The 2-inch device runs "a simplified version of Chrome OS" and requires separate
USB power. You connect it to your local WiFi network and it finds similarly
connected devices that it can work with. It can be ordered right now on Google
Play and will apparently ship in one to two days. Of note, the device seems
US-only for now, as our UK colleagues are showing a "not available in your
country" prompt. Early buyers get three months of free Netflix with the
purchase. Additionally, it's also heading to retail (read: Best Buy) on July
28th. Google ended its presentation with a quick word that Chromecast
functionality will eventually come embedded in various other devices, and that
it's working on getting other countries access "as quickly as possible. " No
specs were given during the presentation, but its Google Play page lists the
device as HDMI-CEC compatible, and it uses 2. 4GHz 801. 11 b/g/n WiFi. Given the
separate USB power required, the $35 nets you a Chromecast device, an HDMI
extended, a USB power cable and a separate power adapter.
Apps that work
with the device include a "Cast" button that allows users to push video to their
televisions and control various aspects remotely (volume, play, pause, etc. ).
"Once Chromecast is plugged in, you just go to YouTube on your smartphone, "
Google reps said. "You'll see the cast button in your UI and you press it --
Chromecast will pull the info you requested from the cloud and play it on your
TV. " Meanwhile, an on-stage demonstration showed YouTube video being pushed
"via the cloud, " thus enabling other apps to be used while a video is being
viewed on a television screen. Netflix was up next, and it has similar remote
control functionality. Google Play movies and television (expectedly) also work
with Chromecast, and Google delightedly demonstrated it with Vin Diesel vehicle
Fast Five. Finally, Google demoed full Google Chrome projected on a TV and
controlled remotely with a "standard $500 Windows 8 laptop. " The feature is
"still in early days, " but a promise has already been made: that users will be
able to easily project content to televisions via their web
browser.
Update: We've added Chromecast's first commercial (which
demonstrates much of the device's functionality) above, and a source link with
Google's formal announcement.
Update 2: Aside from the Google Play store
and Best Buy, you can also buy the Chromecast from Amazon. Thankfully, that
three-month gratis Netflix would still be applicable if you buy it from the
online giant.