Google Chromecast vs Apple TV

[tbayrgs]

Well, the wait time to get this little bugger is now out to 4 weeks! Glad I bought mine this morning. I have some very specific uses for it.

And for those comparing this to Apple TV or Roku, there is no comparison. Chrome cast doesn't need to be on the same WiFi network to receive the information from phone, tablet or PC. This is ultra portability for work or play.
Going on vacation and want to watch your Netflix shows or surf the web in the hotel room on a nice big TV screen. Not a problem with Chrome cast. Big problem with ATV or Roku.
I have no doubt the SDK for this will be popular and mirror-cast will come along in short order, so you can project any video file or picture or PowerPoint presentation on to a large HDTV. And I love the fact that this is a collaborative effort for both IOS and Android devs to work towards the betterment of a single piece of hardware.

How does the Chromecast receive the stream if not on the same wifi network? Instructions for use per the Play Store:

Get started in 3 easy steps: plug Chromecast into any HDTV, connect it to WiFi, then send videos and more from your smartphone, tablet or laptop to your TV with the press of a button

Got this from an article on The Register:

Once installed and powered up by a microUSB cable, the Chromecast will take streaming content direct from your Wi-Fi connection, rather than running it through a phone or tablet, so that the control device can be used for other things. The dongle even works with iOS devices as well as Android.

Not disputing your statement put rather trying to understand how this thing works. Does it use wifi direct?

 

[mattopotamus]

How does the Chromecast receive the stream if not on the same wifi network? Instructions for use per the Play Store:



Not disputing your statement put rather trying to understand how this thing works. Does it use wifi direct?

I am almost certain it has to be on the same wifi network, so I have no idea what that person was talking about.

 

[Faux Carnival]

I hate services and devices that tie you to a particular ecosystem. I like the freedom to change at any time. Therefore, Google Chromecast for me!

Also, take into account that this is a first generation device. It will only improbe. Hence, at $35 it is a steal.

 

[tbayrgs]

I hate services and devices that tie you to a particular ecosystem. I like the freedom to change at any time. Therefore, Google Chromecast for me!

Also, take into account that this is a first generation device. It will only improbe. Hence, at $35 it is a steal.

Well, once upon a time both Google TV and the Nexus Q were both first generation devices as well.

I'll agree though that success for the Chromecast seems far more likely, particularly because of its price.

 

[mattopotamus]

Well, once upon a time both Google TV and the Nexus Q were both first generation devices as well.

I'll agree though that success for the Chromecast seems far more likely, particularly because of its price.

yeah, the nexus q was priced horribly and that is why it never took off. The appletv was selling for $99 and they wanted $299 for the q!

 

[Faux Carnival]

Well, once upon a time both Google TV and the Nexus Q were both first generation devices as well.

I'll agree though that success for the Chromecast seems far more likely, particularly because of its price.

They were never officially sold as far as I know.

 

[marc11]

They do not need the same network. Chromecast needs an Internet connection that is it. The way it works is that you command the stream from your device but the stream comes from the internet sites not peer to peer.

What this little device did for people like me with both Apple and android devices is allow me to buy more media from the play store and stream it instead of being locked into iTunes because of my Apple tv.

 

[iPhoneApple]

They were never officially sold as far as I know.

I think it was sold for a week, but they ended up refunding all buyers, but let them keep their Nexus Q's.

They do not need the same network. Chromecast needs an Internet connection that is it. The way it works is that you command the stream from your device but the stream comes from the internet sites not peer to peer.

What this little device did for people like me with both Apple and android devices is allow me to buy more media from the play store and stream it instead of being locked into iTunes because of my Apple tv.

That's good to know. Have you gotten your hands on a Chromecast yet? Do you like it overall?

 

[TallManNY]

It is $35 so every techy on this site is going to get it to play with eventually. I know I will. I've got a free HDMI slot and USB port on my computer if the HDMI doesn't charge the device. I've got an Apple TV so this will just be for experimentation right now.

However, this is the device that we all knew was coming which would make buying "smart TVs" stupid. The programming on this device is going to keep getting upgraded and be so much better than anything the TV manufacturers can put into their TVs. And Google is basically giving it away for nearly free. No one is going to use their TVs clunky interface going forward.

