What is Reddit's opinion of Google Home?

Unless I'm misunderstanding, the Google Home app already contains all the groundwork for this, you just have to use Assistant to actually control the devices. But all my smart stuff is found in that app.

Still is. Hamburger menu -> Offers in the Google Home (formerly Chromecast) app, or go to https://cast.google.com/chromecast/offers/ while connected to the same wifi network as your Chromecast.

Not like we haven't seen it leaked multiple times already, but it's definitely true

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app

What is with that red power button though

This.

IMHO it's an excellent display font for Google's logos, but it looks so bad when splashed all over the UI compared to Roboto.

Google really needs to stick to Material design. Not really a fan of the bottom bars and white on apps like Youtube, which Google seems to be gravitating towards.

you don't.

the chromecast doesn't really do anything other than take a video/audio input, via wifi, and convert it to hdmi.

it doesn't hold any apps, which is why you use your phone to send stuff to it.you connect to it via wifi from your phone, using the chromecast app.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app&hl=en

You can install the Google Cast app on a phone or tablet and customize the backdrop from there, including adding local weather.

Try to restart the chromecast. You can do that via the official chromecast app.

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app

IOS: https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/chromecast/id680819774?mt=8

Then also restart the phone just to be sure.

I can't get to my Chromecast right now, but I believe that is a setting you can change in the Google Home app on your phone. If you have an Android phone or tablet, you likely already have Google Home installed.

No additional devices required

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app&hl=en

Google has a Home app - the fact that you have to 'ask' assistant is just Google's way of going about things. they want you to use assistant. if people complain (like you) or demand, they may add the feature. the point of android is that you CAN do this stuff, and could for awhile, through apps - wondering why Google hasn't baked a feature into their Home app is just, not to be rude, a pointless question to ask here. no one here is going to know why a feature hasn't been added to a Google app / why Google isn't copying an Apple app 1 to 1.

> I tried testing if it would cast while I'm not connected to wifi, but when i hit the cast button while using just my data, an alert pops up saying "casting to nearby device"!!!

Do you have guest mode enabled on the Chromecast? Download the Google home app, press the menu button on the top left and select "Devices", on the Chromecast that appears in the list press the 3 dot button and select "Settings". Then find "Guest mode" and disable that.

If your phone allows you to cast directly to the TV, do that and then open the file in Google Drive.

If not install Google Home, cast from the and again go back to Google Drive.

I have a Nexus phone (meaning stock Android) so I get the "Cast" button showing up in Quick Toggles.

If you're using a Chromecast as opposed to a smart TV, then I'm fairly sure there might be a "cast to TV" option somewhere. Maybe if you go into this retardedly named app (was so much simpler when it was called Chromecast) there might be some option to enable it. OR if you got into your device's main settings, maybe under Display or Google, there might be something to enable it. It's a confusing mess, sorry.

Yeah, it's the Google Home app you want. Not the regular Google app.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app

> ...I'm looking to get that functionality back via some app...

If Cast is disabled on your device at the OS level you may need Google's Chromecast hardware if you TV has it or buy a Chromecast dongle for your TV + install an app on your phone like Google Home for example.

Just an app will not work without hardware support AFAIK.

Google home was bought in the states a week after launch last year.

Home mini was bought via maplins.co.uk and sent to parcel motel.

The mini is grand for beside the bed, but I'd go for the big one if you care about sound quality for music. If you buy both you can set it up to play the same thing on all and it will sync, great for listening to podcasts when cleaning the house.

FYI if you buy it via the UK Google Store they will process it and then cancel as your card is from the UK, very frustrating. They also won't send to parcel motel.

The app is the same app that controls chromecasts, it's just called home

Just plugged it in and off it went. Change your language to English(US). there is a UK voice but I prefer the American one.

It will recognise calendars and people, i.e I ask it my name It says my name, the girlfriend ask and it says hers, this functionality didn't work on the UK language last time I checked.

Also, you can enlist in the beta programme through the app.

To control your "Home Control" settings, you need to do so in the Home app on your phone. I have a Google Pixel and can do set it up in the app for SmartThings. It is located in the play store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app

I'd hope for software updates. I still experience loss of media control sometimes, which is very frustrating.

Ever have loud music playing that you can't pause or lower the volume on, until you fiddle with your phone enough that it reconnects? Sometimes all you can do is go to the Google Home app, force stop all casting.

What phone do you have? You might be able to do it. Google has a list of phones that they allow to mirror video/audio. All you need is it baked into the OS (Nexus/Pixel) or to do it via the Google Home app:

> 1. Connect your Android device to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device. 2. Open the Google Home app. 3. In the top left corner of the home screen, tap Menu --> Cast Screen / audio --> Cast Screen / audio. 4. Select your Chromecast device.

Source: Google Support

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app&hl=en

> The Google Home app is one app to set up, manage, and control your Chromecast, Chromecast Audio and Google Home* devices.

Perfect. Makes his argument even more baffling.

One recommendation is browse the ChromeCast app for ideas.

Another option is browse them on you desktop.

It really depends on how you want to use your device. Personally I use mostly multimedia apps like Plex, Netflix, HBO Go, FX Now, etc. But you can play some games on it, which I haven't really done much of yet.

If the cast symbol is missing, it's because your phone cannot see your Chromecast on the network.

Make sure your Wifi connection is enabled and working, open the Chromecast admin app and make sure that the Chromecast is detected under the "Devices" tab. If it's there, then you ought to be able to cast to it from any app that supports it. If you don't see it there, or you do but still can't cast to it from apps, you may want to re-initialize the Chromecast.

