Google’s new Chromecast adapter brings Ethernet wired networking

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If you love your Chromecast but have poor WiFi, Google has a new solution: a Chromecast adapter with a built-in Ethernet port, allowing you to stream your content through a faster wired connection. It's not required, of course; if you're happy with using WiFi, then there's no need to grab the new adapter. If you've got an Ethernet port near your TV, however, and you don't want to stream over the wireless network that others might be using, it is a nice option to have.
 
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Google introduced the new accessory today; it costs $15 USD and is already sold out, so if you want one you will have to keep an eye on Google's online store and nab it when the next batch becomes available.
 
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This looks good for people without wifi, or have a slow wifi router with poor range.
 
I wonder if the Chromecast Ethernet Adapter works for other devices like smartphones, tablets, and settop boxes which run on Android.
 
I also wondercan the Chromecast can now be used as a wifi router by using its internal wifi chip, and connecting the Chromecast to a wired networking cable with this adapter which is connected to a modem, or wired networking switch or hub which is connected to the internet.
 
alakazam said:
Interesting... Looks like a pretty useful thing... I wonder if people bought several of them just to sell them on eBay at a higher price now that they are out of stock...
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I think there is a possibility that some of the buyers bought several to sell on eBay for a higher price. But, I bet, in a few weeks, or months there would be non-Google versions of the Chromecast ethernet adapter's and chargers which are made by Asian and Chinese brands, and cost $5-10 like Micro-USB chargers on eBay from Chinese sellers from China.

I think this adapter is probably pretty easy to copy for a skilled electronics copier since this looks like a USB Wired Ethernet adapter with a built-in power adapter to power the Chromecast.

I bet, if you can find a way to power the Chromecast with a battery or make an AC power adapter or port for the Chromecast, you maybe able to use a Micro-USB Wired Ethernet adapter to add a Wired Ethernet connection to the Chrome cast.
 
Demon_Skeith said:
so basically, it's running a wired internet to your tv to use the streaming service?
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Yes, it is basically a USB Wired Ethernet adapter which also is a power adapter for the Chromecast.
 
Depends on your set up. I mean if you have a wireless N network that's capable of 600 Mbps but your cat5 cable is only rated for 100mbps (100BASE-TX)... your wireless will likely be faster. However if you have a wireless N router rated at 300Mbps with a gigabit port and cat5 or cat6 cable (1000BASE-T ) then it'll be faster to use ethernet.

Though even if the wired connection is faster a lot of people go wireless just because it's more convenient. I mean if they want to change which TV the Chromecast is plugged into? They can pull it from one TV and plug it into their other TV. No need to worry about running an ethernet cable.
Though I suppose for those who want speed and don't mind running an ethernet cable to hardwire it in, this is good.  
 
alakazam said:
Does it offer a significant increase in speed as opposed to regular WiFi?
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The Chromecast is mainly used to stream online video, and audio, so videos, and music may begin to play faster than on Wifi because there is no interference on wired internet, faster ping speeds, and less latency.

But, once the video and music is playing, the Chromecast will probably buffer a extra few seconds of the video and music which is playing to its internal storage, and RAM like how streaming video usually buffers a few seconds of video to your computer, so it plays more smoothly. I think using WiFi and Wired internet with the Chromecast is about the same speed when streaming video or music since a lot of online video is still 380-1080P, and a 10 Mbps connection can stream 1080P YouTube videos in my experience, and most wifi and wired connections are 54-150 mbps and higher, and internet connections are 10MBps and higher.

Demon_Skeith said:
If I could I would just wire everything, more dependable than wifi. But this is a good move by amazon, I'm sure people will love it.
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The Chromecast is made by Google.
 
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