Apple's got to get going with its updates to Apple TV to compete. And finally we can freaking put to bed the thought that Apple can sell $3,000 TVs because they include iOS. That ain't happening when Google is giving you Chrome OS for $35. I think we all got that on this site, but now finally the pundits are going to get it. TV = dumb glass. OS goes in small cheap device that can be upgraded. Content comes from Cloud. That all seemed obvious to me.

 

[tbayrgs]

They do not need the same network. Chromecast needs an Internet connection that is it. The way it works is that you command the stream from your device but the stream comes from the internet sites not peer to peer.

What this little device did for people like me with both Apple and android devices is allow me to buy more media from the play store and stream it instead of being locked into iTunes because of my Apple tv.

But if Chromecast needs a wifi connection, why wouldn't your device also not be on the same network?

 

[mattopotamus]

It is $35 so every techy on this site is going to get it to play with eventually. I know I will. I've got a free HDMI slot and USB port on my computer if the HDMI doesn't charge the device. I've got an Apple TV so this will just be for experimentation right now.

However, this is the device that we all knew was coming which would make buying "smart TVs" stupid. The programming on this device is going to keep getting upgraded and be so much better than anything the TV manufacturers can put into their TVs. And Google is basically giving it away for nearly free. No one is going to use their TVs clunky interface going forward.

Apple's got to get going with its updates to Apple TV to compete. And finally we can freaking put to bed the thought that Apple can sell $3,000 TVs because they include iOS. That ain't happening when Google is giving you Chrome OS for $35. I think we all got that on this site, but now finally the pundits are going to get it. TV = dumb glass. OS goes in small cheap device that can be upgraded. Content comes from Cloud. That all seemed obvious to me.

The issue is you cannot really buy a new tv that is not a "smart tv"

But if Chromecast needs a wifi connection, why wouldn't your device also not be on the same network?

right? If my device needs wifi and the chromcast needs wifi...why would they not be on the same network =/

 

[marc11]

But if Chromecast needs a wifi connection, why wouldn't your device also not be on the same network?

It probably will be but doesn't have to be.

 

[TheHateMachine]

I think it was sold for a week, but they ended up refunding all buyers, but let them keep their Nexus Q's.

It was up for Pre order and then it got pulled. Either they were not charged or got refunded... but every single person who pre ordered got a unit shipped to them for free.

 

[tbayrgs]

It probably will be but doesn't have to be.

Alright, that's fine and all but give me a scenario where this is advantageous? And how does it communicate to the Chromecast if you're not on the same network (serious question, not trying to be a wise-a$$)? Would this then mean that I could stream content to someone else who also has a Chromecast? If that's the case I could certainly see the advantage.

 

[mattopotamus]

Alright, that's fine and all but give me a scenario where this is advantageous? And how does it communicate to the Chromecast if you're not on the same network (serious question, not trying to be a wise-a$$)? Would this then mean that I could stream content to someone else who also has a Chromecast? If that's the case I could certainly see the advantage.

I am right there with you. What is the benefit? I would like to see an example of 2 devices 5 feet away from each other using different networks for a reason.

 

[marc11]

Alright, that's fine and all but give me a scenario where this is advantageous? And how does it communicate to the Chromecast if you're not on the same network (serious question, not trying to be a wise-a$$)? Would this then mean that I could stream content to someone else who also has a Chromecast? If that's the case I could certainly see the advantage.

One example would be corporate and hotels that restrict peer to peer sharing even if on the same network. Or someone at my house that wants to share a video from their phone who I do not want to give access to my network to, like my kids friends .

I am not saying it is better than apple tv, just that it is not required.

 

[mattopotamus]

One example would be corporate and hotels that restrict peer to peer sharing even if on the same network. Or someone at my house that wants to share a video from their phone who I do not want to give access to my network to, like my kids friends .

I am not saying it is better than apple tv, just that it is not required.

That does not make sense. It has to be connected to a wifi network. The examples you just gave involve no device being on the network. You cannot have just the dongle on wifi and not the phone/tablet/computer. They both have to be on a wifi network. If a hotel blocks it, it will not work unless you find a different network for both devices.

If you did not want your friend on your network, what network would he use? The neighbors that he does not know the password to? He cannot share his content without also being on wifi. So again, how would being on a different wifi network be beneficial? The same network can have guest access...

