Google Chromecast dongle pushes video to all TVs dumb and smart
Cheap, tiny HDMI device works with Netflix, YouTube and more
After launching the new Nexus 7, Google rounded off today’s event by introducing the Chromecast, a tiny Wi-Fi dongle that allows you to stream video to your TV – even if it’s an older, non-smart set.
Chromecast, just a couple of inches long and 34g in weight, plugs into a spare HDMI port and takes its power via USB. It outputs 1080p video and works with devices running Android 2.3 and above, iOS 6 and above, Mac OS 10.7 and above, Windows 7 and above or Chrome OS.
Stream Netflix and YouTube
Compatible apps include Netflix and YouTube. Any app that is compatible – and we’d expect the number to rise very quickly – will feature a “Cast” button that pushes video to the dongle and hence your telly. You’ll also control video playback via your device.
The dongle is available for order now at Google Play (sadly just in the US at present, although Google says it’s working on bringing it to other countries) priced at just US$35 (£22) and shipping in “1-2 days”. Pre-order it and you’ll get three free months of Netflix streaming, which is a pretty sweet deal by anyone’s standards.