamed "cast receiver devices". Chromecast product manager Rish Chandra said that Google used the intervening time to improve the SDK's reliability and accommodate those developers who sought a quick and easy way to cast a photo to a television without a lot of coding. [64] [65]

Over time, many more applications have been updated to support Chromecast. At Google I/O 2014, the company announced that 6,000 registered developers were working on 10,000 Google Cast–ready apps; [66] by the following year's conference, the number of compatible apps had doubled. [67] Google's official list of compatible apps and platforms is available on the Chromecast website. Google has published case studies documenting Chromecast integration by Comedy Central, Just Dance Now , Haystack News and Fitnet. [68]

In July 2019, the Amazon Prime Video apps for Android and iOS added Chromecast support, marking the first time Amazon's streaming service supported the device. The move followed a four-year dispute between Google and Amazon in which Amazon stopped selling Chromecast devices and Google pulled YouTube from Amazon Fire TV. [69] [70]

The development framework has two components: a sender app based on a vendor's existing Android or iOS mobile app or desktop web app, which provides users with content discovery and media controls; and a receiver app, executing in a Chrome browser-like environment resident on the cast receiver device. Both make use of APIs provided by the SDK. [64]

Device discovery protocols

Chromecast uses the multicast Domain Name System (mDNS) protocol to search for available devices on a Wi-Fi network. [71] [72] Chromecast previously used the Discovery and Launch (DIAL) protocol, [73] which was co-developed by Netflix and YouTube. [74]

Operating system

At the introductory press conference, Mario Queiroz, Google's VP of Product Management, said that the first-generation Chromecast ran "a simplified version of ChromeOS". [75] Subsequently, a team of hackers reported that the device is "more Android than ChromeOS" and appears to be adapted from software that was embedded in the since-discontinued Google TV platform. [76] [77] As with ChromeOS devices, Chromecast operating system updates are downloaded automatically without notification. [78]

Differing from all previous models, the Chromecast with Google TV models run on the Android TV operating system. A modified user interface, branded "Google TV" (unrelated to Google's discontinued smart TV platform), replaced the stock interface of Android TV. The Google TV interface emphasizes content recommendations and discovery across different services and installed apps, compared to the stock Android TV interface that is more focused on navigating between individual installed apps. When the Chromecast with Google TV launched, the Google TV interface was compatible with over 6,500 apps built for Android TV, [79] and over 30 streaming services were integrated with Google TV for use in its content aggregation features. [80]

Mobile app

Chromecast is managed through the Google Home app, which enables users to set up new devices and configure existing ones (such as specifying which "Ambient Mode" images are shown when no other content is cast). The app manages other Google Cast-supported devices, including the Google Home smart speaker. [81] [82]

Originally called simply "Chromecast", the app was released concurrently with the original Chromecast video model and made available for both Android and iOS mobile devices. The app was released outside the US in October 2013. [83]

In May 2016, the Chromecast app was renamed Google Cast due to the proliferation of non-Chromecast products that support casting. [84] In October 2016, the Google Cast app was renamed Google Home, the name also given to the company's smart speaker—leaving "Google Cast" as the name of the technology. [85]

Release and promotion

The first-generation Chromecast featured a limited promotion that included 3 months of Netflix at no cost. POS system showing Netflix 3 free months with Chromecast purchase.jpg
The first-generation Chromecast featured a limited promotion that included 3 months of Netflix at no cost.

Google made the first-generation Chromecast available for purchase online in the US on July 24, 2013. To entice consumers, Google initially included a promotion for three months of access to Netflix at no cost with the purchase of a Chromecast. The device quickly sold out on Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, and Google Play, and within 24 hours, the Netflix promotion was ended because of high demand. [86] [87] On March 18, 2014, Google released the Chromecast to 11 new markets, including the UK, Germany and Canada [88] with the BBC iPlayer enabled for UK users. [89]

A retail display stand for Chromecast ChromecastStand2.jpg
A retail display stand for Chromecast

In July 2014, to commemorate the first anniversary of the device's launch, Google announced it would offer their music streaming service, Google Play Music All Access, at no cost for 90 days to Chromecast owners who had not previously used All Access; the standard cost of the service at that time was US$9.99 per month. [90] On December 10, 2014, Chromecast was launched in India through e-commerce marketplace Snapdeal in partnership with Bharti Airtel. [91] That same month, Google offered a promotion whereby anyone purchasing a Chromecast from a participating retailer before December 21 would receive a US$20 credit for the Google Play Store. [92] Google offered a US$6 credit to the Store for all Chromecast owners beginning on February 6, 2015. [93]

On September 29, 2015, Google announced the second-generation Chromecast and an audio-only model called Chromecast Audio. Each model was made available for purchase the same day for US$35. [94] Days later, Amazon.com announced that it would ban the sale of Chromecast and Apple TV devices, presumably because they competed with Amazon's own Fire TV and Fire TV Stick. [95] Google discontinued Chromecast Audio in January 2019. [96]

On September 30, 2020, Google announced the Chromecast with Google TV during its "Launch Night In" event, [97] though the product was already sold early at some retailers such as Walmart and the Home Depot during the week prior to its announcement. [98] [99] Google offered a promotion whereby anyone who signed up for YouTube TV and paid for one month of the service (a US$65 cost) would receive a Chromecast with Google TV at no cost; the offer was available only in the US to first-time YouTube TV subscribers. [100] Additionally, in December 2020, Google made an offer available to YouTube TV users who had been continuous subscribers since June 2018 that allowed them to redeem a Chromecast with Google TV at no cost. [101]

