I purchased this device from Flipkart and writing this review after trying this device for some time. *** What is this device and what can it do? *** Google Chromecast is a streaming solution for household use. What that means is - you can use this to play media from Internet websites. It differs from a normal media player in the sense that a normal media player has the content you want to play stored locally, but with Chromecast the media doesn't have to be stored/available locally. It can "stream" and play media straight from Internet (such as Youtube, DittoTV, HOOQ, RedBull TV, Hotstar, a long list really). In addition, it can ALSO media stored locally on your desktop/laptop/smartphone/tablet. So, to be more precise it's a "media streamer cum player" device. *** How do you get it to work? *** Personally, I found it straight-forward. I was up and running in 5 minutes flat. Let me explain in brief. When you open the box, you will find three things inside. (1) The Chromecast device, (2) Power adapter with detachable cable, and (3) Small HDMI extension cord. To use the device you need at least two of the above. The device itself and something to power it up. Though the device can be powered by USB bus, often USB buses have 0.5 amp output current, which is not enough to run the device. I was able to power it through TV's USB bus as my TV has 1 amp USB bus, but I strongly recommend using the supplied power adapter to prevent any damages. The device itself can be directly inserted into any HDMI ports of the TV/projector. The supplied 10 cms long HDMI extension cable comes handy in case of wall mounted TVs with rear HDMI port. Apart from the above you will need a computer/tablet/smartphone to perform the initial setup of the device. You will also need to install one or more software/app on your phone/computer to "control" media that you want to play. You must also have a Wifi network already setup with good signal strength where Chromecast will be plugged in. *** Steps to set up *** (1) Open the box, take out the device and insert it into HDMI port. Connect the power supply to the device. Switch on the TV and select the input corresponding to the HDMI port. Chromecast will display welcome and setup screen. (2) Download Chromecast app or desktop software on your phone/computer from Google site. This is only needed for setup purpose. You can delete it later if you want. Run this app and complete your Chromecast setup. You will need to give your Chromecast a name and connect it on your home Wifi network. You will need the SSID and password of the network you want to use for streaming. After these steps, your Chromecast is ready to be used. (3) Now you will need the media you want to play and a device to control it. Most people will "stream" media online sites, such as Youtube, Dailymotion, TED, etc. For each of these sites there are dedicated app. Download the ones you want to use. Now you are all set to "cast" whatever you are watching on these apps to your TV. You just have to click on the "Cast" icon on the upper right corner in the app screen. Most smartphones already have Youtube app. This is the simplest to use. You can start with Youtube and later add more apps as you per your taste. Please note, Chromecast is Full HD (1080p) capable and needs a good Internet connection with an equally good Wifi coverage to perform its best. If the display is choppy or stutters either your internet connection, or your Wifi performance is not optimal. In case your network situation is not favorable, you can download the media and stream it offline as well. Few people know that Chromecast is also capable of streaming local media (from desktop/laptop/NAS) or use it that way. But that's possible with software such as Chrome browser, Chrome extension, VideoStream, Plex etc. If this review has been useful to you please don't forget to hit Like/Yes/Useful.

I bought it to stream youtube to my TV. Does a good job even at a snailspeed internet of 512kbps. You can also cast your chrome browser to be mirrored onto your TV. VLC is also in the process of adding a chromecast suitablilty to thier VLC Media player and very soon, once available, this device will be the best to stream from VLC to watch your movies on the big screen with HD resolution. You can also use your PC, MAC android phone or whatever contraption available to stream to the device as long as it supports and can install the chromecast app and chrome browser and so far almost everything supports it. The best part is that its from google and you can be sure of its quality and future support.

Okay, we all know that we can play Youtube videos, play content on your phone using Chromecast supported apps etc., but, we can unleash many other features using Cast screen option. **** When you install chromecast app on your Phone and if you can see Cast screen option inside the app on your phone - Then you can do many more things than you actually think you can do. **** I play NFS, the phone in my hand becomes the steering and the display is by big TV ;-), Playing FIFA using Cast screen option is too good. Using Cast screen option, Without any additional webcam you can actually do Skype on your TV, Its all about placing your phone over the TV, or in front of the TV - Cast screen - Figure it out ! Whatever content I can play on my phone, I can play it on TV too . How .. ? It is with the Cast screen option. ;-) I bought a 52 inch LED (Not smart) and hooked it up with this device (Chromecast) and since then my phone is more than a smart TV .. It is just not enough if we buy smart TV's .. Sometimes we have to be more smart in buying a TV ;-) Happy Casting ! !!

Initially I thought this product was total waste but later after I invested some time in it I realized it is most inexpensive product in its category. Things to ensure 1) Use by USB adapter and not by putting usb in TV's usb port. Most TVs' usb port are programmed to give ~0.5 Ampere output , which is not much. USb adapter plugged to power will give better performance. 2) Place it as near your wifi router as you can 3) Better to have a N wifi router if you want to stream HD movies without any hiccup. 4) You have to turn on the uPnp support of router 5) Use Videocast Chrome xtension which will allow you to stream movies, songs and even your screen from your laptop. 6) does a lot auto-updates so even if you are not using it , keep it on. Do not be surprised by network usage. Uses undocumented and unaccounted bandwidth.