When I'm able to give a PPT off my Android device via Chromecast like I can from my iOS devices via AppleTV, then I'll consider one. At this point, I've seen no way to do this.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I have 2 AppleTVs (ver 3) should I bother getting Chromecast at $29?
- Thread starter MrXiro
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Ahh, thanks.Anyone else know, can you tether a Chromecast to your phone?
I've successfully done so, using the default tether from my S4. No Foxfi app needed. It might also depend on passcode encryption, I know some tether apps only use specific encryption.
Why cant you play local media? I use iTunes and PlexConnect with my AppleTV. Plays everything flawlessly.
In a Chromecast vs AppleTV (the discussion) I'd vote ATV easily. AppleTV vs Roku is a different story but owning both I still use the AppleTV on my main tv and Roku 3 in the bedroom. Thats just my personal preference though...
I guess its only natural to discuss but this thread has nothing to do with Roku.
Hilarious. I have an ATV provided by my employer. I now own two chromecast dongles which get used all the time. The ATV just gathers dust... hell I don't even know where it's awful remote went.
You make a good Apple consumer. Regardless of whatever else is out there you will buy Apple just because...
I'd never heard of PlexConnect......might be worth you mentioning it here https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1719333/
It would be quite relevant for that thread.
I'm not necessarily agreeing with the post you were replying to but in reality at this point, the Chromecast offers very little functionality not available on Apple TV, if any, especially if you're not using an Android device.
I don't doubt it, but it's a very inelegant and hacky solution though, and not as easy to implement as a native app for a novice.
I understand that and agree (elegant solution lol) but what about iTunes? Isn't the OP well in the Apple ecosystem?
----------
This is as bad as the person you are quoting.
Do you guys have any reason why? Or just because?
Being already invested in the Apple ecosystem is the only real reason I can think of for someone going ATV over Roku 3. In my opinion its the best all-round solution at the moment.
How is what I said just as bad? Having a one size fits all attitude because something has an Apple on it is silly. Everyone has different needs and systems.
You called him out for his personal preference then state your own. But neither post have a "why". He thinks ATV is superior you think Chromecast is (or at least state the ATV is collecting dust). All I'm seeing is the same post reworded that's what I meant "as bad ".
That's why I asked why do you prefer chromecast because it's obviously not one size fits all.
I never used one and at its price point I'm curious about them. Only think that keeps me from getting one is.
A: no optical out (is that correct?)
B: requires a smart phone so friends and family without one can't use it or I need to lend them a device (which I'm not fond of) aka no remote
C: no access to rentals or buying shows / movies from the device (is this correct?) Can an iOS user get movies from google play?
D: extending display or lack thereof
Then all the ecosystem stuff but that's obviously user preference
Nope there's no optical out but then again this is a $29 device.
You don't need to give your phone or tablet to any guest. So long as they can access your wifi they can "see" the chromecast and use it. Did it the other day when my brother was visiting.
You don't need to give your phone or tablet to any guest. So long as they can access your wifi they can "see" the chromecast and use it. Did it the other day when my brother was visiting.
Or flip the question the other way around - why must it need a remote? I'm tired of all the different remotes lying around. With the chromecast I already have my phone (and most others also) so just use it instead of some dedicated remote that's just hid itself under the sofa.
For me it's a plus but I know others prefer a dedicated remote. I do see Google doing a Chromecast Plus or Premium which would be more like the Roku/ATV/Amazon box with optical, optional remote (yuch) and maybe some other bits. This would give them a good spread of product in the tv space.
For me it's a plus but I know others prefer a dedicated remote. I do see Google doing a Chromecast Plus or Premium which would be more like the Roku/ATV/Amazon box with optical, optional remote (yuch) and maybe some other bits. This would give them a good spread of product in the tv space.
It's not standalone so you need something, but the device doesn't necessarily need to be a smartphone. I get plenty of use streaming stuff using my laptop and Chrome.
I think the value you get out of a Chromecast depends a lot on how invested you are in Google's ecosystem, especially Google Play content and Chrome. A lot of the value you get out of AppleTV depends on how invested you are in Apple's ecosystem (iTunes, AirPLay, etc). Thankfully the two aren't mutually exclusive, and I'm perfectly happy using both with my iPad and my Moto X.
They're very different devices that cover different areas, but I think they complement each other pretty well for the right user. If you're using almost entirely Apple services and not using Google services the Chromecast might not get you a lot, though. I'd say the exact opposite to someone that used entirely Android devices and didn't have any iTunes content.
----------
To be fair the AppleTV doesn't actually need a remote, it just includes one. I seem to recall if you lose the remote you can do most of what you need through the Remote app on iOS over the network connection.
I'll give you a very common example why a Chromecast alone wouldn't work in my house--my kids, none of which have smartphones or Android tablets. The beauty of the Apple TV (and Roku) is that all they have to do it turn on our media system and grab a very simple, small remote to navigate to exactly what they want. Using a Chromecast, I'd need a dedicated device or would have kids screaming for Dad to come put something on the TV for them.
----------
A: No optical out, see if you don't have an HDMI port available on your HT receiver, no 5.1 surround sound.
B: Correct, as previously discussed. Anyone without a smartphone/tablet is SOL.
C: Part one ties right back to B--everything is done via external device. An no, iOS users have no way to rent/purchase from Google Play and then cast.
D: Only from Chrome web browser on certain spec'd computers and performance is generally inconsistent at best, terrible at worst.
Not to dump on the Chromecast, as it has it's specific uses, is very portable, and obviously very inexpensive. It saved me from a week of being subjected to limited cable viewing at my in-laws over Christmas and gave my kids access to all of their movies. At this point though, how useful it will be for someone depends on their preferred ecosystem (better for Android devices using Google Play) and viewing needs. We use the functionality on the Apple TV that's not available on Chromecast quite a lot (AirPlay, photosharing via iPhoto and iCloud, listening to podcasts) and as mentioned, having young kids makes the Apple TV a much better option. In fact, unless someone is deeply entrenched in Google Play for their media, I'd recommend a Roku (or probably the new Amazon Fire TV) before a Chromecast.
Last edited:
Most of the apps that offer 'casting' to Chromecast in Android also have it in iOS (props to Google for allowing this functionality). The biggest shortcoming for an iOS user is not having access to Google Play video. I didn't think the Google Play Music app on iOS could 'cast' but just checked it does offer it so I have access to my entire Google Play Music library, including Play All Access.
Look at the screenshots - there is clearly a Chromecast button:
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/google-play-movies-tv/id746894884?mt=8
Weird!
My mistake. That's great, had no idea Google Play had an iOS app for Movies and TV as I haven't purchased any movies from them yet. One fewer restriction for iOS users.
It doesn't NEED a remote. I personally use my phone with my ATV.
I just like to have one for when my family is in town.