AirPlay for Google?

ByMike Moffit

Google has just released a brand new streaming device. They call it the Chromecast, and it retails for $35. This very small flash drive-sized device plugs directly into any HDMI port. It works very much like the AirPlay feature on the Apple TV.

Google’s Chromecast supports a variety of Android and iOS devices including iPhone, iPad and the Chrome web browser (running on any computer). The device will allow you to stream content to a TV without even needing a remote!

In addition to streaming content from your mobile devices and computers, the Chromecast has a growing number of supported applications such as Netflix, YouTube and the Google Play Store.

Overall, it is a very neat device with a fairly low price tag. However, Google’s Chromecast is still in its infancy and has a way to go before it can be in direct competition with the Apple TV. Read more on Google’s website here.

Similar Posts

  • SPECIAL | iKlear Cleaning Supplies Bundle

    Keep liquids, crumbs and smudges off your computer! With every purchase of iKlear, receive a free keyboard cover and cleaning cloth, a $24.99 savings.

  • New Malware Affecting Mac Users

    A new malicious website has plagued itself on some unsuspecting Mac users recently. It has been classified under the term “ransomware”, which is essentially malware that restricts access to a computer until a payment is made by the victim/user. In this case, the ransomware disguises itself as an official FBI webpage, attempting to scare the user into paying a fine for any copyright infringement they may have committed to regain access to their computer.

    This particular site is inadvertently visited by the user while browsing the web. In one example from Malwarebytes Blog, the author performs a search for Taylor Swift. One of the search results returned is the aforementioned ransomware page, that (seemingly) proceeds to take his Mac hostage. The author escapes the page by going to “Reset Safari” under “Safari” in the menu bar. This action obviously will only work if the user is running Safari. Under other browsers, you can Force Quit, and then hold down the Shift key upon restarting the application to bypass the “restore from crash” function.

    All in all, this website does not pose any immediate risk to your Mac; its only intention is to trick the victim into inputting credit card info/paying the “fine.” As always, the best protection against malware like this is to be aware of it. Using common sense is also always helpful — obviously, the FBI is not going to remotely take over your computer with a web page, and force you to pay a fine for copyright infringement.

    “*Read the blog post here.*”:http://blog.malwarebytes.org/intelligence/2013/07/fbi-ransomware-now-targeting-apples-mac-os-x-users/

  • _Happy Tuesday!_

    This Saturday, we had our 4th Annual eWaste Event here in Manchester, NH. We had a decent turnout of responsible eWasters on what turned out to be a very beautiful day. My dog Kingsley was also present and served as the Small Dog mascot and was beloved by all who turned out.

    Many thanks to all of our volunteers and to “*Metech Recycling*”:http://www.metechrecycling.com for unloading, hauling and ultimately, making sure these items don’t end up in the landfill.

    We have a couple of great articles this week that we can all relate to. RJ touches on a new malware that has hit PCs in the past and has also shown up on Macs recently. Sherrie reports on a very interesting event that occurred in China involving third party accessories. Last but not least, Shawn V. informs us about some competition for Apple’s AirPlay audience.

    As always, thanks for reading!

    _Barry_
    “*barry@smalldog.com*”:mailto:barry@smalldog.com

  • SPECIAL | Microsoft Office Sale

    Save $30 off Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 Home and Student (Single-User License) — a must-have for students.

  • Seats Still Available for Mac OS X Technical Training for IT Pros!

    Sign up for our training session at “*KnowledgeWave*”:http://www.knowledgewave.com in South Burlington, Vermont — ideal for businesses and IT professionals who have an interest in what working on the Mac OS can do for you.

    * *Mac OS X Technical Training For IT Professionals,* Tuesday, August 6, 9am-5pm

    Why register? Rebecca will cover what you need to know to seamlessly integrate Macs into your business in this all-day training session.

    All classes are held at KnowledgeWave, 30 Community Dr. #5 South Burlington, VT 05403.

    “*To learn more, and to register, click here.*”:http://www.smalldog.com/training/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=KB-kw

    *Meet Your Instructor!*
    Rebecca Kraemer is Vice President in charge of Information Technology & Development (IT&D) and Consulting for Small Dog Electronics. Rebecca began her long career with Apple products as an independent consultant before becoming a manager and then Genius with Apple, Inc. She joined Small Dog in 2008 and has been privileged to be a member of the Service, Consulting and IT departments.

    Rebecca created the curriculum for the professional classes that Small Dog has offered for the past two years, and she is excited to be offering these classes to the general public for the first time at KnowledgeWave. When she’s not surrounded by computers, Rebecca is a sole proprietor of a massage business in Morrisville, VT and she enjoys yoga, cooking, gardening, the great outdoors, and her Lab mix Toby and two cats, Lola and Miles.

    If you have any questions about the curriculum or would like additional info, feel free to shoot her an email at “*rebeccak@smalldog.com!*”:mailto:rebeccak@smalldog.com