Google's newest foray into the world of television streaming, the Chromecast, has been making a lot of waves in the tech industry since it was unveiled in July. The device is a $35 dongle-sized piece that plugs into a TV set's HDMI port and allows streaming from computers and mobile devices, both Android and iOS, of apps like Netflix, YouTube, Vimeo and can mirror the image of any Google Chrome browser. Now the device has its first ever app for iOS devices.
According to TechCrunch, Apple devotees can download an app for iOS that will provide them with quick access to Chromecast settings and services. The app is free and is available for iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches. The app is designed to automatically scan for available Chromecast devices that are in the area of the Wirless Network. This makes it extra easy for users who want to switch between multiple devices in their homes. For example if you have one Chromecast in the living room and another in the bedroom, the new app will allow iOS users to switch seamlessly between the two with just a few taps.
Since it debuted last month, the Google has promised that developers would soon be rolling out new apps to join Netflix and YouTube to work with the device. While HBO Go and Redbox Instant are reportedly working on making their apps work with the device, the new iOS app will show users when new apps finally become available.
In a time when the device should be desperate for more apps that work with it, Google caught criticism of the weekend when it restricted one App developer from creating something that would allow users to watch local files from their computer or mobile device. Koushik Dutta complained about the incident saying that Google is purposely not being fair or friendly to indie app developers. However, the more likely reason is that Google is bullying these kinds of apps away from the Chromecast is because it's holding out for services like Hulu Plus and HBO Go to make apps for them. If the company begins fostering an open environment for app developers who want to make apps that could potentially promote piracy, the more legitimate app developers might jump ship and turn their attention to one of the Chromecast's competitors like Apple TV or Roku.