Reception

First generation model

The first-generation Chromecast riiwiw Chromecast (11419059095).jpg
The first-generation Chromecast

Nilay Patel of The Verge gave the Chromecast an 8.5/10 score in his review, saying, "The Chromecast is basically an impulse purchase that just happens to be the simplest, cheapest, and best solution for getting a browser window on your TV." Speaking of the adapter's potential, he said, "it seems like the Chromecast might actually deliver on all that potential, but Google still has a lot of work to do." In particular, Patel pointed to Apple's AirPlay protocol as an example of an established competitor with many more features. [102] TechCrunch 's review of the device said, "Even with a bug or two rearing its head, the Chromecast is easily worth its $35 pricetag." [103] Gizmodo gave the device a positive review, highlighting the ease of setup and sharing video. In comparing the device to competitors, the review said, "Chromecast isn't Google's version of Apple TV, and it's not trying to be... But Chromecast also costs a third of what those devices do, and has plenty of potential given that its SDK is just a few days old." [104]

Michael Gorman of Engadget gave the Chromecast an 84/100 score, writing, "it's a platform that's likely to improve dramatically as more apps start to support the technology." In his comparing the Chromecast to competing devices, Gorman illustrated that it initially had support from fewer multimedia services, but because of its low price and ease of use, he concluded "we can wholeheartedly recommend the Chromecast for anyone who's been looking for an easy, unobtrusive way to put some brains into their dumb TV." [105] Will Greenwald of PC Magazine rated it 4/5, saying, "The Google Chromecast is the least expensive way to access online services on your HDTV", although he noted that "The lack of local playback and limited Chrome integration holds it back in some respects." [106] David Pogue of The New York Times praised the device for its $35 retail price, saying, "It's already a fine price for what this gadget does, and it will seem better and better the more video apps are made to work with it." Pogue noted the limitations of the device's screen mirroring feature and said using only mobile devices as a remote control was not "especially graceful", but he called Chromecast the "smallest, cheapest, simplest way yet to add Internet to your TV". [107]

Second generation model

Nicole Lee of Engadget rated the second generation Chromecast an 85/100, highlighting the added support for 802.11ac and dual-band Wi-Fi networks and the usefulness of the updated Chromecast mobile app for finding content to cast. She said of the device, "No, it's not that much better than the original, but it still delivers great bang for your buck." [108] David Katzmaier of CNET gave it a 7.9/10 score, calling the new hardware design more practical and praising the Chromecast app's search capabilities. He ultimately preferred other streaming devices with dedicated remotes over the Chromecast for everyday use, but said "for parties, travel and temporary connections, it's worth having a Chromecast in your arsenal". [109]

Third generation model

In the face of stronger competition from devices such as the Apple TV, Roku or Fire TV, reviewers started to consider the 2018 Chromecast a secondary streaming device. [110] Trusted Reviews considered it a "very minor" upgrade. [111] Tom's Guide said it has almost "nothing to show" to reflect three years of hardware advancement in the streaming space. [112]

Chromecast with Google TV

Chris Welch of The Verge gave the Chromecast with Google TV an 8.5/10 score, calling it a "big success" that "checks off almost everything important" for a streaming device. Welch praised the remote control and the Google TV interface's emphasis on content discovery, while noting some occasional sluggish performance. He concluded that Google "reinvented the Chromecast as an excellent 4K streamer that's dramatically easier to use — turns out actual menus and a remote really do matter — without losing sight of what made the original great". [39] Sam Rutherford of Gizmodo said the device "instantly catapulted Google to the front of the streaming dongle wars with a $50 device that's smarter and easier to use than pretty much anything else out there". He lauded the remote control and user interface of Google TV, saying that it "feels just a bit more curated, polished, and tweaked to make the process of jumping back into your favorite shows and movies (or discovering new ones) that much faster". [113] Eli Blumenthal of CNET gave the device a 9/10 score and described it as "the search giant's best TV effort yet and one of the best streamers you can buy, period". He praised Google TV's content aggregation and called it an upgrade over the stock Android TV interface. Blumenthal also called the integration with Google Assistant the best part of the Chromecast, despite some quirks with search results for video content. [114]

Nicole Lee of Engadget called it "not only the best Chromecast yet, but also one of the most value-packed streaming devices on the market". She complimented the remote control design and the Google TV interface for being "far easier to navigate" than the standard Android TV interface. She also opined that Google TV was better than Amazon's Fire TV at aggregating content from multiple services, and that Google Assistant was "smarter" than Amazon's Alexa for voice commands. [115] Nick Pino of TechRadar rated the device four-and-a-half stars and called it "a revelation – it fixes something that wasn't broken, and improves a nearly perfect technology in a tangible way". He praised the hardware, video and audio format support, and the user interface's ease of use, calling it a "retooled streaming device that... offers a whole new experience that's more user-friendly for folks who are used to using a remote control and an easily navigable interface." [116] Brian X. Chen of The New York Times was surprised by the number of privacy policies the user had to agree to and the number of permissions the user had to grant during the setup process, and he was disappointed with the recommendations given by Google TV. [117]

