Google chromecast

I don't have a tv in my truck, but I do have a chromecast when I take my vacations. Works nicely, but if I remeber right, you need an active wireless network to stream content even from just another machine.

I wouldn't recommend using a phone hotspot to do it as you could incur data charges. Unless you have unlimited. Not hard to find a compact wireless hotspot unit.

 

I don't see the point of a Chromecast at home, so I really don't see the point in the truck. Yes it needs to go through a wireless router so you'll need a standalone plugged in the truck. I was given one as a gift a year ago, used it a couple times and still haven't figured out the point. This year the gift was Apple TV, which was promptly returned.

 

If you can turn your phone into a mobile hotspot, then yes it should work.

 

I have one, but I haven't got it to work right. When the Bestbuy guy talked me into it, he said it would work with my bright and shiney new Note 3...wrong. As other have stated, you need a router to bounce it off of. The latest update to the Chromecast app says it can work without a router, but you need one initially to set it up...I haven't done that yet...I think I will buy a MHL 2.0 adapter for my Note so I can plug it directly into the HDMI port.

As for why you would need it at home, more people are doing away with cable or satellite and streaming Netflix, Hulu etc. I have a slightly different unit and a WIFI enabled blueray player we stream to our tv's at home when the grand kids are there.

 

I too have a wifi blueray unit that works almost flawlessly with Netflix and Amazon Prime. The same can't be said for the Chromecast. The reception was terrible.

 

That's how I stream in my truck thru my Note 3...except I can't watch my Dish anywhere thru the blueray on my flat screen... so I am ordering the MHL 2.0 adapter to watch on a bigger screen than my phone.

 

Chromecaste was really a waate of money. Limited in apps. And requires your cellphone to transmit. Or pc.

Roku is the way to go. Does the same thing as chome should you desire to use your phone. But it's not required. Plus it can axtually display your phone screen. Something chrome can't do.

Chrome is basically nothing more then a rexeiver from your phone. Mine sits in the box and collects dust. Roku stays pluggrd into tv.

 

Chromecast is better suited with a wifi connection; using your cell phone will sap up your data. My recommendation will be to sign up for the monthly wifi at loves/pilot and use that.

 

Chromecast can cast the phone screen. If you are not yet on Lollypop, you have to install the ap.