Aereo CEO Chet Kanojia announced today that Aereo users will be able to watch and record live television using Google’s Chromecast starting on May 29th. Aereo users, who can already watch live broadcast television over their phone, computer, tablet, or connected TV for $8/month, are anxiously awaiting a Supreme Court decision that would verify whether or not the service is legal.
In the meantime, Aereo users are able to stream local airwave content over IP to their computers and mobile devices.
With the addition of Chromecast, users will have a new way to watch Aereo on their television, through the Aereo app for Android. While it wasn’t announced, the iOS app could also add Chromecast support at a later time.
It isn’t certain why you’d pay $8/month for access to the same channels on your HDTV that you can pull in with a $22 antenna but those who are already paying for the service will find the added feature beneficial. The DVR functions could also serve beneficial.
Press release follows:
AEREO ANNOUNCES GOOGLE CAST™ READY DATE
Starting May 29, consumers can access Aereo’s antenna and DVR technology to record and watch live television using Google’s Chromecast™ device
New York, New York (April 10, 2014) – Aereo, Inc., today announced that its groundbreaking cloud-based antenna and DVR technology would be Google Cast Ready on May 29. Current Aereo members and consumers residing in active Aereo markets will be able to download (or update) the Aereo app for Android™ in the Google Play™ store, which will include support for Chromecast. Aereo CEO and Founder Chet Kanojia made today’s announcement at Fast Company’s Innovation Uncensored conference in New York City.
“The way people watch and experience television is changing and Google is a pioneer in providing consumers with more choice and flexibility in how they access and experience that media,” said Aereo CEO and founder Chet Kanojia. “We’re excited that Aereo will be Google Cast Ready this May. Consumers deserve more options and alternatives in how they watch television and our team is committed to providing consumers with the best experience possible using Aereo’s innovative cloud technology.”
In order to use Aereo’s technology with Chromecast, consumers must download the Aereo app for Android in the Google Play store. Set up your Chromecast device with your television; launch Aereo and the “cast” icon will appear in the app.
Aereo’s remote (cloud-based) antenna/DVR technology makes watching television simple and user-friendly. Using Aereo’s technology, consumers can pause, rewind and fast-forward any program that they are watching live, or save a program for future viewing. Aereo’s technology works with compatible ‘smart’ devices from tablets to phones to laptop computers. Aereo is currently supported on iPad®, iPhone®, iPod Touch®. The Aereo app for Android (currently in beta) is available for download for devices running Android operating system version 4.1 or higher. Aereo is also supported on Chrome for Mac® and Chrome for Windows®, Safari®, Internet Explorer® 9, Firefox®, Opera™ Software, AppleTV® (via AirPlay®) and ROKU® platforms.
Aereo membership begins at $8 per month, for access to Aereo’s cloud-based antenna/DVR technology and 20 hours of DVR storage. For an additional $4 per month, consumers can upgrade their membership and receive 60 hours of DVR storage for a total of $12 per month. Consumers who join Aereo will currently get their first of month of access for free.
Aereo is currently available to consumers residing in the following metropolitan areas: New York, Boston, Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Detroit, Baltimore, Cincinnati, San Antonio, and Austin. Aereo plans to launch in additional cities throughout 2014. To see if your city is on the list visit: aereo.com/coverage
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**Google, Android, Chrome, Chromecast, Google Cast Ready,and Google Play are trademarks of Google, Inc. iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Safari and AirPlay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Firefox is a registered trademark of the Mozilla Foundation. Opera is a trademark of Opera Software ASA. Internet Explorer is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Roku is a registered trademark of Roku, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
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