Sales and impact

In July 2014, Google announced that in the device's first year on sale, "millions" of units had sold and over 400 million casts had been made. [118] The number of casts surpassed one billion by January 2015, [119] and 1.5 billion by May 2015. [120] The company confirmed that Chromecast was the best-selling media streaming device in the United States in 2014, according to NPD Group. [119] In February 2015, Google Korea announced that about 10 million Chromecasts had been sold globally in 2014. [121] At Google I/O in May 2015, the company announced 17 million units had sold since launch, [122] a figure that reached 20 million by September 2015, [123] 25 million by May 2016, [124] and 30 million by July 2016. [125] According to Strategy Analytics, Chromecast captured more than 35% of the digital streamer market internationally in 2015. [126] By October 2017, over 55 million Chromecasts and Chromecast built-in devices have been sold. [127] When announcing the end of the product line in August 2024, Google said that over 100 million Chromecasts had been sold. [128] [129]

Digital Trends named Chromecast the "Best Product of 2013". [130] In March 2014, Engadget named Chromecast an Editor's Choice winner for "Home Theater Product of the Year" as part of the website's annual awards; [131] for the following year's awards, the website named the device the winner of "Best in Home Entertainment". [132]

In July 2015, Google signed a deal with the Television Academy to provide Chromecasts to Emmy Award voters to allow them to view screeners of nominated media. The multi-year agreement were intended to reduce the volume of DVD screeners distributed each year. [133]

Chromecast appeared on several lists of technology from the 2010s. Time named it one of the 10 best gadgets of the decade, saying, "It might not be an essential piece of technology in the decade to come, but the Chromecast's influence on streaming media can't be understated." [134] USA Today ranked Chromecast the 7th-best gadget of the 2010s. [135] PC Magazine listed it as one of the "most iconic tech innovations" of the decade, saying, "Google made wireless streaming from mobile devices to the TV as simple as a few taps, all for $35." [136] The Verge ranked it 39th on their list of the gadgets of the 2010s, saying that Chromecast "helped make streaming video a normal part of many households". [137]

Security

On January 3, 2019, hackers took control of Chromecast devices, stating they were exposing security risks. The hackers claimed to access 70,000 devices through UPnP, a router setting that can make connected devices viewable to the public. [138] The bug was dubbed CastHack, and was first found in 2014 by the security consultancy firm Bishop Fox and observed again in 2016. [139]

Patent infringement

On July 24, 2023, a Texas jury found that Chromecast and other devices infringe patents owned by Touchstream Technologies related to streaming videos from one screen to another. The jury determined that Google violated the patents and must pay $338.7 million in damages. [6]

Discontinuation and successor

With the advent of Google Home smart speakers, Chromecast Audio became tangential to Google's product strategy and was discontinued in January 2019. [96]

After 10 years of supporting the original Chromecast, Google ended software and security updates for the device in April 2023. [140] [141] [142]

On August 6, 2024, Google announced that it was ending production of the Chromecast product line and that it would sell the devices until it exhausted existing inventory. The company said it would continue providing software and security updates for remaining devices. [3] The same day, the company announced Google TV Streamer as its next media streaming device. The product has a sloped, wedge-shaped design and is meant to be placed in front of a television, eschewing the dongle form factor of Chromecasts that allows them to be hidden behind televisions. The Google TV Streamer features technical upgrades, including 32 GB of storage, 4 GB of memory, a 22-percent faster CPU, and an Ethernet port, along with new smart home capabilities such as a built-in Thread border router and support for the Matter standard. Contrasting with the entry-level price point of Chromecasts, the Google TV Streamer has a higher introductory price of US$99. [143]

See also

Related Research Articles

Amazon Prime Video, or simply Prime Video, is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming and rental service of Amazon offered both as a stand-alone service and as part of Amazon's Prime subscription. The service primarily distributes films and television series produced or co-produced by Amazon MGM Studios or licensed to Amazon, as Amazon Originals, with the service also hosting content from other providers, content add-ons, live sporting events, and video rental and purchasing services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Apple TV</span> Home media streaming device made by Apple

Apple TV is a digital media player and microconsole developed and marketed by Apple. It is a small piece of networking hardware that sends received media data such as video and audio to a TV or external display. Its media services include streaming media, TV Everywhere-based services, local media sources, and sports journalism and broadcasts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Digital media player</span> Device used for playing media such as online video

A digital media player is a type of consumer electronics device designed for the storage, playback, or viewing of digital media content. They are typically designed to be integrated into a home cinema configuration, and attached to a television or AV receiver or both.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Google TV (operating system)</span> Smart TV operating system

Google TV was a smart TV operating system from Google co-developed by Intel, Sony and Logitech. It launched in October 2010 with official devices initially made by Sony and Logitech. Google TV integrated the Android 3.0/3.2 operating system and the Google Chrome web browser to create an interactive television overlay on top of existing online video sites to add a 10-foot user interface, for a smart TV experience.

UltraViolet was a cloud-based digital rights locker for films and television programs that allowed consumers to store proofs-of-purchase of licensed content in an account to enable playback on different devices using multiple applications from several different streaming services. UltraViolet also allowed users to share access to their library with up to five additional people. UltraViolet was deployed by the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem (DECE), an alliance of 85 companies that included film studios, retailers, consumer electronics manufacturers, cable television companies, internet service providers (ISPs), internet hosting vendors, and other systems and security vendors, with the notable exceptions of Walt Disney Studios, Google, Amazon and Apple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nexus Q</span> Spherical digital media player from Google

Nexus Q is a digital media player developed by Google. Unveiled at the Google I/O developers' conference on June 27, 2012, the device was expected to be released to the public in the United States shortly thereafter for US$300. The Nexus Q was designed to leverage Google's online media offerings, such as Google Play Music, Google Play Movies & TV, and YouTube, to provide a "shared" experience. Users could stream content from the supported services to a connected television, or speakers connected to an integrated amplifier, using their Android device and the services' respective apps as a remote control for queueing content and controlling playback.

