Google Chromecast Review: Hands-On With The $35 HDMI Streaming Dongle

Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) has released the Chromecast, a small device that plugs into a user’s television set and streams online content from Netflix, YouTube and the Chrome Web browser, with more services reportedly on the way.

There are a lot of devices that promise the same services that Chromecast offers, and many have a lot more features, but Google’s offering has a couple of things going for it that others did not. The Chromecast fits into an HDMI port instead of cluttering up an entertainment console or TV stand, shipped with three free months of Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) service, and most importantly -- only costs $35. Unfortunately, Google discontinued the Chromecast’s Netflix offer after about 24 hours, citing “overwhelming demand”. Since the offer was canceled, the Chromecast does not seem to be losing steam -- it is sold out on Google Play, Amazon, Best Buy’s website and most of the company's retail stores in the U.S.

The Chromecast has been depicted as a lot more compact and neat-looking than in real life. Here it is, exposed in all its wired glory. It does not use a remote, like Apple TV (pictured).  Thomas Halleck

I ordered the Chromecast from BestBuy.com shortly before the Netflix offer was rescinded. Rather than request a free device for review from Google, I wanted to see just how difficult it was to get the Chromecast as a consumer. I also chose to go with the oft-maligned retailer because it offered RewardZone points, a free rewards program that add up to about $5 for every $250 spent. Since Amazon had sold out its Chromecast supply -- it's still out of stock as of this writing -- and the Google Play Store said it will take three to four weeks before shipping, I went to Best Buy's website to order the device. I am also a member of Amazon Prime, the online retailer's premium member service that offers free two-day shipping on many products.