Google (GOOG +0.56%) today unveiled Chromecast, a device that could help the search giant become a centerpiece of the living room.
At $35, Chromecast brings the Internet to the TV. After plugging the device into any HDTV and connecting to Wi-Fi, customers can send content from any mobile device to the TV. From there, customers can use their phone, tablet, or laptop to browse the Internet on their living room screen. As the Chromecast device works across platforms, those who use Android, iOS, Windows, Mac OS, and Chrome OS devices can use Chromecast remote-free as intended.
Source: Chromecast Product Page.
Currently, the product supports apps from Netflix, YouTube, Google Play, and Chrome. Meaning, customers can enjoy content from these services with fewer hiccups.
To better build out the Chromecast experience in the future, Google has built Cast, a software development kit (SDK) for developers. Through Cast, developers can more easily build multiscreen experiences across mobile devices and TVs. The SDK is already available to a handful of developers, so supported apps should become available soon.
People can buy Chromecast now at Google Play, Amazon.com, and BestBuy.com. It will be available in Best Buy stores across the U.S. starting July 28.
