The Google Chromecast offered users a relatively simple way to wirelessly stream content. Through it, Google took a big step toward a "new era" of no-remote homes.
It was a technology with impressive potential. "In fact, if Google succeeds in building an ecosystem around it, it could prove to be one of the most important smart TV technologies to come along so far," according to The Register.
The device was not limited to YouTube and Netflix only. The Chromecast acted as a receiver, relying on a "sender" app acting as a command that instructs the Chromecast to grab and render the content itself. It supported streaming from nearly an infinite number of sources, did not need firmware upgrade, and developers can easily add the Chromecast app themselves. In short, the Chromecast was flexible. The only limit to its usability and potential was the willingness of developers to adopt the technology.
With TV shipments seen to improve, according to forecasts, the Google Chromecast could very well ride above this wave. According to IHS, a technology consultancy firm, TV sales were expected to reach 21 million in 2017, which was more than double the market. The Consumer Electronics Association forecast also forecasted an increase in internet-connected displays. For this year, unit sales were expected to reach 12.3 million from 9.2 million in 2012.
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