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Chromecast Gets a Hardwired Ethernet Adapter
Mark Wilson writes: Google's Chromecast has gained quite a following of people looking for a cheap, simple way to stream content to their TVs. Part of the device's appeal is its easy of use and extensibility through the use of apps, but it is reliant on a steady Wi-Fi signal. If this represents a problem in your home, there's now a solution. The new Ethernet Adapter for Chromecast does very much what you would expect — it adds a wired Ethernet port to Google's streaming dongle. This is great news for anyone with a flaky Wi-Fi signal, or those looking to use Chromecast beyond their router's normal range.
True, but it's actually a USB power adapter with a Ethernet port on it. The USB-Ethernet adapter is in the power aadapter and the single USB cable goes to the Chromecast.
So it's not a dinky adapter dangling from your Chromecast (and slowly unplugging it if your HDMI ports are the wrong orientation), but it accepts Ethernet at the power adapter and asingle cable goes to the Chromecast. Quite elegant a solution, really.
Chromecast all but requires another smart device running (continuously) to control it. You can't control it directly.
Google TV, on the other hand, AKA "Android TV Sticks", are a full-on Android device, just like your phone or tablet, but without the screen. You control it with something like a mouse/keyboard.
You can turn off your phone/laptop while using a Google TV. You can browse the Internet on your Google TV, without using anything else to help. You can plug in a keyboard/mouse and use it like a computer! You buy apps on it from Google play, just like any other android device, and it's very compatible!
I just loved my first TV stick that I bought on Amazon (MK808b) for $35! I just bought an MK809 when my MK808b finally died after 3 or 4 years of daily use, and it has (so far) been a nice upgrade. Faster processor, better wifi reception, more memory/storage. Still runs just fine off the power from the USB port on the side of my TV...
PS: To control one of these, you want a "flying mouse remote". It's a keyboard that "mouses" by waving it in the air.
I have no problem with your religion until you decide it's reason to deprive others of the truth.
Dear AC,
For all intents and purposes, local Chromecast traffic does not route. It relies on Ethernet broadcast to do its magic (whatever that Ethernet may consist of).
So, the Chromecast must be on the on the same logical LAN as the rest of your network. Can't/won't/don't want to do that? Learn some iptables magic or naff off (good luck!).
Every device in this field is similar in this behavior.
Kid-proof tablet..