Google Chromecast

[Red Storm]

It is not clear to me how this differs from Android sticks. Can anyone explain it to me?

Android sticks run Android. You have to control them using a remote or wireless keyboard or something similar.

The Chromecast does not run Android, it simply acts as a receiver. When you cast a video from your phone/tablet/laptop, your device tells the Chromecast to go play X video from X URL.

 

[vshah]

Android sticks run Android. You have to control them using a remote or wireless keyboard or something similar.

The Chromecast does not run Android, it simply acts as a receiver. When you cast a video from your phone/tablet/laptop, your device tells the Chromecast to go play X video from X URL.

surprise twist, it apparently does run a form of android
http://www.androidauthority.com/chromecast-root-android-google-tv-not-chrome-os-249844/

 

[Red Storm]

surprise twist, it apparently does run anrdoid
http://www.androidauthority.com/chromecast-root-android-google-tv-not-chrome-os-249844/

Well, to be more specific:

No, it’s not. We had a lot of internal discussion on this, and have concluded that it’s more Android than ChromeOS. To be specific, it’s actually a modified Google TV release, but with all of the Bionic / Dalvik stripped out and replaced with a single binary for Chromecast. Since the Marvell DE3005 SOC running this is a single core variant of the 88DE3100, most of the Google TV code was reused. So, although it’s not going to let you install an APK or anything, its origins: the bootloader, kernel, init scripts, binaries, are all from the Google TV.

 

[lopri]

So am I correct in assuming that Android sticks do everything that a Chromecast does? (In theory)

 

[Red Storm]

So am I correct in assuming that Android sticks do everything that a Chromecast does? (In theory)

No they don't. They're like plugging your phone or tablet directly into your TV. They're more expensive, they require a remote device of some kind, and frankly the performance on them leaves a lot to be desired.

I would sooner plug in a real Android tablet than use an Android stick.

 

[lopri]

Well, I know they are different. I am asking whether Chromecast's capability is superseded by regular Android sticks, performance (and price) notwithstanding.

I thought about plugging in a tablet or a phone to TVs but then power supply becomes an issue. (I am looking for something that will do photo slideshow wherever I find a TV)

 

[basslover1]

It is not clear to me how this differs from Android sticks. Can anyone explain it to me?

Those Android sticks are Android on a USB stick. Chromecast just listens for commands either from Chrome or a mobile device to fetch a URL. If you're watching youtube on your phone, you can tap the cast button and the Chromecast will fetch the URL and stream it from the cloud on your TV.

 

[Red Storm]

Well, I know they are different. I am asking whether Chromecast's capability is superseded by regular Android sticks, performance (and price) notwithstanding.

I thought about plugging in a tablet or a phone to TVs but then power supply becomes an issue. (I am looking for something that will do photo slideshow wherever I find a TV)

Chromecast and Android sticks both need USB power.

 

[blackdogdeek]

I got my email from Amazon today saying that I'll be getting the code within the next week since I ordered before they stopped the promotion, but I wont actually have the device until Saturday.

I ordered from Amazon on Wednesday, received shipping notification from Amazon on Friday, received the device on Monday, received email confirmation today that I would be receiving the Netflix code within 5 days of whenever the device ships and then received the code 2 hours later.

I think their systems are a bit off probably due to the huge demand.

 

[lopri]

Yah I know. But those have receptacles on each end (HDMI ---- USB). All phones and tablets I have single micro USB ports that share power and data. The slideshow can go on hours on loop. So phones are not feasible for my need, unless it is a spare one with a very large battery.

Let me rephrase my question: Is there anything that Android sticks cannot do that Chromecast does? What Chromecast does sound very much like Wi-Fi Direct?

 

[Nintendesert]

There was sure a lot of ChromeOS worship going on, oops! Now, everyone back on the Android train please. If this thing could do Prime and Netflix I'd be all over it.

 

[Red Storm]

There was sure a lot of ChromeOS worship going on, oops! Now, everyone back on the Android train please. If this thing could do Prime and Netflix I'd be all over it.

