Google released the Chromecast video streaming stick a little more than one month ago and it has some very positive reviews posted online with one downfall being the fact that there were only four services that you could use initially. That has changed this week as Google announced that users can now watch HBO Go through the Chromecast device. HBO Go is the fifth service that the Chromecast is compatible with and fits good right alongside YouTube, Hulu Plus, Netflix and Pandora. HBO Go also works with Android and iOS devices, so beaming the content through the Chromecast is easier than ever.
The HBO Go content will be added via a device update which should have arrived for those on Android through the Google Play Store and iOS through the iTunes App Store. Many expected that the service would arrive earlier this year, so now that the app is ready for an update it does not come as much of a surprise. The HBO Go application is not a free one, so in order to take advantage of it, you will have to be a subscriber to the HBO service. That also requires a cable subscription.
One cable company has announced that it will be offering a package that will give customers HBO without having to pay for premium channels. Chromecast was first announced a couple of months ago and until the app list gets a little longer, more consumers are going to hold off in buying one. Consumers would like to see more music options, like Spotify or Rdio, plus it would be nice to see another video streaming service like Amazon Prime Instant Video. More services will be coming to the Chromecast streaming stick, it will only be a matter of time.
Consumers that are patient will be rewarded when it comes to new services and the Chromecast is one way to see that Google would like to move into the television market. Rumors have been swirling this year around the suggestion that Google could be bringing the Android operating system to HDTVs as well. Since LG has announced that it will be moving focus to its HDTV business and they have partnered with Google in the past, it could be time for LG to release the first Android powered smart HDTV on the market.
