Six things you should know about Google Chromecast

On July 24th, 2013, Google announced the launch of Chromecast, a low-cost TV dongle. While news of the device’s official launch was music to Android lover’s ears, it was not anything the folks at Apple wanted to hear. 

You see, the $35 device is simple to use in that it just plugs into an HDMI port on a television and instantly streams media from smartphones, tablets, and computers. That’s all there is to it. The reason why Apple is less than thrilled over Chromecast hitting the market is because it’s a direct competitor with Apple TV. What’s more, the product is legit—it’s a quarter of the size and a fraction of the price of Apple TV.

Read on to learn the six things you should know about the newest addition to the Google family.

(1) Google Chromecast is dummy-proof – Do you have a family member who still can’t figure out how to turn on their laptop? Well, have no fear for the technologically-impaired with the Chromecast. As long as your loved one can figure out how to plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port, he or she can easily control what they watch from a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

(2) Google Chromecast has a tail – Ok, so it doesn’t have a real tail, but it’s good to know that the Chromecast has a power cord. On the device there is a USB port where a USB chord can be attached and run to a power outlet. This is helpful to keep in mind if you are planning on taking your Chromecast different places like home and the office.

(3) Google Chromecast is pretty versatile – It’s common for one major company to make a product that’s only compatible with their products, but that is not the case for Google Chromecast. This is a semi-universal device works with most Apple iOS and Android systems. Enjoy streaming movies or YouTube videos through your Mac Laptop on a Google product. And if that didn’t help push the universal point along, know that Pandora and Netflix are other platform Google Chromecast welcomes. The list is expected to get longer and hopefully allowing iTunes to be broadcasted as well.

(4) Google Chromecast is selling out – If you’re looking to pick up your own copy of the Google Chromecast, make sure you head to the store sooner rather than later. The new device is selling out quickly and the Google Play Store is already sold out; Amazon is sold out as well. It’s evident that customers are taking Google’s advice and buying more than one Chromecast for different TV sets, which is possible at the affordable price.

(5) Google Chromecast is cloud-only – Surprise! It sounded like the perfect invention until we learned that the Google Chromecast only works with the files you have saved in the cloud. If you’re not a cloud user and refuse to become one for privacy reasons, then Google Chromecast might not be the product for you. The only other way around this would be to upload songs to YouTube from your library.

(6) Google Chromecast isn’t the first try – While it seems like a brand new idea now, Google’s television attempt isn’t anything new. In 2010, Google TV was launched at a very high price point and the result was a channel block from multiple TV networks. Then in 2012, Google joined forced with Sony and attempted to release another pricey product to bring the digital, social world to TV. And who can forget the failure of the Nexus Q? Google has given its fair shot at TV technology and we’ll see if Google Chromecast has what it takes.

Every product has its positive qualities and downsides, but the Google Chromecast looks like it’s here to stay with its affordable price and travel-friendly shape. These factors will play a role in the reviews and longevity of the product and serve as motivation for Apple to keep up or otherwise be left in the dust.