Google blocks Chromecast app that let you stream your own videos (update) - The Verge

Google hasn't provided a clear answer on whether Chromecast will eventually let users stream their own local videos and music to the TV screen. But if early updates for the $35 dongle are any indication, the company doesn't want third-party developers trying to deliver that functionality. The most recent Chromecast update has broken support for AllCast, an Android application that previously allowed users to stream their personal media to a TV. AllCast (also known as AirCast thanks to a trademark dispute) could play back files stored in a phone's gallery, Dropbox, or Google Drive. Developer Koushik Dutta accomplished the feat by reverse engineering the Chromecast's code. He'd released several betas of the app, even planning a release on Google Play, before Google's latest software update broke things — "intentionally" in Dutta's opinion. How 'open' will Chromecast be? "The policy seems to be a heavy handed approach, where only approved content will be played through the device," he says. "The Chromecast will probably not be indie developer friendly." Officially, Chromecast only supports media from the Google Play store, Netflix, and YouTube. The company has a staked interest in actively controlling the user experience (and what content can be streamed) if it hopes to round up new partners like HBO and Hulu Plus. Google exec Rishi Chandra emphasized that point in an interview with The Verge following the product's release. "If you want to do the model we talked about, streaming from the cloud, I need your full cooperation. I can't just go pull content from the cloud independently from you working with us." But he also voiced support for Chromecast's tab casting feature, which essentially gives users limitless viewing options so long as they're watching something in a Chrome browser. "Our stance right now, what we're enabling, is no different than an HDMI cable connecting your laptop to your TV." So it's easy to understand the confusion on exactly where Google stands in all of this. We've reached out to the company for more information on the software change and its thoughts on third-party developers tapping into Chromecast. Source Koushik Dutta (Google+) Related Items streaming local media aircast allcast Chromecast Google via Technology - Google News http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFr9JNn66O_8f7X_WadMIMUUtcKjA&url=http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/25/4657202/google-blocks-chromecast-app-that-let-you-stream-own-videos

Put the internet to work for you. via Personal Recipe 2598265