Telstra talks Chromecast with Google
Telstra is in talks with Google about a potential Aussie launch for Chromecast.
- Published by David Knox
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Telstra has confirmed talks with Google for a potential Australian launch of Google’s Chromecast digital media player.
The Chromecast device, not much bigger than a USB stick, plugs into the back of a TV and allows users to view content from selected online services, including YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV and Google Play Music through wifi.
It retails in the US for $US35.
A Telstra spokesperson told SmartCompany, “We are always looking at ways we can bring brilliant and innovative entertainment experiences to our customers and so will always explore and consider new technology that can deliver that.
“There are no ‘secret talks’ with Google – we speak to Google all the time about all sorts of things.
“As we have said we are taking a look at it – but very early stages – if it’s a product/device that we will stock we will let customers know.”
The device has received generally good industry reviews with Gizmodo review saying, “Chromecast isn’t Google’s version of Apple TV, and it’s not trying to be… But Chromecast also costs a third of what those devices do, and has plenty of potential given that its SDK is just a few days old.”
9 Responses
@Mark LG – actually I think you misunderstand what cnrmlj is saying. They’re saying that Tel$tra will bump the price up while removing/restricting functionality, the same as happened with TiVo. (IIRC TiVo was $699 when you could buy a Panasonic or similar brand DVR for around $500 that had ad-skip which was disabled in the Aus TiVo).
@carmlj, I think you misunderstand what the Chromecast is, it allows you to stream content from online video sites (You Tube, Netflix, Hulu etc) directly onto your TV. The RRP for the Chromecast is around $35 currently, if I remember correctly.
Overall, I think this is an interesting idea by Telstra, although I just hope they don’t try and monopolise online content in this way.
I’m sure Telstra will find a way to mess this up, then charge twice as much for it.
@cnrmlj does Australia have tivo
chromecast is amazing got one a couple of months ago im sure when telstra gets its hands on it they will ram up the price
Now, if only Telstra could provide me with a cable internet connection here in southern Wollongong.
@par3182 Exactly!
Australian version of TiVo all over again.
$99 for less functionality and a Telstra logo,
“But Chromecast also costs a third of what those devices do”
Not when Telstra gets its hands on it.