It already does Netflix. Amazon Prime could be done with a laptop by casting the tab. You need good Wifi for that though.

 

[blackdogdeek]

Something I've noticed with using my HOS vs using my N7 as a remote is that I have to wake then unlock my HOS and possibly tap at the top of my Netflix app to get to the remote functions screen (ie - pause, jump back 10 seconds, scroll forward/back, etc) whereas on the N7 all I have to do is wake and the first screen is the remote functions screen (ie - I don't have to unlock). Granted, it's probably that I just have different lock screen settings between the two, but it was definitely nicer using the N7.

 

[basslover1]

I ordered from Amazon on Wednesday, received shipping notification from Amazon on Friday, received the device on Monday, received email confirmation today that I would be receiving the Netflix code within 5 days of whenever the device ships and then received the code 2 hours later.

I think their systems are a bit off probably due to the huge demand.

Well, I wasn't able to order from Amazon until after they were OOS and accepting orders to be fulfilled when they had more in stock, which is why I'm just getting that email today because mine is shipping out today.

 

[khha4113]

It already does Netflix. Amazon Prime could be done with a laptop by casting the tab. You need good Wifi for that though.

I found out that its HDMI extender can be used as antenna to improve WIFI signal. I was using my bedroom's TV for tab casting and the video was choppy, sometimes unplayable because WIFI signal was weak. Chromecast showed the hint asking me to plug it in the included HDMI extender. It improved the signal significantly, and I had no problem playing video at high def.
PS. Just got my Netflix code today, one day after receiving my Chromecast by Amazon.

 

[SAWYER]

Nice!
http://www.androidheadlines.com/2013/07/new-chromecast-app-can-share-anything-from-your-gallery.html

 

[Red Storm]

Nice!
http://www.androidheadlines.com/2013/07/new-chromecast-app-can-share-anything-from-your-gallery.html

Awesome!

 

[dlock13]

Mine should be here by the end of the week or the beginning of next!

 

[drbrock]

Streaming video and pictures from the gallery will be a game changer for me. Can't wait for the app release.

 

[basslover1]

Mine should be here by the end of the week or the beginning of next!

Mine shipped out this morning, should have it by Friday.

 

[blackdogdeek]

Nice!
http://www.androidheadlines.com/2013/07/new-chromecast-app-can-share-anything-from-your-gallery.html

Wow that is awesome. The final step will be a way to play SMB/uPNP shares. Then my plan for world domination will be complete.

 

[dlock13]

Mine shipped out this morning, should have it by Friday.

Awesome.

Side note: Amazon posted about the customers that purchased after 5:30 PM PST won't receive the Netflix promo. However, I was emailed yesterday stating that after my device ships, I will be receiving the promo code...

Now, if you read my post earlier in the thread, I contacted Amazon customer support. The rep on there told me that there was an internal document that went out saying about the time period. I asked him since I purchased before Google cancelled, will I be considered. He told me nope. He offered to credit me the $24 bucks.

So depending on what happens with Amazon sending me that code, I'll still save $24 dollars somehow.

 

[cronos]

Awesome.

Side note: Amazon posted about the customers that purchased after 5:30 PM PST won't receive the Netflix promo. However, I was emailed yesterday stating that after my device ships, I will be receiving the promo code...

Now, if you read my post earlier in the thread, I contacted Amazon customer support. The rep on there told me that there was an internal document that went out saying about the time period. I asked him since I purchased before Google cancelled, will I be considered. He told me nope. He offered to credit me the $24 bucks.

So depending on what happens with Amazon sending me that code, I'll still save $24 dollars somehow.

That's great! Amazon CS strikes again. Good for you

 

[Anubis]

tbh im sorta bumed that i have like zero use for this thing
its cool an everything but does nothing for me

 

[dlock13]

That's great! Amazon CS strikes again. Good for you

I know! I got lucky with one of the nicest CSRs I've ever had!

Thanks!