Some have had more luck with this feature than me, but it hasn't worked well in any of the wireless environments I've used it. The big caveat is that in my testing, the screen-mirroring functionality doesn't work all that well. That includes streaming video from major content Web sites like ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and Hulu (without a subscription), which typically are only available when browsing using a computer. One of the neatest features of Chromecast is the ability to cast any tab from the Chrome browser to your TV. Screen mirroring: Chromecast, when it works The good news for Harmony Smart Control owners is Logitech says it's working on adding the ability to control Roku boxes over Wi-Fi - hopefully it works with the Streaming Stick. One final word of caution: neither works with a traditional IR-based universal remote, unless you run an IR-extender behind your TV. That means everyone in the household can choose whether they'd rather use a regular remote or stick with their mobile device. Even better, Roku now supports Chromecast-style control for Netflix and YouTube and the company says it's looking to add more services in the future. The Roku Streaming Stick includes a standard RF-based Roku remote and that's good news for anyone like me who thinks real buttons still win when it comes to the living room. Not only did it allow Google to hit that impulse-friendly $35 price, it actually works better for certain search-heavy apps like YouTube, and eliminates one more remote from your coffee table. The Chromecast's approach to remotes was relatively novel when it was released: your mobile device is the only remote your need. Both are cheap, but the Chromecast is cheaper, especially if you're looking to outfit several rooms with a streamer. The difference between the two sticks may be a mere $15, but there's something about $35 that makes easy click to "add to cart" without thinking twice. ![]() Roku managed to cut the cost of its Streaming Stick ($50) in half, but it still doesn't compare to the Chromecast's unbeatable $35 price. Price: $35 Chromecast is irresistibly cheap If you're all-in on Android for your media purchases, you're probably better off sticking with the Chromecast. Right now, Chromecast is pretty much your only option if you want to stream media from Google Play TV and Movies and Google Music. There is one big exception where Chromecast beats Roku in apps and that's Google's media ecosystem. And now that Google has released an SDK, it's fair to expect that the rate of new apps should increase. In the Chromecast's defense, it has most of the major apps covered, including Netflix, YouTube, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, and Pandora. While some of those channels are definitely filler, there's a ton of top tier content, including Netflix, Amazon Instant, HBO Go, Pandora, Hulu Plus, MLB.TV, PBS, YouTube, Showtime Anytime, Time Warner Cable, Spotify, Amazon Cloud Player - the list goes on. When it comes to apps, nothing comes close to Roku's massive 1,200-channel library. ![]() While it's too early to crown a winner, we already have a pretty good idea how these two sticks will match up. I haven't had the chance to fully review the new Roku Streaming Stick (which comes out in April), but from my brief hands-on time, it looks to deliver the same Roku experience that's available on the company's traditional streaming boxes. They're both tiny sticks that connect to the back of your TV, use a nearby USB port (or power outlet) for power, and stream media from a variety of sources like Netflix, YouTube, HBO Go and Pandora. Roku's new Streaming Stick bears more than just a passing resemblance to Google's Chromecast.
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