Monday, August 26, 2013

Chromecast app for streaming your own videos? Not on Google's watch

Chromecast app for streaming your own videos? Not on Google's watch

Chromecast app for streaming your own videos? Not on Google's watch

Chromecast is Google's answer to Apple TV and Roku, but it seems users who want to stream their own videos will have to look elsewhere for now.

Previously users were streaming custom content to Chromecast with an Android app called AllCast (or sometimes AirCast, due to a trademark dispute).

But the most recent Chromecast firmware update killed support for the app, seeming to make it clear where Google stands on streaming unofficial content.

We've asked Google to confirm that it really did intend to kill AllCast support (maybe it was an accident!) and we'll update you if we hear back.

"A heavy handed approach"

When it worked AllCast could stream users' videos from Dropbox, Google Drive, or a phone.

AllCast was in beta, and the app's developer, Koushik Dutta, was planning to release it on Google Play. But he told The Verge that he believes Google killed the app intentionally.

"The policy seems to be a heavy handed approach, where only approved content will be played through the device," he said, drawing the conclusion that "the Chromecast will probably not be indie developer friendly."

Chromecast currently supports official content from the Google Play store, Netflix and Youtube.

But the Google dongle can also mirror browser tabs in Chrome, so creative users will no doubt find ways around most restrictions.


     






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//PART 2