Google's Android & Chrome Breakfast


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Gotta love the times we live in, so much great stuff coming our way :D

Damn you Microsoft, Google, Apple, and other companies. My wallet is not so happy  :cry:

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Just placed my order on Amazon. It didn't say anything about release date but said it's in stock now. In fact, I went ahead and paid the extra $3.99 (putting it at $38.99, still cheaper than Play :laugh:) and it says it'll be delivered tomorrow. I didn't hear Google specifically say when it would be shipping, only that it would be on sale today. Guess we'll find out?

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Just placed my order on Amazon. It didn't say anything about release date but said it's in stock now. In fact, I went ahead and paid the extra $3.99 (putting it at $38.99, still cheaper than Play :laugh:) and it says it'll be delivered tomorrow. I didn't hear Google specifically say when it would be shipping, only that it would be on sale today. Guess we'll find out?

 

Odd, wonder why Play is delayed until August 2nd.

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I'd suspect one of the two of them will change to match the other in the coming hours/over night. Hopefully Amazon is right though!

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I'd suspect one of the two of them will change to match the other in the coming hours/over night. Hopefully Amazon is right though!

 

I would figure Play would have the same shipping time.

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Hmm interesting.  I might cancel my order with Play and go Amazon instead.

 

Edit:  Nvm, looks like it won't let me cancel.  Oh well.

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Hmm interesting.  I might cancel my order with Play and go Amazon instead.

 

Edit:  Nvm, looks like it won't let me cancel.  Oh well.

Actually it looks like you can. Go to Your orders then click on the info link on the status column of the chromecast, and you should be able to cancel. 

 

Edit: D'oh, it wouldn't let me cancel either. Sorry for the confusion! I also wanted to order through Amazon and have it here quicker and pay less, but I guess not! 

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Actually it looks like you can. Go to Your orders then click on the info link on the status column of the chromecast, and you should be able to cancel. 

 

Edit: D'oh, it wouldn't let me cancel either. Sorry for the confusion! I also wanted to order through Amazon and have it here quicker and pay less, but I guess not! 

Haha!  Damn Google trapped us!  :rofl:

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Haha!  Damn Google trapped us!  :rofl:

Seriously! Oh well. I guess we'll be waiting :) This is not a good track record for the play store and me. I got wait listed for the original Nexus 7 order from the play store. I should've figured this would happen! 

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Go ahead and load up the extension!

 

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/google-cast/boadgeojelhgndaghljhdicfkmllpafd

 

From the sounds of it, on a computer it's going to be limited to the Chrome browser, but it does have the ability to send the entire tab you're currently viewing. This would allow it to play content on non-"optimized" sites. With the open API I suspect we'll see extensions that let you send about any flash video to it though, and probably apps outside of Chrome as well (hopefully!)

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For those looking to still order, or want to get it faster...

 

I called Google.  Their shipping is August 2nd.  That is when the device will ship.  It is back ordered.  Amazon is sold out but Best Buy still has them.  I am going to refuse the package from Google and I ordered one from Best Buy.  Should be here hopefully tomorrow but the latest, July 29th.

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Been doing some reading.  Users are reporting Hulu and other video streams are working when displaying a Chrome TAB.   And can cast local files by navigating to the file in chrome.  like avi, mp3, mp4....no mkv tho...yet  :)

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Few folks on reddit (/chromecast) have stated that if you have a codec that can play MKV files installed on your computer then you can stream MKV files as well. just open them in Chrome and they will stream.

 

Nice.  Cant want to get mine.

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Been doing some reading.  Users are reporting Hulu and other video streams are working when displaying a Chrome TAB.   And can cast local files by navigating to the file in chrome.  like avi, mp3, mp4....no mkv tho...yet  :)

Few folks on reddit (/chromecast) have stated that if you have a codec that can play MKV files installed on your computer then you can stream MKV files as well. just open them in Chrome and they will stream.

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Been doing some reading.  Users are reporting Hulu and other video streams are working when displaying a Chrome TAB.   And can cast local files by navigating to the file in chrome.  like avi, mp3, mp4....no mkv tho...yet  :)

That's awesome news!

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Okay, I've got it here! Any questions about it?

 

One thing I can answer is that it has an HDMI extension, short, just 3" long or so, but enough to make sure it doesn't interfere with anything else. I saw that was a concern some had.

 

Box contains: Chromecast dongle, micro usb power block, microusb cable, and an HDMI extender.

