Google offers $35 video streaming USB stick for TVs

SAN FRANCISCO, July 24 (UPI) -- Google says its new Chromecast USB stick will let users stream Netflix, YouTube and other sources to their TVs from smartphones, tablets and the Chrome browser.

The $35 device will plug into the HDMI port and allow streaming over a home WiFi network of content from Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies and TV, and Google Play Music at launch, with support for future services including Pandora coming soon, CNET reported Wednesday.

Content can be selected and controlled from a smartphone or tablet, and will sync across multiple devices, meaning users can pick up any of their devices and continue watching from where they left off.

The mobile device used to stream to Chromecast will control the playback; if a users want to increase the TV volume they just have to turn up the volume on their phone or tablet.

Google says purchasers of the Chromecast stick will receive 3 free months of Netflix.

A cross-platform device will work with Android and iOS phones and tablets, Chromebooks, and the Chrome browser for Mac and Windows, Google said.