Google's Chromecast topped a lot of lists for the best gadget of 2013. The small-sized dongle device allows audio and video from your mobile device or computer directly to you TV screen. Now, at CES 2014, Netgear has announced that it is bringing its own wireless media streaming dongle to the market, with a few features that might just give it a leg up over its competition from Google.
The device is called the NeoMediacast and it seems to be taking aim at the Chromecast by offering roughly the same services on an Android-exclusive platform, unlike the Chromecast, which can support both Android and iOS. It is powered by Android 4.2, which allows operators to install a number of Android apps to the device. On the hardware front, Gigaom notes that the NTV300D sports 802.11ac connectivity, expandable storage through MicroSD ports, Bluetooth RF support for remote control and even an IR blaster to integrate with legacy devices. Another leg up this device will have over the Chromecast is the inclusion of Miracast capability, which will enable content mirroring from compatible mobile devices and PC in 1080p.
As mentioned previously, the device also comes with microSD support, meaning that local files. Users won't be able to circumvent digital copyright protection measures, according to NDTV. However, there's currently no information yet about which specific content service providers will be supported at launch, and which countries these services will work in.
'With NeoMediacast, service providers can develop and operate a complete media streaming solution that supports their multi-screen video initiatives, where quick time-to-market is critical... service providers can leverage the Android apps they have already developed to support linear TV on tablets and phones," a press statement released by NetGear reads.
It's possible that the NeoMediacast might not even be sold directly to consumers. Netgear says the device will "become available for service provider deployments in the first half of 2014." So far there is no word on price or end-user availability.
