Ever since Chromecast was released though, the market has changed quite a bit. Now we have a lot of streaming devices we can choose from, with the most popular ones including the Amazon Fire, Roku, and the Apple TV.

However, Google has released version 2 of their dongle and now you can get the google chromecast 2 which promises amazing performance at the same price. Some of the new features include screen mirror, but also gaming mirroring, and content aggregation.

Design and setup

While the original Chromecast looked very much like a stick, the second generation seems to shy away from that design. The 2nd gen features a round chassis that can be connected to your television’s HDMI port. In fact, the google chromecast 2 is also a cross-platform device, meaning that it has support for both Windows and iOS devices. The broader compatibility together with its low cost makes it by far one of the most attractive offers for anyone looking for a high quality streaming device.

As it was with the original Chromecast, the setup process for the latest iteration is basically the same. You just need to attach the power cable and then install Chromecast on your laptop, tablet or smartphone. At this point you’ll just need to power up the application and then follow the commands on the screen to connect the device to your Wi-Fi network and finally pair it with your chosen device. Once you do this, you’ll be able to start streaming.

The new app

Even though the setup process is simply the same, the second generation Chromecast runs a fully redesigned app. According to Google, their app now acts as a sort of hub for all your digital content needs. So the way it works is that it pulls content from every app that you have installed on your device and then makes it possible for you to stream it.

This is very useful, since no more will you need to access each app individually in order to stream your desired content from it. You can therefore watch videos from Vimeo and Netflix alongside with videos recently added to the BBC iPlayer, for instance. Better yet, the google chromecast 2 also features a cross platform search function. What this means is that you can search for content from all other apps installed on your device, making the Chromecast 2 a truly all in 1 entertainment hub.

Large number of apps supported

One thing you’ll certainly love about the google chromecast 2 is the fact that it supports a wider range of applications. In terms of entertainment, Spotify is by far the best addition. If you used the 1st gen Chromecast, you probably know that it didn’t have Spotify support. The 2nd Gen Chromecast also added support of productivity apps, including Polaris Office and Google Docs. Another great addition is the ability of streaming web pages from tabs opened in Chrome. Thanks to this new functionality, you can now easily stream content from unsupported apps onto your TV. Lastly, google chromecast 2 supports some basic Android games (such as Wheel of Fortune for instance).

Streaming quality

According to Google, it seems that their latest Chromecast iteration is able to stream video a lot faster thanks to the added Fast Play feature and especially the 5 GHz Wi-Fi network support. As you may already know, the newest 5 GHz frequency allows the Chromecast 2nd Gen to connect to other devices a lot faster. If you had the first Generation Chromecast with its 2.4 GHz, you probably noticed that sometimes it would get jittery when streaming content.

Now when it comes to the Fast Play feature, it’s certainly a nice addition. The way it work is that it starts to cache content (that you’re likely to watch) in the background. Based on what Google said, thanks to this function you’ll be able to stream content about 80 percent faster.

Google Chromecast comparison (1stGen vs. 2nd Gen)

We wanted to compare the two Chromecasts and so we pitted them against each other. The results were as expected: the second generation was a bit faster. In our tests, we used a 55 inch Sony TV while streaming content from BBC iPlayer, Vimeo, and Netflix on a Samsung Galaxy S7 smartphone and a BUT Home Hub router.

We tested both devices on the 2.4 GHz frequency and were surprised to find out that the 1st generation Chromecast loaded between 2 to 5 seconds faster than the second generation. We then changed the frequency to 5GHz, but unfortunately no speed or picture quality improvements were noticed. In terms of loading times though, Chromecast 2 was faster.

While the device is truly impressive, it cannot yet stream 4K content unlike other competitors, such as Amazon Fire TV and nVidia Shield TV. While there is not too much 4K content out there anyway, the lack of 4K support doesn’t make the device future proof.

Should you get the Chromecast 2?

Well, if you currently have a first generation Chromecast device, then you certainly should not buy it. Its main selling point is the new app and improved application support. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a streaming device, then by all means get it.

Compared to all other options on the market, the Chromecast 2 is by far the most affordable choice. Not only that, but it offers functionality that is usually found in devices at least twice as expensive. Even if you’re an iOS user, we still recommend this device especially if you’re on a budget.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, the Chromecast 2 is one of the best valued streaming devices you can currently get. While it’s not terribly original, it does its job of streaming content extremely well.

