Google Tries to Channel TV Again with Chromecast
Over the last decade, Google has extended its reach from desktop computers to smartphones and tablets. Yet despite years of trying with complex products like Google TV, it has not been able to breach the citadel of television.
So on Wednesday, Google introduced Chromecast, a product looking at the problem another way. The relatively low-tech, $35 device is an internet-connected thumb drive that plugs into a high-definition TV to stream from the cloud and control it with a smartphone, tablet or computer.
Chromecast is basically Google’s version of the current Apple TV and hinges on appropriating the latter device’s beloved feature, Airplay, that lets someone beam what they’re viewing on their iPhone, iPad or computer to their TV. Google has iterated on Apple’s feature by opening it up beyond devices operating on Apple software to include those running Android, Windows and Google’s browser-based Chrome OS.