 

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Setting it up on Chrome in Linux (Mint 15) gives you this warning. Trying it still obviously.

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Okay, slight change of plans. Not setting up with Linux because it needs to be set up from a devices with wifi, so I used my work laptop with Windows 7. The setup page downloaded a small app that set up the Chromecast within 2 minutes (after I got my wifi password right, hah). In Linux it was going to try to use the browser to set up the Chromecast. Setup is done by connecting to a generic wifi network that the Chromecast is broadcasting, then setting it up to use your wifi, then it jumps onto your network and you're ready to go. Delay is about 3 seconds between my laptop and my TV which really isn't too bad. I'm typing all this while casting this tab to my TV:

 

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Seems to work as advertised. Not a whole lot to it. If anyone has any specific questions I can answer, let me know. I was going to test Linux a little, but it doesn't seem to cast from wired connections, which seems a little weird since they are still on the same network. Perhaps it's an issue because of Linux after all. I'll mess around and see what I can find out. Update: After a YouTube video ended it says "Choose a YouTube video on your mobile device or laptop, then watch it here", so maybe anything without a wireless connection is out. Still not exactly sure why if it's using your existing network and not doing a direct connection.

 

Oh, and just a couple of more things. There's nothing from Netflix in the box. I wonder if they'll email you a code once you do the setup. Nothing yet but I'll keep an eye out. Oh, and it also is happily powered by one of the two useless USB ports on my TV, so no need to use the power block if you have USB ports on your TV (assuming they send the same power mine does).

 

Playing Youtube from your phone is a matter of searching in the Youtube app, clicking the cast icon, then you can do whatever with your phone. Close the app, let it go into standby, etc. One nice thing is that it has a lockscreen preview of what's playing as well as a pause button. At least it does for me on Android 4.2.2 AOSP (One GE).

 

I've just read, apparently if you ordered from Amazon, they'll email you your Netflix code in about a week. If you got it from BB, it should be on your receipt.

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I've just read, apparently if you ordered from Amazon, they'll email you your Netflix code in about a week. If you got it from BB, it should be on your receipt.

 

I got Netflix info in an email right after it shipped from BB.  I just got notification my Play order shipped as well but nothing about Netflix there.  I am sending back the order from Play anyway.

 

Was looking on EBAY..Chromecasts are going from 80 - 100 bucks or so.  Demand was high and they appear to be sold out everywhere.

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I just got a tracking notification for my Chromecast (ordered from Play store), it should be here Thursday according to UPS. I also got my Netflix 3 month code today via email. 

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I just got a tracking notification for my Chromecast (ordered from Play store), it should be here Thursday according to UPS. I also got my Netflix 3 month code today via email. 

 

My Play order will be here Wednesday but I am sending it back.  Got it faster via Best Buy on Friday.  Got my Netflix code for BB and Play, tho I didnt redeem thru play since I am sending it back.  Chromecast went quick...sold out already.

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I went to several Best Buy stores over the weekend in attempts to purchase one and after not finding one decided that it was not all that important as the only thing i have connected to my Television ( i do not have television service) is my PS3 which allows me to do nearly everything the chromecast can (except for share a browser tab, but it has a built in browser)

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I went to BestBuy Saturday myself to purchase one and they were out.. Said they sold out Friday night.. 

 

I have an AppleTV and all of the devices in my house are Apple, but I want one to take with me when I travel and for work as well. I mean this thing would be GREAT for Hotel rooms!!

Btw

http://www.appy-geek.com/Web/ArticleWeb.aspx?regionid=1&articleid=11411692

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I went to BestBuy Saturday myself to purchase one and they were out.. Said they sold out Friday night.. 

 

I have an AppleTV and all of the devices in my house are Apple, but I want one to take with me when I travel and for work as well. I mean this thing would be GREAT for Hotel rooms!!

Btw

http://www.appy-geek.com/Web/ArticleWeb.aspx?regionid=1&articleid=11411692

 

The store i went to all told me that they did not have any, and did not expect to receive their first batch of them until sometime in late august.

They are smaller Best Buy stores and they are all in Rural Ohio.

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Yea. read that as well.  Going to be interesting to see what they come up with.

The store i went to all told me that they did not have any, and did not expect to receive their first batch of them until sometime in late august.

They are smaller Best Buy stores and they are all in Rural Ohio.

 

I ordered mine online from BB.  Didnt bother going in to a store.  Arrive in a day or so.  Play Store is estimating 3 - 4 weeks for new orders to ship.

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