Google Chromecast, a streaming media player from Google

Released in July 2013 in the United States, Google Chromecast is a digital media player that some called a strange beast. The $35 device from Google is a micro USB that comes with a Marvell chip inside that displays audio and video content in 1080p (HDMI). It streams content through Wi-Fi from the Internet or a local network. Someone that has Google Chrome Web browser that runs mobile and web apps can mirror most content.

In addition to streaming videos it can also deliver music to your TV using a smartphone, tablet, or a laptop. It supports Netflix, YouTube, HBO GO, Hulu Plus, Pandora, and Google Play Movies. Chromecast can work with Android, iOS, Chrome for Mac, and Chrome for Windows. It can easily be connected to a high definition TV through your home Wi-Fi network. Some say that it can be a formidable contender for Apple TV and Roku 3. Only drawback is it doesn’t play local media. But if you have a separate TV for that, Google Chromecast is the device that gives a formidable option to watch content on a second TV at home or watch movies when spending a night in a hotel room.