Chromecast is two years old! To celebrate, Google is giving away free movie rentals to anyone with the device.
Google launched a similar celebration for its streaming device last year when it turned one, offering subscriptions to All Access free of charge for 90 days. This year, Chromecast owners can rent all the movies they want from a select list of films, an offer that lasts until Dec. 31.
Even those looking to own the device sometime in the year can still enjoy the deal. The birthday treat also includes access to Play Music, but that is only available for 90 days. To redeem the offer, the dongle has to be powered on and connected to the Google Cast extension.
Introduced in 2013, Chromecast is a media-streaming device that plugs into a TV's HDMI port. From a smartphone, tablet, or computer, users can "cast" whatever they are viewing on they are viewing on their devices to experience it better on the big screen. The dongle is essentially aimed at improving a user's entertainment experience but it can also be utilized to facilitate productivity as it can mirror whatever is on a connected device's display.
When it is used in conjunction with a smartphone, Chromecast also makes it possible to use the latter as a personalized remote control. However, a smartphone can still be used for other things while connected as Chromecast doesn't hijack the device.
Chromecast is compatible with a number of apps, including Pandora, Netflix, WatchESPN, HBO Go, YouTube, Twitch, Crackle and Hulu. To view these apps on their TV, users need only to have the latest version of the apps installed on their smartphones or tablets, be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast and touch the cast button on the app.
To cast from a computer, the Chrome browser must be installed as well as the Google Cast extension. Connect the computer to the same Wi-Fi network Chromecast is on and go to any website. Click the cast button on the browser to share what is being viewed on website to the TV.
Chromecast is available for $35. Strong Wi-Fi connection is recommended for optimal casting.
Photo: Erica Joy | Flickr