Miracast is a wireless communications standard created by the Wi-Fi Alliance which is designed to transmit video and sound from devices to display receivers. It uses Wi-Fi Direct to create an ad hoc encrypted wireless connection and can roughly be described as "HDMI over Wi-Fi", replacing cables in favor of wireless. Miracast is utilised in many devices and is used or branded under various names by different manufacturers, including Smart View, SmartShare, screen mirroring, Cast and Connect, wireless display and screen casting.

Google Cast is a proprietary protocol developed by Google for playing locally stored or Internet-streamed audiovisual content on a compatible consumer device. The protocol is used to initiate and control playback of content on digital media players, high-definition televisions, and home audio systems using a mobile device, personal computer, or smart speaker. The protocol was first launched on July 24, 2013, to support Google's first-generation Chromecast player.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roku</span> Brand of streaming media players

Roku is a brand of consumer electronics that includes streaming players, smart TVs, as well as a free TV streaming service. The brand is owned by Roku, Inc, an American company. As of 2024, Roku is the leading streaming TV distributor in the U.S., reaching nearly 120 million people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amazon Fire TV</span> Line of digital media players and microconsoles by Amazon

Amazon Fire TV is a line of digital media players and microconsoles developed by Amazon since 2014. The devices are small network appliances that deliver digital audio and video content streamed via the Internet to a connected high-definition television. They also allow users to access local content and to play video games with the included remote control or another game controller, or by using a mobile app remote control on another device.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Android TV</span> Android operating system version for television sets and digital media players

Android TV is a smart TV operating system based on Android and developed by Google. It is available on television sets, soundbars, set-top boxes and digital media players. A successor to Google TV, it features a user interface designed around content discovery and voice search, content aggregation from various media apps and services, and integration with other recent Google technologies such as Assistant, Cast, and Knowledge Graph.

The Nexus Player is a digital media player that was co-developed by Google, Intel and Asus. It was the second media player in the Google Nexus family of consumer devices. Originally running the Android 5.0 ("Lollipop") operating system, it was the first device to employ the Android TV platform. The Nexus player supports Google Cast, the feature for selecting and controlling media playback on a television that was first introduced by Chromecast. Sales of the Nexus Player were discontinued in May 2016, and product support ended in March 2018.

Google TV is a digital distribution service for movies and television series developed by Google. It was announced in September 2020, offering search and discovery of video titles across multiple streaming services, including rental or purchase options, alongside watchlist features for accessing titles from eligible devices and platforms. The buy, rent, or preorder options were shared with the predecessor Google Play Movies & TV, which has since moved to the newer service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nvidia Shield TV</span> Digital media player by Nvidia

The Nvidia Shield TV is an Android TV-based digital media player produced by Nvidia as part of its Shield brand of Android devices. First released in May 2015, the Shield was initially marketed by Nvidia as a microconsole, emphasizing its ability to play downloaded games and stream games from a compatible PC on a local network, or via the GeForce Now subscription service. As with all other Android TV devices, it can also stream content from various sources using apps, and also supports 4K resolution video. It is produced in two models, with the second Shield TV Pro model distinguished primarily by increased internal storage.

tvOS Operating system for the Apple TV

tvOS is an operating system developed by Apple Inc. for the Apple TV, a digital media player. In the first-generation Apple TV, Apple TV Software was based on Mac OS X. Starting with the second generation, the software is based on the iOS operating system and has many similar frameworks, technologies, and concepts.

The Apple TV app is a line of media player software programs developed by Apple Inc. for viewing television shows and films delivered by Apple to consumer electronic devices. It can stream content from the iTunes Store, the Apple TV Channels a la carte video on demand service, and the Apple TV+ original content subscription service. On iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Vision Pro, and Apple TV devices it can also index and access content from linked apps of other video on demand services.

EZCast is a line of digital media players, built by Actions Microelectronics, that allows users to mirror media content from smart devices, including mobile devices, personal computers, and project to high-definition televisions.

A televisionaccessory is an accessory that is used in conjunction with a television (TV) or other compatible display devices and is intended to either improve the user experience or to offer new possibilities of using it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BubbleUPnP</span> Media streaming software

BubbleUPnP is a DLNA-compliant UPnP media controller, server and renderer, designed to allow streaming of audio or video from and to an Android device with various external devices and software. Alongside the Android client, it also has a server middleware application that can be installed on Windows, macOS and Linux computers or network storage devices, providing remote access through a web interface. BubbleUPnP also utilises ffmpeg and ffprobe for transcoding.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roku OS</span> Linux distribution

The Roku OS is an operating system software developed by Roku Inc. It has powered consumer electronics products such as Roku-branded streaming players and smart TVs since 2004. The operating system leads the U.S. smart TV sector and reports 70 million users, as of 2023.