The post An honest review of the Google Chromecast 2 appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Squirrels has recently released un updated version of AirParrot 2 for Mac and Windows. The update adds 13 languages to AirParrot 2, including Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Dutch, Korean, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Hungarian, Czech, Polish, Italian and Danish.

Users that have their language set to one of these languages in OS X or Windows will see the AirParrot user interface in that language.

This is a free update for all current AirParrot 2 users. To update, simply click the “Check for Updates” option from within the AirParrot 2 menu.

If you do not have AirParrot 2 desktop screen-mirroring app, you can download it in your preferred language from here.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

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Squirrels, the company behind the popular AirParrot and Reflector apps, has just released AirParrot Remote – a new app that allows you to control AirParrot 2 from your iPhone or iPad. It adds new features to AirParrot 2 and allows you to easily control what’s being mirrored or streamed from your computer to Apple TV, Chromecast and Reflector-enabled devices from the palm of your hand.

AirParrot Remote lets you stream media files from your computer, build playlists, begin presenting your computer screen, and even preview your computer’s desktop before mirroring to make sure you’re sharing the right content.

Added keyboard and mouse controls let you change between applications on your computer without touching it.

The main features include:

• Build Playlists: easily build playlists containing files found on your computer. You can queue files for continuous playback.
• Remote Control: in addition to controlling AirParrot 2, AirParrot Remote also allows you to control the keyboard and mouse of your computer.
• Live Previews: View your computer desktop on your phone or tablet before you begin mirroring.
• Easy Pairing: Connect AirParrot Remote to any computer on your network running AirParrot 2.
• Familiar Interface: The AirParrot Remote interface closely mirrors its desktop counterpart.

The app is available from the App Store for $6.99.

AirParrot Remote requires the AirParrot 2 application running on your computer. You can download AirParrot 2 from here.

Also read:

• Review: AirParrot – taking AirPlay Mirroring to the next level
• AirParrot 2: the ultimate companion app for Apple TV 4
• AirParrot 2 for Mac and Windows released

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

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App Dynamic, the company behind the popular AirPlay receiver – AirServer, has released its first Android app – AirServer Connect for Apple TV. The application is an AirPlay sender for Android (works with Android version 5 and newer) and unlike the iOS version, it can mirror to more than one AirPlay receivers (such as Apple TV or Mac/PC running AirServer) at the same time.

AirServer Connect is compatible with Apple TV 2/3/4 and AirServer for Mac and PC.

However, the app has one huge limitation – it does not stream audio; it only does video mirroring. This is due to the lack of system audio capture support in Android, which Google has reserved for their personal use.

AirServer Connect for Apple TV is available on the Play Store for $0.99.

Read our review of AirServer.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post AirServer Connect for Apple TV brings multi-room AirPlay mirroring to Android appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

AirMyPC, a powerful AirPlay client for PC, has been updated to fully support the new Apple TV. AirMyPC lets you wirelessly mirror your Windows computer screen and sound to your Apple TV using Apple’s AirPlay technology. It also brings specific-app mirroring and it can even mirror the computer webcam and microphone.

Check out the complete list of features.

Partnering with the developer of AirMyPC, we’re giving away 20 free copies of this amazing piece of software.

Here’s how to participate:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post AirMyPC updated with support for Apple TV 4 (+ giveaway) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Squirrels, the maker of AirParrot, has just added live YouTube streaming to its wireless mirroring and streaming receiver – Reflector 2. Anything that is displayed on iPhone, iPad, Android device, Chromebook or Surface tablet can be instantly streamed to YouTube when connected to Reflector 2.

The update also brings webcam streaming to YouTube, voice-over volume support and a redesigned recording bar. You can check the complete list of new features and improvements here.

This update is free for current Reflector 2 users.

Reflector is a wireless mirroring and streaming receiver that works great with AirPlay and AirParrot. It lets you mirror your content to the big screen without wires or complicated setups. You can also play games, watch movies, demo applications or present from the palm of your hand.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

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AirMyPC lets you mirror your Windows computer screen and sound to your Apple TV using Apple’s AirPlay technology. Once installed, AirMyPC is able to wirelessly send everything you see on your computer screen and everything you hear on the computer speakers to your TV.

It also brings specific-app mirroring (which means you will be able to send just one window to Apple TV in the background, while doing something else on your PC) and it can even mirror the computer webcam and microphone.

Check out the complete list of features.

