Lenovo announces the $49 Lenovo Cast streaming device
Lenovo has been unveiling its latest creations at its Tech World 23015 conference, and here we have the Lenovo Cast streaming device that fills a similar role to Google’s Chromecast device. Instead of looking like a weirdly shaped USB stick though, the Lenovo Cast looks rather like a hockey puck, black and round.
Whereas the Chromecast uses Google’s proprietary casting technology, the Lenovo Cast uses Miracast and DLNA standards that are present in almost Android smartphone or tablet. The Lenovo Cast will mirror your phone or tablets display, much like you can with the Chromecast, the downside of which is that when your display times out, the content being cast to the TV will also vanish.
The Lenovo Cast can cast Full HD movies, images and games from up to 20m away, with the ability to get its signal through two walls. Unlike the Chromecast, the Lenovo Cast offers dual-band WiFi (2.4GHz & 5GHz) compatibility. The device connects to the TV or monitor via HDMI cable, and if you were worried about having to find room in your TV cabinet for the Lenovo Cast, fear not. A bracket is included in the box that allows you to mount the device on the back of your TV.
At $49, Lenovo Cast is a little more expensive than the Chromecast, although it does offer slightly higher specifications than Google’s device. For me, the Chromecast still edges it by giving the user the option to stream content without needing to keep the phone or tablet display on. There’s also a good chance we will see the second generation Chromecast being announced at Google I/O 2015 later on today. Still, you can never have too many options, am I right? Remember to check out our complete Google I/O 2015 coverage by clicking here.
We have the full specifications of the Lenovo Cast below.
Source: Lenovo
Come comment on this article: Lenovo announces the $49 Lenovo Cast streaming device
Lenovo announces Lenovo Cast streaming device
Google introduced its Chromecast nearly two years ago and since then, we’ve seen a myriad of competitors also launched. Today, at its TechWorld keynote in Beijing, Lenovo has announced the Lenovo Cast, a competitor to Google’s streaming device with a difference as it also supports the DLNA and Miracast standards.
The puck-shaped Lenovo Cast is compatible with just about any Miracast or DLNA device and can be connected to any display that supports HDMI. The Lenovo Cast features a microUSB and a micro HDMI port along with dual-band Wi-Fi support (unlike Google’s Chromecast, which is limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only), support for broadcasting in full HD and a range of 20 metres, including streaming through walls.
The Lenovo Cast comes measures 70mm diameter by 15mm thick and weighs just 50 grams; unlike the Chromecast, which just sticks out of your TV’s HDMI port, you can mount the Lenovo Cast to the back of your TV if you so wish. The Lenovo Cast is compatible with iOS, Android 4.3 and higher and selected Windows 8.1 devices.
.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
.rvs_wrapper
width: 100%;
text-align: center;
body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
display: inline-block;
float: none;
vertical-align: top;
The Cast will launch at the beginning of August at a cost of $49, which – although higher than the $35 Chromecast – is cheap enough to still be an impulse-buy item that offers value for money.
New ‘Nexus’ devices to be handed out at Google I/O 2015?
Google has already reduced their Nexus player $20 from the price it debuted the Play Store at, and with the onset of Android TV units such as the Nvidia SHEILD and Razer Forge TV, Google may be set to introduce a second generation device at Google I/O 2015.
According to a very recent entry in an import/export sheet obtained from Zauba, three major shipments of what are listed as Google Chromecast have been made, suggesting that either the Chromecast is selling very well, or that this device is in-fact a device being handed out at Google I/O 2015.
Google had been rumoured to be offering up the next Nexus device at Google I/O 2015, and whilst this may still be the case, we could be seeing a second-generation Chromecast possibly badged under the Nexus banner too.
The post New ‘Nexus’ devices to be handed out at Google I/O 2015? appeared first on AndroidGuys.
What Nexus device will Google hand out at Google I/O?
Attendees at Google I/O enjoy a nice perk when Google hands out hardware to those who make the trek, long or short, to hear all about the company’s plans for the upcoming year. With the 2015 version of the event about to get underway this week, many people are wondering what Google may be planning to drop in the hands of attendees. There are some people suggesting the next generation Nexus Player could be the device, although a second gen Chromecast or even new Google Cardboard is in the running.
Google is poised to see some new Android TV sets hit the market soon as the company continues to try to meld TV and Internet services into one platform. At the same time, Google has started to discount the original Nexus Player with the price down to $79. It seems the end-of-life is approaching for the first gen Nexus Player, so handing out the second gen version to developers at Google I/O 2015 seems like a good way to maintain interest. However, working against this theory is the lack of any signs of shipments of Nexus Player devices through Zauba.
That situation can be contrasted with Google Chromecast which saw three shipments pass through Zauba during the past month for a total of 10,280 units. The data does not indicate whether these units are a new version, but we do know Google is working on an update for the popular dongle.
Finally, 1,200 units of Google Cardboard were shipped out of China in late April. Half of those units specify they are meant for a 5.7-inch mobile phone whil the other half are meant for a 4.7-inch mobile phone. We are already expecting Google VR to get quite a bit of attention at Google I/O this week, so it would make sense for some new Google Cardboard to show up for the benefit of developers.
Be sure to stick with TalkAndroid this week as our Google I/O 2015 coverage gets underway.
source: SlashGear
Come comment on this article: What Nexus device will Google hand out at Google I/O?
The Google Gadget Giveaway
It’s winning time! *rings bell*
That’s right, today we’re launching our latest giveaway and one that I am personally extremely excited about. One lucky AndroidGuys reader will take home a Google Nexus 9 Tablet, a Chromecast, and $100 giftcard to the Google Play store. Now, there’s no purchase necessary but we will be expecting an invite* to movie night.