References

  1. ↑ Watson, Todd (July 26, 2013). "Introducing Google Chromecast". Inside Investor. Archived from the original on August 10, 2013. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
  2. ↑ Evangelho, Jason (July 24, 2013). "Google's Chromecast A Brilliant Play For The Living Room -- Especially With $35 Price Tag". Forbes.com . Retrieved July 24, 2013.
  3. 1 2 Roth, Emma (August 6, 2024). "Google is discontinuing the Chromecast line". The Verge . Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  4. 1 2 3 Newman, Jared (July 29, 2019). "Google Chromecast's surprising origins—and uncertain future". Fast Company . Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Shah, Hemal (July 24, 2018). "Here's to five years of Chromecast". blog.google.com. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  6. 1 2 Brittain, Blake (July 24, 2023). "Google owes $338.7 million in Chromecast patent case, US jury says". Reuters. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  7. ↑ Turner, Adam (July 14, 2014). "Hands on: Chromecast Android screen mirroring". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  8. ↑ Maybury, Rick (April 5, 2014). "Should I buy Google Chromecast?". The Telegraph . Telegraph Media Group . Retrieved July 3, 2014.
  9. ↑ Cipriani, Jason (October 8, 2014). "How to set up Chromecast's new Backdrop feature". CNET . CBS Interactive . Retrieved October 17, 2014.
  10. ↑ Anthony, Sebastian (September 4, 2013). "HDMI 2.0 released: 18Gbps of bandwidth allowing for 4K @ 60 fps, 32 audio channels". ExtremeTech . Ziff Davis . Retrieved July 3, 2014.
  11. ↑ DiPane, Jared (July 8, 2015). "Ethernet adapter for Chromecast makes its way to the Google Store for $15". Android Central. Archived from the original on July 9, 2015. Retrieved July 8, 2015.
  12. ↑ Li, Abner (October 14, 2020). "Ethernet adapter for Chromecast with Google TV starts shipping". 9to5Google . Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  13. ↑ Sawers, Paul (October 9, 2015). "One week with Google's new Chromecast: A slicker dongle, but no rush to upgrade". VentureBeat . Retrieved October 30, 2015.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 "Chromecast Teardown". iFixit . July 26, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
  15. ↑ Parrish, Kevin (July 25, 2013). "FCC Reveals Google Chromecast Hardware and More". Tom's Hardware. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
  16. ↑ "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Chromecast". Google Operating System. July 29, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
  17. ↑ Lowe, Scott (July 30, 2013). "Google Chromecast's Geeky Easter Eggs". IGN . Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  18. ↑ Martonik, Andrew (September 29, 2015). "Google announces new Chromecast hardware with improved Wifi, same great price". Android Central. Archived from the original on September 30, 2015. Retrieved September 29, 2015.
  19. ↑ "Marvell Teams Up With Google to Enable Chromecast 2.0 and Chromecast Audio" (Press release). Marvell Technology Group. October 5, 2015. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
  20. 1 2 Smith, Ryan (October 5, 2015). "Google's Chromecast 2 is Powered By Marvell's ARMADA 1500 Mini Plus - Dual-Core Cortex-A7". AnandTech . Retrieved October 6, 2015.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Chromecast 2015 Teardown". iFixIt . October 6, 2015. Retrieved October 7, 2015.
  22. ↑ Bonifacic, Igor (October 7, 2015). "iFixit teardown reveals new Chromecast family is less prone to overheating". mobilesyrup.
  23. ↑ Raphael, JR (February 18, 2016). "Chromecast Audio revisited: 4 months with Google's simple streaming solution". Computerworld . Archived from the original on April 15, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  24. ↑ Pendlebury, Ty (November 28, 2015). "Chromecast Audio review". CNET . Retrieved December 20, 2016.
  25. ↑ Mlot, Stephanie (December 11, 2015). "Google Chromecast Audio Adds Multi-Room Support". PC Magazine . Retrieved December 18, 2015.
  26. ↑ Hall, Parker (December 10, 2015). "Multiroom and hi-res audio updates make Chromecast Audio a serious player". Digital Trends . Retrieved December 18, 2015.
  27. ↑ "Chromecast Audio Codenamed Hendrix Will Bring Wi-Fi To Your Speakers: Report". Tech Times. September 24, 2015. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
  28. ↑ "Ambient Mode for Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra". Chromecast Help. Google Inc. Retrieved February 9, 2023. The maximum resolution of Ambient Mode on Chromecast Ultra devices is 1080p.
  29. ↑ Singleton, Micah (October 4, 2016). "Google announces Chromecast Ultra, a 4K version of its streaming device". The Verge . Retrieved October 4, 2016.
  30. ↑ Ingraham, Nathan (November 16, 2016). "Chromecast Ultra review: Better video quality comes at a cost". Engadget . Retrieved November 18, 2016.
  31. ↑ Hollister, Sean; Statt, Ben (November 8, 2019). "Google's Stadia Cloud Gaming Service Is Coming November 19th: Everything You Need to Know". The Verge . Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  32. ↑ Hollister, Sean (June 16, 2020). "Google has a new Stadia starter kit, and it's $30 cheaper". The Verge . Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  33. ↑ Welch, Chris (October 16, 2018). "Google Chromecast (2018) review". The Verge. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
  34. ↑ Filov, Antov (October 9, 2018). "Google Unveils 2018 Chromecast: 1080p at 60 fps, Chromecast Audio Support". AnandTech . Retrieved January 26, 2019.
