Google Chromecast hits Korean market

Internet giant Google made the Asian debut of its streaming stick, Chromecast, in Korea on Tuesday.

The device-to-TV casting dongle, priced at 49,900 won ($48.80), enables smartphone or tablet PC users to watch YouTube videos or movies purchased on the Google Play application platform on TV screens, the company said.

Casting to the TV is currently only available on certain applications, including local streaming services Tving and Hoppin, but Google plans to expand its collaboration with other companies. 

Models pose with Google’s device-to-TV streaming dongle Chromecast. (Google Korea)

“Chromecast is easy to install and use and boasts a wide compatibility as it is not only available on Android devices but other platforms including Windows, Mac OS and iOS,” said Mickey Kim, head of the Asia-Pacific for Google’s Chromecast and TV Partnerships.

Mobile devices installed with the Chromecast application automatically sync with the dongle, which can be put in the HDMI port, via Wi-Fi. Users can watch video content on a TV screen and control it with their mobile gadgets.

“Offering services through the cloud network guarantees better video quality than those mirroring content on users’ devices on the TV,” he said.

Since the software development kit for the casting services is open source, any app developer can add Chromecast functions to their services, Google said.

“I’m pleased that Chromecast, which has been receiving overwhelmingly positive response in other markets, finally hit the shelves in Korea. I hope Korean consumers will be able to enjoy digital content on the bigger screen of the TV with the Google product,” Kim said. 

The streaming stick is sold at home appliance retailer Lotte Hi-Mart and online shopping mall Gmarket starting Wednesday, and at e-commerce Web-site Auction from Friday.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)