Review: Google Chromecast

After almost a year of overseas availability, Google Chromecast has finally made it made it to Australian shores. Given the tight partnership Google had with Netflix in releasing the device in the United States, this isn't entirely unsurprising. Netflix streaming is definitely one of the best uses for Chromecast, and an official Australian launch is easily over half a year away. However, even without Netflix, Chromecast is still a gadget with a whole lot of potential.

After almost a year of overseas availability, Google Chromecast has finally made it made it to Australian shores. Given the tight partnership Google had with Netflix in releasing the device in the United States, this isn't entirely unsurprising. Netflix streaming is definitely one of the best uses for Chromecast, and an official Australian launch is easily over half a year away. However, even without Netflix, Chromecast is still a gadget with a whole lot of potential.

Setup
Chromecast is an unassuming black dongle, just a bit larger than a typical USB drive. It plugs into a spare HDMI input on the back of your television, and can be powered via a USB port or plugged straight into the wall. The device also includes a small HDMI extension cable, just in case it doesn't quite fit into an available HDMI port comfortably.

Chromecast is one of the easiest wireless-only devices, and I've set up far too many in my life already. The process entails downloading either a desktop, iOS or Android app, launching it, and clicking through the steps. The installer provides plain and simple instructions, and the most complicated part of the process is entering your WiFi password. Within minutes, I was happily streaming YouTube to my TV.