  35. ↑ Wagoner, Ara (October 6, 2020). "Chromecast with Google TV: Everything you need to know!". Android Central. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  36. ↑ Bohn, Dieter (September 30, 2020). "Google Play Movies & TV is now Google TV but it's not the same Google TV that runs on Android TV on the new Chromecast, it's an app". The Verge . Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  37. 1 2 Spangler, Todd (September 30, 2020). "Google's Overhauled Chromecast Has New 'Google TV' Interface — and, Finally, a Remote Control". Variety . Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  38. ↑ Schoon, Ben (September 30, 2020). "Chromecast with Google TV is available today for $49 with a remote, Android TV OS". 9to5Google . Retrieved November 16, 2020.
  39. 1 2 3 Welch, Chris (September 30, 2020). "Google Chromecast (2020) Review: Reinvented — and Now With a Remote". The Verge . Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  40. ↑ Schoon, Ben (October 17, 2022). "Here's everything new in Google TV 12 on the Chromecast [Gallery]". 9to5Google. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  41. 1 2 3 Welch, Chris (September 22, 2022). "Google's more affordable Chromecast HD is available today for $30". The Verge. Retrieved February 10, 2023.
  42. ↑ Kearns, Taylor (October 17, 2022). "Chromecast with Google TV (HD) review: Lower resolution, lower price". Android Police. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  43. 1 2 3 Schoon, Ben (September 30, 2020). "Chromecast with Google TV is available today for $49 with a remote, Android TV OS". 9to5Google . Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  44. ↑ Low, Cherlynn (September 30, 2020). "Google Chromecast (2020) hands-on: A helpful new remote and Assistant". Engadget . Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  45. ↑ Kearns, Taylor (October 17, 2022). "Chromecast with Google TV (HD) review: Lower resolution, lower price". Android Police. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  46. ↑ Welch, Chris (October 10, 2022). "Chromecast with Google TV HD review: easy entertainment". The Verge. Retrieved February 10, 2023.
  47. 1 2 3 4 Amadeo, Ron (September 22, 2022). "The new Chromecast is official: It's $30, runs Google TV, and has a remote". Ars Technica. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  48. 1 2 Bader, Daniel (October 4, 2016). "Chromecast Ultra supports 4K streaming for $69, coming in November". Android Central. Retrieved October 4, 2016.
  49. ↑ Whitwam, Ryan (September 30, 2020). "Chromecast with Google TV review: Successful in spite of its shortcomings". Android Police. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  50. 1 2 3 4 5 "Chromecast Ultra - 4K Streaming Device". Google Store . Retrieved October 4, 2016.
  51. ↑ Smith, Ryan (October 4, 2016). "Google Announces Chromecast Ultra: 4K & HDR for Chromecast". AnandTech . Retrieved October 6, 2016.
  52. 1 2 3 4 5 "Chromecast specifications – Chromecast Help". support.google.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  53. ↑ AKM AK4430 documentation, Retrieved May 30, 2016.
  54. 1 2 3 4 "Chromecast specifications - Chromecast Help". Google Inc. Archived from the original on February 3, 2018. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  55. ↑ Chromecast Help: Chromecast Audio compatible speakers and cables Archived March 8, 2016, at the Wayback Machine , Retrieved October 7, 2015.
  56. ↑ "Chromecast Audio specifications - Chromecast Help". Google Inc.
  57. ↑ "Google Cast Design Checklist". Google Developers . Google Inc. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
  58. ↑ "This Week in Tech 416". TWiT.tv . Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  59. ↑ Pressman, Aaron (August 1, 2013). "Chromecast vs. Roku vs. Apple TV: What's the Best Streaming Device? | Daily Ticker". Yahoo! Finance . Yahoo!. Retrieved August 27, 2013.
  60. ↑ "Google Cast Release Notes: 1.0". Google Developers . Google Inc. July 24, 2013. Retrieved June 27, 2014.
  61. ↑ Nischol, Karan. "Cast Away: Hulu Plus on Chromecast". Blog. Hulu. Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved October 2, 2013.
  62. ↑ Solesman, Joan E. (October 31, 2013). "Chromecast adds Pandora to short list of apps so far". CNET . CBS Interactive . Retrieved June 27, 2014.
  63. ↑ Duckett, Chris (February 4, 2014). "Google takes Chromecast SDK out of preview". ZDNet . CBS Interactive . Retrieved June 27, 2014.
  64. 1 2 Affaki, John (February 3, 2014). "Ready to cast: Chromecast now open to developers with the Google Cast SDK". Google Developers Blog.
  65. ↑ Roettgers, Janko (February 3, 2014). "Get ready for tons of new Chromecast apps: Google releases Cast SDK". Gigaom. Archived from the original on February 3, 2014. Retrieved February 4, 2014.
  66. ↑ Molina, Brett (June 25, 2014). "Live: Google unveils Android experiences for home, car". USAToday.com . Gannett Company . Retrieved June 27, 2014.
  67. ↑ Haselton, Todd (May 28, 2015). "17M Chromecasts sold to date – 20,000 apps available". TechnoBuffalo. Archived from the original on May 28, 2015. Retrieved May 28, 2015.
  68. ↑ "Cast: Case Studies". Google Developers. Google Inc. Retrieved April 13, 2016.
  69. ↑ Spangler, Todd (July 9, 2019). "YouTube Is Back on Amazon Fire TV, Prime Video Finally Comes to Chromecast". Variety. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
  70. ↑ Gartenberg, Chaim (July 9, 2019). "YouTube is back on the Fire TV, and Prime Video launches on Chromecast starting today". The Verge. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
  71. ↑ Leyden, John (January 18, 2018). "Google fuels up Chromecast Wi-Fi flooding fix". The Register . Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  72. ↑ Locklear, Mallory (January 16, 2018). "Google Chromecast devices are messing with WiFi connections". Engadget . Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  73. ↑ Hollister, Sean (September 13, 2013). "Like Chromecast, Roku wants to let you launch TV apps from your phone or tablet". The Verge. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
