Hulu, HBO, others express interest in app for Google Chromecast
Chromecast’s lack of content may not be a problem for too long as Hulu, HBO and others have expressed their interest in working on an app for Google’s new digital TV receiver.
The $35 Google TV dongle has been off to a quick start thanks to its low price and the fact that it is compatible with Android, Apple iOS, Mac computers and PCs.
However, the most glaring issue with Chromecast is the fact that besides services like YouTube and Google Play content, only Netflix’s mobile apps work directly with the new Google product. Pandora is on its way too, but Chromecast is lacking some very important content providers.
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That includes players like Hulu, HBO and others, but fortunately for Google, those two top services expressed their interest in Chromecast this week.
Most recently, Hulu told Variety that it is working with Google to bring its paid Hulu Plus service to Chromecast.
“At Hulu, we’re constantly innovating to provide our users with access to their favorite TV shows anytime, anywhere, on any device,†the company told Variety.
HBO also said something similar.
“We are actively exploring supporting Chromecast as another way for our subscribers to enjoy HBO Go, but at this point we can’t comment on specific plans regarding timing,†HBO spokeswoman Laura Young told Variety.
Aside from HBO and Hulu, other Internet video content providers have also said they are looking into making their mobile apps compatible with Chromecast. Among them are Vimeo, Plex and Redbox Instant, according to Gigaom.
There’s no word on how soon Google will begin adding more Chromecast-compatible apps, but it does seem the industry is embracing the low-cost digital TV receiver.
For now, users can watch video from services besides Netflix and YouTube by using the Chrome browser on their computers and installing the Google Cast extension.
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