VIDEO: Our Google Chromecast Review Reveals Some Caveats

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Jeff Somogyi
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Contributing Writer

Google's official Chromecast event certainly made the media streaming device look appealing. After all, it's a 2" HDMI dongle that allows a TV to play web video from services like YouTube and Netflix. And at a mere $35, what's not to love?

We decided to test one out for a Chromecast review and discovered that it's not as streamlined as it seems. In our latest, hard-hitting video, we blow the lid off the device and expose some of the flaws that Google failed to mention during its white-washed propaganda event! (If you can't tell, that's our sarcasm font.) We're just like Woodward and Bernstein, if those guys uncovered ridiculous things instead of doing real work!

Now, despite there being some aspects of Chromecast that Google smoothed over during its official announcement, it's still a solid little device. (And who among us doesn't hide some unsightly secret when we're trying to sell ourselves? That's just business as usual!) It's also been rumored that other video services (like Hulu Plus) are planning to bring content to Chromecast, so this thing will only get more robust over time. We just wanted you to have all the facts before jumping in!

Readers, have any of you tried the Chromecast yet? What do you think?

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Jeff Somogyi
Contributing Writer

Jeff Somogyi is constantly trying to come up with ways to surprise and delight audiences the world over. He takes humor seriously ... too seriously. (Honestly, we've never seen him laugh ... it's kinda creepy.)
DealNews may be compensated by companies mentioned in this article. Please note that, although prices sometimes fluctuate or expire unexpectedly, all products and deals mentioned in this feature were available at the lowest total price we could find at the time of publication (unless otherwise specified).

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12 comments
SanDiegoShopper
I was able to cast from my chrome browser on my computer to my big screen tv. That feature alone is worth the $35, although I also got 3 free months of Netflix so it was truly a bargain.
August 6, 2013
shumms311
oops, I mean HDMI 1.4
August 6, 2013
shumms311
my original comment never posted...? Anyway I was trying to make a point that this video fails to mention that if your TV has HDMI 4.1 (most since 2009), you don't have to worry about powering it externally or via USB. Just saying, that's probably a majority of people...
August 6, 2013
tleaf
Yet again it shows that hooking up a computer to your TV gives you the most bang for your buck in versatility and longevity. Any app that's on these devices are a click away from a web browser. The price of these things are so tempting, but my 5 year old Mac Mini has more potential than any of these sub $100 devices. I love the Roku the best out of these devices, but even my sister's 2 year old Roku is no longer being updated, at least on it's interface.

Granted, it's a learning curve for babysitters and the in-laws who come and stay, but it's a small inconvenience for as much as it has to offer. XBMC and Plex have made it a little easier for those that need a "TV" interface, but for me just navigating it like a regular computer is the easiest and no brainer to get what you want. Why isn't a Google TV device just a sub $100 headless ChromeOS device with something like a XBMC interface? Google TV failed, and this doesn't look any more promising.
August 5, 2013
Brian Moon (DealNews)
I have a Roku and an Apple TV. I wish they would have a love child that was perfect. Like, I miss YouTube on the Roku. And I like to use AirPlay from time to time. On the other hand, I miss Pandora on ATV and find hitting the menu button about 500 times to get place annoying. Also, doing things on the ATV will turn the volume up and down on my Mac that is sitting in my lap.

Having said all that, the Chromecast does not appear to be that device. It does some of the stuff. But, having to have a phone or the like to control it it not ideal. I really just want a device with dedicated controls. I will keep my Roku and hope they close the gap on the features I really want.
August 5, 2013
DeezyGeee
His points are legit. It is not about how much the device costs, its about what Google alluded to in functionality and ease-of-use, versus the reality. Thanks for the sharing the reality! Yes, many people will buy one anyway, and that's fine. They do have a right to know the whole truth before purchasing.
August 5, 2013
reeladdiction
Your complaining about a piece of equipment that costs $35 and turns your regular TV into a smart TV. You could instead pay an extra couple hundred dollars for a smart TV. Also you can cast your Chrome browser window to the TV. You should really research and learn a product before making a video to bash it.

And as a site note, when I went to post this comment I clicked "Post Comment" and watch the little circle you spoke of earlier go around and around for 5 mins before I had to reload the page several times. This is simply text I am trying to post and your site is doing the same thing your video complains about....go figure.....
August 5, 2013
Lindsay Sakraida (DealNews)
@reeladdiction Additionally, it's not just $35 vs. hundreds for a new smart TV. It's $35 vs. about $50 if you want a set top box like the Roku, which in many ways works a lot better than the Chromecast. This is why we point out some of the caveats to the Chromecast. We just want people to be able to spend their money in the wisest fashion possible for what they need.
August 5, 2013
Lindsay Sakraida (DealNews)
@reeladdiction Your comment was submitted for approval since you have never commented before. Moreover, pointing out that a product doesn't work smoothly is not "bashing it." It's being honest about limitations. We thought people might actually like to know that sort of information.
August 5, 2013
Lindsay Sakraida (DealNews)
@reeladdiction We're aware of the price.
August 5, 2013
reeladdiction
Your complaining about a piece of equipment that costs $35 and turns your regular TV into a smart TV. You could instead pay an extra couple hundred dollars for a smart TV. Also you can cast your Chrome browser window to the TV. You should really research and learn a product before making a video to bash it.

And as a site note, when I went to post this comment I clicked "Post Comment" and watch the little circle you spoke of earlier go around and around for 2 mins before I had to reload the page. This is simply text I am trying to post and your site is doing the same thing your video complains about....go figure.....
August 5, 2013
reeladdiction
Your complaining about a piece of equipment that costs $35 and turns your regular TV into a smart TV. You could instead pay an extra couple hundred dollars for a smart TV. Also you can cast your Chrome browser window to the TV. You should really research and learn a product before making a video to bash it.
August 5, 2013