  74. ↑ Lee, Nicole (January 24, 2013). "Netflix and YouTube's DIAL promises to be open alternative to AirPlay". Engadget . Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  75. ↑ "Nexus 7 and Chromecast Press Event - 7/24/13". YouTube . Archived from the original on July 25, 2013. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  76. ↑ "Chromecast: Exploiting the Newest Device By Google". GTV Hacker. July 28, 2013. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  77. ↑ Brian, Matt (July 28, 2013). "Google's Chromecast has its roots in Android, not Chrome OS". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  78. ↑ Kenghe, Ambarish (July 31, 2013). "Chrome Releases: Chromecast Update". Googlechromereleases.blogspot.com. Retrieved August 27, 2013.
  79. ↑ Hayes, Dade (September 30, 2020). "Google Adjusts TV Strategy, Merges Chromecast And Android TV Into Single Device". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  80. ↑ Schoon, Ben (October 1, 2020). "Google TV integrates with over 30 streaming services, here's the full list". 9to5Google . Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  81. ↑ "Chromecast Help: Meet the Google Home app". support.google.com. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  82. ↑ Pendlebury, Ty (November 3, 2016). "How to setup multiroom music with Google Cast". CNET. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  83. ↑ McClosky, Katherine (October 19, 2013). "Google Chromecast App Now Available Outside of US". The Social Zoo. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
  84. ↑ Kastrenakes, Jacob (March 22, 2016). "Chromecast app will be renamed Google Cast". The Verge. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  85. ↑ Pendlebury, Ty (October 26, 2016). "Google Cast is recast as Google Home companion app". CNET. CBS Interactive. Retrieved April 11, 2017.
  86. ↑ Kamparak, Greg (July 25, 2013). "Google's Chromecast No Longer Comes With Free Netflix Because Demand Got Too Nuts". TechCrunch . AOL Inc. Retrieved July 28, 2013.
  87. ↑ Mack, Eric (July 26, 2013). "Going, going... Chromecast sold out online, but not everywhere". CNET. CBS Interactive. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  88. ↑ Queiroz, Mario (March 18, 2014). "Chromecast: now casting in 11 more countries". Google Official Blog. Retrieved April 20, 2014.
  89. ↑ King, Bertel (March 19, 2014). "BBC iPlayer Gets Predicted Chromecast Support". Blog. Android Police. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  90. ↑ McDonald, Soraya Nadia (July 25, 2014). "Google is making its Spotify equivalent free for three months". The Washington Post . Retrieved July 29, 2014.
  91. ↑ Saxena, Anupam (December 9, 2014). "Google Chromecast launched in India at Rs 2,999". The Times of India . New Delhi. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
  92. ↑ Paul, Ian (December 8, 2014). "Google offers $20 Play Store credit with Chromecast". PC World . IDG Consumer & SMB. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  93. ↑ Callaham, John (February 6, 2015). "There's a $6 Google Play credit waiting for Chromecast owners". Android Central. Mobile Nations. Archived from the original on February 6, 2015. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
  94. ↑ Rose, Brent (September 29, 2015). "Google's Got Two New Chromecasts That Have You Covered From Music to Video". Gizmodo . Gawker Media . Retrieved September 29, 2015.
  95. ↑ "Amazon to Stop Selling Apple TV and Chromecast". The New York Times . October 1, 2015.
  96. 1 2 Frederic, Lardinois (January 11, 2019). "Google cans the Chromecast Audio". TechCrunch. Retrieved January 11, 2019.
  97. ↑ Vjestica, Adam (September 30, 2020). "Everything from the Google Launch Night In event: new Pixels, confusing Google TV and Chromecast with a remote". TechRadar . Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  98. ↑ Porter, Jon (September 25, 2020). "Google's new Chromecast demonstrated a week early". The Verge . Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  99. ↑ Statt, Nick (September 28, 2020). "The Home Depot is selling a new Google Chromecast that hasn't been announced". The Verge . Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  100. ↑ Peters, Jay (October 1, 2020). "Google will give you the new Chromecast for free if you pay for one month of YouTube TV". The Verge . Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  101. ↑ Potts, Caleb (December 10, 2020). "Existing YouTube TV subscribers are getting the new Chromecast with Google TV for free". Android Police. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
  102. ↑ Patel, Nilay (July 29, 2013). "Google Chromecast review". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
  103. ↑ Kumparak, Greg (July 28, 2013). "Review: Google Chromecast". TechCrunch. AOL Inc. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  104. ↑ Tarantola, Andrew (July 31, 2013). "Google Chromecast Review: A Little Dongle With Big Potential". Gizmodo Australia . Gawker Media . Retrieved August 26, 2013.
  105. ↑ Gorman, Michael (July 29, 2013). "Google Chromecast review: can you make your dumb TV a smart one for just $35?". Engadget . AOL Inc. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  106. ↑ Greenwald, Will (April 1, 2014). "Google Chromecast Review & Rating". PCMag.com . Ziff Davis . Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  107. ↑ Pogue, David (July 31, 2013). "Chromecast, Simply and Cheaply, Flings Web Video to TVs". The New York Times . Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  108. ↑ "Google Chromecast review (2015): Not much new, but still worth $35". Engadget . October 8, 2015. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  109. ↑ Katzmaier, David (October 3, 2015). "Google Chromecast (2015) review: Phone-centric puck still a great value, but not as your main streamer". CNET . Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  110. ↑ "Chromecast (2018) review: Google's revamped media streamer is what you make of it". TechHive. November 21, 2018. Retrieved January 26, 2019.
