Google TV streaming launched in Europe

Chromecast, the TV streaming service from Google, has launched in Europe.

Announced via the company’s official blog, Chromecast is a memory stick-size device that can be plugged into a TV and enables users to stream video from their mobile device on to the big screen, using a free app on smartphone or tablet to manage content.

Mario Queiroz, Chromecast’s vice president of product management said in the post: “Chromecast will keep getting better... In a few short weeks more than 3,000 developers worldwide have signed up to bring their apps and websites to Chromecast.

“You’ll soon have more TV shows, movies, videos, sports, music and video games to choose from.”

The device was originally launched in the US in 2013 but it has been modified to include streaming services in countries across Europe, including BBC iPlayer.

Chromecast, retailing at around €35, is seen as a direct competitor to the Apple TV system (€109) that was launched in 2007, and is now in its third generation.

Google also announced that Chromecast has been opened up to developers, meaning that other apps will soon be able to incorporate Chromecast support into their apps, and stream content to TVs.

Chromecast is compatible with Android smartphones and tablets, as well as Chrome and Apple’s iOS operating system.