Partnering with the developer of AirMyPC, we’re giving away 10 free copies of this amazing piece of software.

Here’s how to participate:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Giveaway: win a free copy of AirMyPC – a powerful AirPlay PC client appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Bowling Central is one of those few games on the App Store which makes best use of Apple TV’s dual screen mirroring feature. AirPlay the game and your TV screen becomes the bowling lane while your iPhone tracks your movements to deliver the perfect spin (like the Nintendo Wii).

Rolocule Games has recently pushed out the major 2.0 update to Bowling Central, which pushes further what was probably the most realistic Bowling experience on iOS and Apple TV. The update adds 45 new challenging levels and for the first time, drops the price tag to zero!

More importantly for Apple TV users, the update brings local multiplayer mode, which makes Bowling Central a perfect party game. Up to four friends can hook up their iOS devices to the Apple TV and broadcast them to the television. Now take turns and compete against each other just like with the original game.

Along with the update, Rolocule made an exciting announcement: the game will receive Apple Watch support as soon as watchOS 2 firmware gets dropped to the public. Meaning you won’t even need to hold an iPhone to play the game. As long as you have your Apple Watch on the wrist, they can track its accelerometer to create the same magic as before, delivering the most authentic gameplay experience ever.

The announcement is very significant as we are now sure that we will be seeing more games and apps making use of the Apple Watch – Apple TV combo. Read on what Apple Watch means for Apple TV users.

Get Bowling Central for free from the App Store.

Check out our coverage on other dual screen AirPlay mirroring games: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

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If you own a Windows PC and an Apple TV, you are not making full use of the duo unless you start AirPlaying from the computer. AirMyPC can help you with just this.

AirMyPC is pretty powerful bringing almost every feature we have seen with other big players, like AirParrot 2. Download a 4 megabyte file and you are ready to get started in under two minutes.

In addition to the usual complete mirroring, AirMyPC also has options to send just the audio or only the video to your Apple TV.

It can also mirror the computer webcam and microphone – no other software can do that.

AirMyPC also brings specific-app mirroring, which means you will be able to send just one window to Apple TV in the background, while doing something else on your PC. El Capitan is bringing a similar feature with web videos in Safari for Mac (AirParrot 2 has this feature, too).

AirMyPC allows you to connect and manage AirPlay to multiple Apple TV devices. It also has a innovative new tool called Education Interactive Tools Suite (optional add-on), designed specifically for the modern classrooms. It lets you to draw, write, type and annotate directly on any open window on your desktop and of course, it gets mirrored to your TV or white screen.

With the Interactive Tools Suite add-on to Draw on your computer screen using the Pen Tool or using one of the the other Shapes Tools (as Circle, Rectangle, Arrows, Chats, Etc.) with opaque or transparent Colors. You will be able to use the Eraser tool, the Color Picker tool, the Opaque tool, Undo tool etc.

You will be able to type text using the Text Tool. You will also be able to save your work to files.

I had a quick hands-on with AirMyPC and found it to be really effective. It had some stutters while AirPlaying HD YouTube videos, but was snappy and responsive for everything else.

AirMyPC is available with a free 7-day trial. Go here to check it out and if you like the experience, you can purchase a license for $14.99.

If you are looking for an alternative app for Windows or Mac, check out AirParrot 2.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post AirMyPC lets you AirPlay mirror from Windows PC to Apple TV appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

With Reflector 2, you will be able to broadcast your Android phone or tablet screens to your Mac and PC. And since Chromebooks support Google Cast, you can do the same with them, too.

Reflector 2 is the result of years of experience with screen mirroring and sharing. It’s a completely rethought and redesigned application containing a number of game-changing features.

With this launch, we’re excited to announce Reflector 2 as the world’s first Google Cast mirroring receiver for Mac and Windows that doesn’t limit device connections or require a subscription .

Just like with iOS devices, now you can record the Android displays too and even record multiple displays simultaneously.

Reflector 2 brings many other recording improvements, like the ability to add voice-over while recording the screen, which should be a boon for vloggers.

Reflector 2 also brings better device management on board. You can select devices and set preferences directly from the menu bar or even via an iPhone app. Also, when you have multiple devices connected, Reflector 2 now lays them out perfectly for best productivity.

You can read more about the update here and more on Reflector here.

Reflector 2 is a paid update and existing users should receive a mail with a discounted price. New users can purchase Reflector 2 or download a free 7-day trial.

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