Chromecast, Google's low-cost media streaming device just got a little bit better now that Hulu has announced it has built its mobile app to work with the device. Chromecast users can now stream Hulu Plus content directly to their TVs from their smartphones or tablets.
The Chromecast is a $35 device that is roughly the size of a flash drive. It plugs directly into your television's HDMI port and, as long as it is connected to a source of WiFi, it can stream your mobile content directly to your screen. In essence, it turns any TV into a smart TV.
In a blog post on Wednesday, Karen Nischol, the senior manager at Hulu, told customers that its Santa Monica Calif. and Beijing teams worked directly with Google on the app. It "makes it easier to control" Hulu Plus ontent on TVs, Nischol wrote, and a "simple tap of your mobile device screen allows you to scroll through and watch all your favorite TV shows."
According to Mashable, this marks a big step for the Chromecast, which relies heavily on content providers like Netflix, YouTube and, now, Hulu Plus. Although the device is cheap and easy to use, it has limited functionality in terms of apps that are compatible for it. In addition to the three already mentioned, Google Play Movies and Google Play Music are the only apps available.
It is worth noting that the Chromecast can also mirror any tab from a Google Chrome Window. Although it's less convenient than a mobile device, useres can simply mirror a page with a pre existing media player. For example, if someone wanted to stream Breaking Bad, he or she would only need to open the AMC media player page and then stream that tab to their TV via Chromecast.
Still, the mirroring system isn't ideal and can often be buggy. Actual apps are what make the Chromecast so appealing and Hulu Plus seems to be proving its understanding of that concept.
"You also have the option to enable captions or go straight to your favorite TV moment -- like the exact moment of Mindy's proposal on The Mindy Project, Nischol wrote. "Right from your mobile phone or tablet."