  111. ↑ Sulleyman, Aatif (October 15, 2018). "The 2018 Chromecast is extremely similar to its predecessor". Trusted Reviews . Retrieved January 26, 2019.
  112. ↑ Honorof, Marshall. "Google Chromecast (3rd Generation) Review: Faster, But Not Better". Tom's Guide . Retrieved January 26, 2019.
  113. ↑ Rutherford, Sam (October 21, 2020). "The $50 Chromecast with Google TV Is the Best and Smartest Streaming Dongle for the Money". Gizmodo . Retrieved October 22, 2020.
  114. ↑ Blumenthal, Eli (October 6, 2020). "Chromecast with Google TV review: Finally a worthy competitor to Roku and Fire TV". CNET . Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  115. ↑ Lee, Nicole (October 12, 2020). "Chromecast with Google TV review: What a difference a remote makes". Engadget . Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  116. ↑ Pino, Nick (October 2, 2020). "Chromecast with Google TV review". TechRadar . Retrieved October 8, 2020.
  117. ↑ Chen, Brian X. (October 8, 2020). "A Streaming Device With a Hunger for Data". The New York Times (New York ed.). sec. B, p. 6. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
  118. ↑ Etherington, Darrell (July 24, 2014). "Google's Chromecast Turns One, Boasts Over 400M Casts To Date". TechCrunch . AOL . Retrieved July 29, 2014.
  119. 1 2 Martonik, Andrew (January 29, 2015). "Chromecast is now the No. 1 streaming device in the U.S., users have casted 1 billion times". Android Central. Mobile Nations. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
  120. ↑ Molina, Brett (May 28, 2015). "Live: Google unveils Photos service at I/O". USA Today . Gannett Company . Retrieved May 28, 2015.
  121. ↑ "Google sold 10 million Chromecasts last year". The Korea Times . February 4, 2015. Retrieved February 4, 2015.
  122. ↑ Roettgers, Janko (May 28, 2015). "Google sells 17 million Chromecast devices". Toronto Sun . Canoe Sun Media . Retrieved May 29, 2015.
  123. ↑ Goode, Lauren (September 29, 2015). "Google's new Chromecast has a new look, catches up to modern Wi-Fi standards". The Verge . Vox Media . Retrieved September 29, 2015.
  124. ↑ Weber, Harrison (May 18, 2016). "Google has sold 25 million Chromecasts since 2013". VentureBeat . Retrieved May 18, 2016.
  125. ↑ Callaham, John (July 29, 2016). "Total Chromecast sales have now exceeded 30 million units". Android Central. Mobile Nations. Retrieved July 29, 2016.
  126. ↑ Dipane, Jared (March 8, 2016). "Chromecast snags 35 percent of global streamer market in 2015, says Strategy Analytics". Android Central. Mobile Nations. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  127. ↑ Jonnalagadda, Harish (October 4, 2017). "Google has sold 55 million Chromecasts around the world". Android Central. Mobile Nations. Archived from the original on October 5, 2017. Retrieved October 4, 2017.
  128. ↑ Bakar, Majd (August 6, 2024). "7 memorable moments in Chromecast's history". Google . Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  129. ↑ Farrell, Nena; Chokkattu, Julian (August 6, 2024). "Google's Iconic Chromecast and Nest Learning Thermostat Are Getting Long-Awaited Upgrades". Wired . Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  130. ↑ Mokey, Nick (December 31, 2013). "Digital Trends' Best Product of 2013: Google Chromecast". Digital Trends . Retrieved October 9, 2015.
  131. ↑ "The winners of the 2013 Engadget Awards -- Editors' Choice". Engadget . AOL. March 21, 2014. Retrieved March 31, 2015.
  132. ↑ "11th Annual Engadget Awards: Editor's Choice winners". Engadget . AOL Inc. Retrieved March 31, 2015.
  133. ↑ O'Connell, Michael (July 14, 2015). "TV Academy Swaps DVD Screeners for Google Chromecast". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved July 17, 2015.
  134. ↑ Austin, Patrick Lucas (December 13, 2019). "The 10 Best Gadgets of the 2010s". Time . Retrieved December 14, 2019.
  135. ↑ Harrington, John; Stockdale, Charles (December 7, 2019). "Roku, iPad among hit gadgets that helped define the decade, but there were flops, too". USA Today . Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  136. ↑ Marvin, Rob (November 22, 2019). "The Most Iconic Tech Innovations of the 2010s". PC Magazine . Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  137. ↑ Krasnoff, Barbara (December 10, 2019). "The Verge's Gadgets of the Decade". The Verge . Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  138. ↑ Wills, Ella (January 3, 2019). "Hackers take over Google Chromecast devices to promote YouTuber PewDiePie". Evening Standard . Retrieved January 13, 2019.
  139. ↑ Whittaker, Zack (January 2, 2019). "Hackers hijack thousands of Chromecasts to warn of latest security bug". TechCrunch . Retrieved January 13, 2019.
  140. ↑ Porter, Jon (May 31, 2023). "Google quietly ends support for decade-old Chromecast". The Verge . Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  141. ↑ Cantisano, Timi (May 31, 2023). "Google discontinued support for the first-generation Chromecast". xda-developers.com. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  142. ↑ Sharma, Adamya (May 31, 2023). "It's time to bid farewell to your first-generation Google Chromecast". Android Authority. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  143. ↑ Rutherford, Sam (August 6, 2024). "The Google TV Streamer is the next big upgrade to the Chromecast line". Engadget . Retrieved August 6, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.