Yup, the best in Google gadgets for absolutely NO COST. Enter into the contest, here, and share on social media to increase your odds. Good luck!
*we’ll bring the popcorn
See more at deals.androidguys.com
The post The Google Gadget Giveaway appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Giveaway: Enter for your chance to win a Nexus 9, Chromecast and $100 Google Play gift card
Last year Google and HTC teamed up to bring us the Nexus 9 – a great tablet with high-end hardware, software and a great user experience. Unfortunately, many folks haven’t even considered buying the tablet due to its high price point. A year before the Nexus 9 launched, Google released the Chromecast streaming stick, which provided an easy way to consume all types of media. Thanks to the Android Authority Deals Store, you may have the chance to win both of these awesome devices… and then some!
By entering the Google Gadget Giveaway, you’ll have the chance to win a Nexus 9, Chromecast streaming stick and a $100 Google Play gift card! Sounds awesome, right?
Related Videos
.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
.rvs_wrapper
width: 100%;
text-align: center;
body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
display: inline-block;
float: none;
vertical-align: top;
Here’s how to enter: Simply head to the giveaway page and enter your email address in the space provided. That will score you one entry into the contest. If you’d like to enter more than once, you can do that, too. After entering your email address, share on Twitter for additional entries. The more your friends and followers enter, the more entries you receive. Make sure you enter with a valid email address so StackSocial can contact you if you win.
Be sure to head to the giveaway link below to enter!
Editor’s Note: This deal is through StackCommerce, in partnership with AA Deals Store and other StackSocial partners — and not an exclusive Android Authority contest.
Chromecast app update gives a clearer look at your streaming devices
If you’re fortunate enough to have more than one Chromecast device at home, you should now have an easier time making sense of your streaming options. Updates to both the Android and iOS Chromecast apps give you a reworked hardware view that gives each device its own card, complete with its current backdrop and casting status. You won’t be as likely to hijack the kids’ TV by accident, in other words. On top of this, you can browse through your backdrop history and change how quickly those pictures cycle. Swing by the App Store or Google Play if you’ve been itching for better control over your TV streaming.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD, Google
Source: App Store, Google Play
Chromecast app update brings backdrop history and design tweaks
A much anticipated feature has finally been pushed to Google’s Chromecast app. This new update brings with it backdrop history and a few design tweaks to focus on the backdrop history feature.
The new backdrop history feature allows you to scroll through images last displayed on your Chromecast, although it seems to only let you see your last five images displayed. Furthermore, the Chromecast app’s layout has changed to accommodate this new feature.
Now, you will see a card with your active Chromecast device, with a history icon just below the image preview. A nice subtle change in this update is that the settings for your Chromecast devices can now be accessed through a gear icon in the backdrop of the new card. While the additions might be minor, subtle changes like these work towards providing the user with a more quality experience, which is always welcome.
Be sure to head over to the Play Store and download the new update below.
Come comment on this article: Chromecast app update brings backdrop history and design tweaks
AllCast gets more Material Design enhancements in version 2.0 update
AllCast, the popular streaming application that lets you send all types of media to your television, has just received a ton of new visual changes and user interface tweaks in its newest update. Available now in the Google Play Store, AllCast version 2.0 brings new icons, scrolling toolbars, a full-height navigation drawer, a bunch of new animations, and much more.
Overall, the application hasn’t received any changes that will dramatically change the way you use it. AllCast still works just as well as it always has, but now it’s just prettier. Take a look at the before/after photos below that developer Koushik Dutta provided on Google+:
#gallery-1
margin: auto;
#gallery-1 .gallery-item
float: left;
margin-top: 10px;
text-align: center;
width: 25%;
#gallery-1 img
border: 2px solid #cfcfcf;
#gallery-1 .gallery-caption
margin-left: 0;
/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
-
- New animation when opening an album
-
- New Album view (for photos and artists)
-
- New video playback view
-
- New search screen
-
- New slideshow view
-
- Condensed TV Series into one view
-
- New navigation drawer
If you’re unfamiliar with the app, AllCast lets you cast photos, music and videos to your television through a number of different devices, including the Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox One, Roku and many more. A free version is available, though it has a five-minute viewing limit on photos and videos. You can upgrade to AllCast Premium for $4.99 if you’d like to get rid of the limit for good.
Related Videos
.rvs_wrapper
width: 335px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
.rvs_wrapper
width: 100%;
text-align: center;
#page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
display: inline-block;
float: none;
vertical-align: top;
Interested? Head to the Play Store link below to grab the latest version!
Chromecast support makes its way to CBS, HGTV, FOX and many others
If you own one of Google’s handy Chromecast streaming devices, your content library is about to get much larger. Google has just announced that CBS, HGTV, FOX NOW, FXNOW, Pluto TV and Haystack TV have all gained Chromecast support.
Now you’ll be able to cast your favorite television shows to your big screen, such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine with the FOX NOW app or Louie using your FXNOW app. As for the lesser-known channels, Pluto TV will allow you to stream over 100 curated channels of news, music, sports, web and TV shows. Haystack TV is a news application that lets you check out the latest events and happenings around the world, now on your television.
Related Videos
.rvs_wrapper
width: 335px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
.rvs_wrapper
width: 100%;
text-align: center;
#page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
display: inline-block;
float: none;
vertical-align: top;
Be sure that you have all of the proper login credentials ready for each subscriber, as most of these applications will only let paying customers stream full episodes of certain shows. Don’t have a Chromecast yet? If you’re interested, you can buy one right now on Amazon for under $30! Hit up the link below to grab one for yourself.
AIVAnet 