Aereo, the internet streaming service has been made compatible with Google’s Chromecast stick. allowing subscribers using the android app to wirelessly ‘cast’ to any big screen TV with the tap of the finger.
Prior to today, Aereo users had to connect a tablet or phone to a TV set to get big screen local network broadcasts, but the brilliance of the Chromecast means that now after casting the stream, users can free up their phone or tablet while the streaming continues.
Speaking in a blog post. Aereo said, “The Aereo app for Android is now Google Cast Ready. With Aereo’s cloud-based antenna and DVR, you now have the ability to record and watch live TV using Google’s Chromecast device.”
The Chromecast HDMI stick which costs $35, lets users wirelessly beam content from their computer, smartphone or tablet to their big screen television set, super easily.
It is a great feature to have and will also work using the Chrome browser on a PC or Mac, Apple TV or Roku, but will it make Aereo users any less nervous about the ongoing supreme court case?
The Aereo service which launched in 2012 and costs from $8 per month, retransmits over-the-air TV signals from networks such as ABC,NBC, CBS, and FOX by giving each viewer their own tiny antennae and letting them watch live and recorded content via a number of connected devices. This method say Aereo is just like each subscriber using their own antennae and is perfectly legal.
But the TV networks disagree, especially as Aereo charge their subscribers but pay nothing to the networks for content. They accuse Aereo of violating their copyright and breaking the law.
Although the courts have sided with Aereo thus far, (although a Utah court did temporarily shut down the service), the Supreme Court will make a defining decision by July. Until that day, current subscribers can at least enjoy easier streaming.