Aereo rolled out an update to its Android mobile app to include support for Google's tiny video streaming dongle, Chromecast.
Aereo, the cloud-based live TV streaming service, finally rolled out an update to its Android mobile app to fulfill the desire of Chromecast users who have been eagerly awaiting the update since it was announced in April. Aereo for Android, which received the update Thursday, now features support for Google's tiny $35 HDMI dongle Chromecast. This means users can stream live television broadcasts through Chromecast on TV without paying for cable or a satellite provider.
"The Aereo app for Android is now Google Cast Ready. With Aereo's cloud-based antenna and DVR, you now have the ability to record and watch live TV using Google's Chromecast device," the company wrote in a blog post.
The subscription-based live TV streaming service already supports the service using Roku streaming boxes, Apple TV and browsers like Chrome on Windows and Mac, Safari, Internet Explorer 9, Firefox and Opera. With Chromecast support on Aereo, users can stream content directly to the big TV screen using an Android smartphone or a tablet. It also lets users record and stream live TV broadcasts on computers, tablets, smartphones and media streaming players. Basically, the update has the ability to turn any compatible Android device into a television.
Aereo was first launched in 2012 and uses mini antennas to transmit over-the-air TV station content. Each TV antenna assigned to the subscribers receives TV signals and allows users to view, record, pause and play any live program. The service is also available on iOS platform, but its Android app is still in a beta phase. Aereo subscription service starts at just $8 a month, which offers 20 hours of DVR space in addition to all the features and $12 a month for 69 hours of DVR space.
Though its unique concept of streaming live TV broadcasts without paying for cable or satellite provider is beneficial for consumers, TV broadcasters have disagreed with the way Aereo operates. This even led to a legal battle in the Supreme Court, which will give its verdict this year. Broadcasters against the live TV streaming service include ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX.
The service is not available widely, as it currently operates in 11 cities in the US, including New York, Boston, Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Detroit, Baltimore, Cincinnati, San Antonio and Austin, with more to be added later this year, Gizmodo reports. The Android app for Aereo can be downloaded from Google Play Store for free.
