Chromecast, the digital media streaming device, now has a rival, the PLAiR 2.
Google developed its digital media streaming adapter, the Chromecast, which went up for sale in July 2013. The Chromecast enables users to streams audio/video content via Wi-Fi on a high-definition (HD) television. However, Chromecast users can only select the audio/video content from their Google Chrome web browser on their desktop or mobile device.
The Google Chromecast, which has a price tag of only $35, is currently just available from the Google Play store in the U.S. However, the company recently launched the Chromecast app that is said to support countries outside the U.S. as well. Amazon is also shipping the Chromecast to select countries outside the U.S.
The PLAiR 2 offers similar functionality as offered by the Chromecast. The PLAiR 2 has a very similar design to that of its predecessor. The PLAiR 2 has the same 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 802.11n Wi-Fi and 1080p output as found on the original PLAiR. The device has a three step setup process and is available only in black color option.
At $49, the price of the PLAIR 2 has been reduced to nearly half of the original PLAiR, which had a price tag of $99, and the reduced price of the PLAiR 2 brings it near to the price of the Chromecast.
A user can download the free PLAiR app for their iOS or Android device. Once the app is downloaded, a user can conveniently use their device as a remote control for their television.
"PLAiR apps allow you to control the experience on TV through a brand new remote control interface. With PLAiR, your Apple and Android mobile devices are the new remote control," per PLAiR's website.
However, a report suggests that people who have used the PLAiR 2 have faced difficulties using the remote feature of the app on their device. The report also indicates that the PLAiR 2 takes more time to buffer video compared to Chromecast. However, the issues were mainly related to streaming videos while the device worked seamlessly while playing games.
Customers can order the PLAiR 2 directly the company's website.
