Chromecast is the name of a US$35 digital media streaming adapter developed by Google and released last week, in addition to being a free API/SDK and Chrome browser extension. The Chromecast device, a 51 mm (2-inch) dongle that plugs into the HDMI port of an HDTV or monitor, plays audio/video media from supporting content providers by connecting over WiFi and streaming it from the web. The user selects content to play on her/his TV from either a supported app on a mobile device, or a tab from the Chrome web browser on a computer. The device was announced on July 24, 2013 and made available for purchase the same day.

CNET’s coverage of Google’s presentation of Chromecast

It is possible and likely that the Chromecast receiver technology will be offered built into upcoming HDTV sets, rather than the not so successful Google TV which has been included in some so far. Although it is possible for the user to send any Chrome tab to the Chromecast, the best experience will be achieved when a specific website (or application) has a built-in button indicating: “Send to my HDTV via Chromecast” or similar. Unlike Apple’s AirPlay protocol stack/suite (which actually loads down and depends upon the sending device’s processor, since it actually sends the video from it), Chromecast creates a control relationship between the Chrome tab or application and the Chromecast device (or —in the future— Chromecast embedded feature), so there is no appriciable load upon the sending device. The Chromecast device receives the video directly via WiFi from the Internet.

How to order a US$35 Chromecast device yourself

You can order the Chromecast device from Amazon here.

Services that have already committed to supporting Chromecast

At shipment, YouTube, Netflix, Google Play Music, and Google Play Movies & TV already embrace Chromecast. Additional apps and services, such as Pandora, Vimeo, and TWiT.tv will embrace it soon, thanks to the free API/SDK. I expect there to be a free plugin for websites developed with WordPress very soon, and I expect that list of apps and services to grow exponentially.

Why should video producers and distributors like you embrace Chromecast

If you already have video on your website, Chromecast is an extremely simple way to have your viewers see your content on their large HDTV set, whether it be via a plugin on your website or in your app (if you have one). Since Google will obviously be monitoring the traffic of referred sites or sources, it will likely increase your Google SEO ranking too.

Upcoming articles and reviews

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Si deseas suscribirte a mi lista en castellano, visita aquí. Si prefieres, puedes suscribirte a ambas listas (castellano e inglés).

My latest ebook

My most recent ebook is available in two languages. The format is Kindle, but even if you don’t have a Kindle device, you can read Kindle books on many other devices using a free Kindle app. That includes iPad, iPhone, Android phones, Android tablets, Mac computers, Windows computers, some Blackberry phones and Windows 7 phones.

In English:

In English, it is currently available in the following Amazon stores, depending upon your region:

• At Amazon.com (for all of the Americas and the Republic of India)
• Amazon.co.jp (Japan)
• Amazon.co.uk (United Kingdom)
• Amazon.de (Germany)
• Amazon.es (Spain, pero a lo mejor lo prefieres en castellano, a continuación)
• Amazon.fr (France)
• Amazon.it (Italy)

If you’re going to buy a Kindle book as a gift, you must do so via the Pan-American Amazon store (the first one listed above), regardless of where you live or where the recipient lives.

En castellano:

En castellano, está disponible actualmente en las siguientes tiendas Amazon, según tu región:

• Amazon.com (todas las Américas y la República de la India)
• Amazon.co.jp (Japón)
• Amazon.co.uk (Reino Unido)
• Amazon.de (Alemania)
• Amazon.es (España)
• Amazon.fr (Francia)
• Amazon.it (Italia)

Si vas a comprar un libro Kindle como regalo, debes hacerlo vía la tienda panamericana de Amazon (la primera de la lista) sin importar donde vivas tú o donde viva la persona que recibirá el regalo.

Allan Tépper’s books, consulting, articles, seminars & audio programs

Contact Allan Tépper for consulting, or find a full listing of his books, articles and upcoming seminars and webinars at AllanTepper.com. Listen to his TecnoTur program, which is now available both in Castilian (aka “Spanish”) and in English, free of charge. Search for TecnoTur in iTunes or visit TecnoTur.us for more information.

FTC disclosure

No manufacturer is specifically paying Allan Tépper or TecnoTur LLC to write this article or the mentioned books. Some of the other manufacturers listed above have contracted Tépper and/or TecnoTur LLC to carry out consulting and/or translations/localizations/transcreations. Many of the manufacturers listed above have sent Allan Tépper review units. So far, none of the manufacturers listed above is/are sponsors of the TecnoTur programs, although they are welcome to do so, and some are, may be (or may have been) sponsors of ProVideo Coalition magazine. Some links to third parties listed in this article and/or on this web page may indirectly benefit TecnoTur LLC via affiliate programs.

Copyright and use of this article

The articles contained in the TecnoTur channel in ProVideo Coalition magazine are copyright Allan Tépper/TecnoTur LLC, except where otherwise attributed. Unauthorized use is prohibited without prior approval, except for short quotes which link back to this page, which are encouraged!