Android By James Plafke Jan. 6, 2014 2:15 pm
Google’s Chromecast media streamer received a fair bit of attention when it first released. Though its streaming capabilities were extremely limited, its cheap $35 price tag and tiny hides-behind-your-TV size thrust the device into the forefront of the media streaming buzz.
Google’s device has more features now — specifically, a couple of apps that allow you to stream media from your PC, as well as some more notable media services — and it appears the positive buzz surrounding the device has spurred Netgear to release its own tiny media dongle, the NetMediacast.
Chromecast’s functionality is slowly growing — and for its $35 price tag, it’s a decent device. However, almost every popular media streamer offers more services and capabilities at a similar, though slightly more expensive price point. While the Chromecast’s stable of available services has been expanding, it’s still missing a few notable features, such as the ability to accept external storage.
Netgear’s oddly named NetMediacast has a leg-up in that area, sporting an microSD card slot. The device is powered by Android 4.2 and can sideload Android apps, sports 802.11ac WiFi, and plugs right into your TV’s HDMI port. The NetMediacast is also Miracast-enabled, meaning you can stream media from your smartphone (something the Chromecast is also able to do).
Where Chromecast retains the edge (aside from the name), is that the NetMediacast appears to be an HDMI dongle for cable companies rather than sold to individual customers at retail outlets. Essentially, it can give Comcast, for example, the ability to include the dongle with a cable package and put a small form factor streaming device in your living room.
The device would also allow Comcast to preload whatever Android apps it wishes, giving the company further control over your media life. It could also benefit less tech savvy subscribers, as a pre-loaded plug-and-play media streamer could bring your mom into the streaming age with ease.
The device is expected to be available to cable providers in the first half of this year, and it’ll be interesting to see how it fares against the comparatively do-it-yourself Chromecast.
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Google’s device has more features now — specifically, a couple of apps that allow you to stream media from your PC, as well as some more notable media services — and it appears the positive buzz surrounding the device has spurred Netgear to release its own tiny media dongle, the NetMediacast.
Chromecast’s functionality is slowly growing — and for its $35 price tag, it’s a decent device. However, almost every popular media streamer offers more services and capabilities at a similar, though slightly more expensive price point. While the Chromecast’s stable of available services has been expanding, it’s still missing a few notable features, such as the ability to accept external storage.
Netgear’s oddly named NetMediacast has a leg-up in that area, sporting an microSD card slot. The device is powered by Android 4.2 and can sideload Android apps, sports 802.11ac WiFi, and plugs right into your TV’s HDMI port. The NetMediacast is also Miracast-enabled, meaning you can stream media from your smartphone (something the Chromecast is also able to do).
Where Chromecast retains the edge (aside from the name), is that the NetMediacast appears to be an HDMI dongle for cable companies rather than sold to individual customers at retail outlets. Essentially, it can give Comcast, for example, the ability to include the dongle with a cable package and put a small form factor streaming device in your living room.
The device would also allow Comcast to preload whatever Android apps it wishes, giving the company further control over your media life. It could also benefit less tech savvy subscribers, as a pre-loaded plug-and-play media streamer could bring your mom into the streaming age with ease.
The device is expected to be available to cable providers in the first half of this year, and it’ll be interesting to see how it fares against the comparatively do-it-yourself Chromecast.
More...