 

[marc11]

Why do I have to be on Wi-Fi? Maybe I want my phone in cell for what ever reason. And even still, they point is, it is not a peer to peer connection like Apple tv, it is a device to internet and chromecast to internet connection.

Also I do not allow guest access on my Wi-Fi. Why? Because I don't want to. With the chromecast I didn't have to in order to allow guests to share streams. I like that.

 

[tbayrgs]

Why do I have to be on Wi-Fi? Maybe I want my phone in cell for what ever reason. And even still, they point is, it is not a peer to peer connection like Apple tv, it is a device to internet and chromecast to internet connection.

Also I do not allow guest access on my Wi-Fi. Why? Because I don't want to. With the chromecast I didn't have to in order to allow guests to share streams. I like that.

So then how does a device communicate with a Chromecast if they're not on the same network--how does it even know it's there? And if this was possible, what's to stop you from sending video to any other Chromecast device anywhere?

My point is that there has to be some protocol involved that allows a device to recognize that there's a Chromecast nearby and available and if it's not because they are on the same network, what's the process? And what's in place to prevent someone else from hijacking your Chromecast? You can stop anyone from sharing your wifi because of the encrypted password--what stops that same person from sharing your Chromecast?


Update: Just read this little tidbit from this article about Chromecast over on Computerworld:

7. It doesn't take much to get a device connected as a Chromecast controller.

Once you set Chromecast up, all you've gotta do is sign a phone, tablet, or computer onto the same Wi-Fi network and it'll be able to control playback. Unlike the Nexus Q, no special apps have to be installed on the remote device in order for it to work.

And this was in the Verge's hand-on summary:

Chromecast compatible apps automatically detect when there's a Chromecast on the same Wi-Fi network, and pop up a share button when they do.

So I'm not sure where a few of you are getting your info from but this, like everything else I've read, seems to indicate both devices must be on the same wifi network.

 

[marc11]

Oh boy, it uses your Google id to know. Same as when I search Google for an address on my work computer and on my phone a Google card is automatically created. I guess that negates my ideas of guests coming over but still they do not need to be on the same network. Not sure I can say this again more clearly it is not a peer to peer connection, it is device to app or internet and app to internet to chromecast connection. Ago I can be at work and send a th YouTube video to my home tv died my family if I want.

 

[tbayrgs]

Oh boy, it uses your Google id to know. Same as when I search Google for an address on my work computer and on my phone a Google card is automatically created. I guess that negates my ideas of guests coming over but still they do not need to be on the same network. Not sure I can say this again more clearly it is not a peer to peer connection, it is device to app or internet and app to internet to chromecast connection. Ago I can be at work and send a th YouTube video to my home tv died my family if I want.

Link to source of this info please?

 

[TallManNY]

The issue is you cannot really buy a new tv that is not a "smart tv"



right? If my device needs wifi and the chromcast needs wifi...why would they not be on the same network =/

So smart they are dumb?

 

[marc11]

Link to source of this info please?

There are many. But even in the Google presentation you can see where they say the stream comes from the cloud and you can turn your device off once you send the stream command. So that there tells you it is not a peer to peer Wi-Fi connection.

 

[tbayrgs]

There are many. But even in the Google presentation you can see where they say the stream comes from the cloud and you can turn your device off once you send the stream command. So that there tells you it is not a peer to peer Wi-Fi connection.

I'm aware that the Chromecast is streaming content directly from the internet but just because the video isn't being streamed from the phone doesn't mean it doesn't need the connection over wifi to give the commands--every article I've read says the device is serving as the remote but not one says this can be done remotely off network. And I was serious about asking for a link because I cannot find a single reference confirming what your saying. Just point me to a source detailing this capability and I promise, I'll stop pestering you.

Update: Still searching myself for confirmation on this issue and per the CNET hand-on video, they stated they used multiple devices but confirmed each must be on the same wifi network.

On that note, I'm done, easier to just wait until I get mine and give it a test drive.

 

[MRU]

Seems bit messy to setup, also genuine question with most smart TV's having DNLA - what benefit is there to having this. My Samsung & LG TV's can do ths from both my iPad, iPhone, BB Z10 & HTC One without a dongle. So is this just for TV's without buit-in Wifi & DNLA?