You can soft-reset the Chromecast by unplugging and re-plugging it, or factory reset it by holding the button down on the unit until the LED begins flashing (1st model) or until the LED turns white after flashing (2nd model). After that you can use the Chromecast app to set up the unit again.

I have personally had a few issues where a Chromecast stopped behaving normally and a factory reset fixed my issue.

You can't from this page basically it is a 3 gang switch so from here you need to click into it then you have the individual selection in which you can rename each to avoid confusion.

However, if you connect Google Home from Home app it does separate each switch including the group as well.

From SmartLife you can create scenes to act individually. I guess the idea is basically quick access to perform the action on the switch. Hope this makes sense.

I will add the link to the app in the Play Store here, but as mentioned, if you can't see, it might be due to your wallet settings.

When it is in the problem room... Does the Chromecast device show up in the Google Home App? That link is to the Android version, there is an iphone version too.

Does the Chromecast device show up in the Google Home App? That link is to the Android version, there is an iphone version too.

The google home app has a controller also the Google TV has a controller but is not easily available. I get to it through a button that becomes available on the dashboard. Wit both of them Iǘe had issues turning it on.

Install this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app&hl=et&gl=US

Make sure you are on same bandwidths. Some routers have 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz connections. If Chromecast is on 5 GHz then try to first connect your mobile /PC on the same. Then see if it shows up in options.

Also try to see if you see chromecast in your Home app on mobile.

Force enclose Home app. Then check again. Restart Chromecast and/or mobile as needed.

I have a Sony X900H (the 2020 version of your TV) that I can control using Google Assistant on my phone. In order to control the TV using Google Assistant, you'll need to add the TV to your home in the Google Home app (not to be confused with the Google Home smart speaker).

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app

For android device and a tv with chromecast get Goggle Home and share your mobile screen to the tv.

I play Gloomhaven on tv this way with my own fantasy dungeon music on the background. Perfect Gloomhaven sessions!

I have the Q90T and upon first install hit + on home app on phone and add new device. In fact follow this...

Your smart TV must be connected through SmartThings to be able to use it with Google Assistant.

Just like Bixby, Google Home can control your smart TV too. You can make Google perform basic controls like turning on the smart TV or changing channels. If you haven't done so already, download and install the <strong>Google Home app</strong>, and then set up your <strong>Google Assistant devices</strong>.

When you're ready, open the Google Home app on your phone and tap the Account icon on the bottom right. Then, tap Settings, tap the Assistant tab, and then tap Home control. Tap the Add icon (the plus sign), and then search for and select SmartThings. Enter your Samsung credentials, select the SmartThings location, and tap Authorize.

The SmartThings devices, including your smart TV, will be automatically discovered. Now, you can control your smart TV with Google Assistant!

You can always send an email to the Developer Contact listed for the Google Home App.

JUST KIDDING!

YOU WILL GET AN EMAIL REPLY TELLING YOU "THIS EMAIL ADDRESS IS NOT MONITORED"

I ALMOST SHT MY PANTS LAUGHING SO EFFEN LOUD!

HURRAY FOR GOOGLE!

Developer Contact email for Google Home Android App

You have to install Google Home App and link it with your MiBox. It has a buit in chromecast.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app&hl=es_AR

Then you can say "Ok, Google... turn on MiBox" or "Turn Off MiBox".

ohhhh ... So i was looking at Google Home settings, but this error is talking about Google Home App settings, a different product.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app&hl=en

Seems like there are multiple questions about this on Google support and none of them actually mention this issue.

After installing the app, it was pretty easy to delete the "second" home.

Google home https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app&hl=pt

You can do it from the Google Home Android/iOS App. If your Chromebook has the Google Play Store, you can do it from the Chromebook as well.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app

Have you tried via the web?

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app

This is my theme for this month's contest i hope you like it!

Everything made in klwp by me

Thanks to u/erikbucik for helping with some formula stuff

Inspired by the Google Home app and the new Google Assistant (not yet out)

you have to use this app to add your wife going forward since you migrated.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app&hl=en_US

Not sure what you mean by integration into the clock app... I've always accessed the routines through their home app.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app

Did it work before in English? Or is this the first time trying to set it up? It should work.

Open Trådfri app
Link to Google Account ()
Open Google Home app. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app
Maybe delete the current house if no or not many other devices are connected to it.
Create a new house.
Add new device (Works with Google)
Find Trådfri - IKEA smart lighting and add it.
Devices should now be visible and you can assign them to different rooms.

Regarding these steps, how far are you able to get?

I haven't been able to enable or disable independent lights, only entire rooms. Take that in consideration when assigning rooms.

I only have the "Chromecast Audio" device. Apart from using cast-enabled apps I have had good experience with casting any audio I'm playing on my phone / tablet / chromebook by simply using the Google Home app and in the left-hand menu clicking on:

Cast screen / audio

[audio only in my case]

[The downside is of course that my device is doing the processing as opposed to the the cast-enabled app in the cloud]

Tech details: I am using Chromecast through my Samsung Tablet (SM-T530 , Android) with Home

How hard is it to stream on youtube? I am trying to watch games, the streams are great, but lagging a lot more than when I watch anything from youtube
Is this "other" way preferred because of higher chance that youtube takes the stream down?
When I use the usual stream (last night for example, Toronto vs Philly, it was top the comment, with "verified streamer" flair) it opens up a website, with the stream in the middle. I hit the "play" and it opens up a different Tab, which gives me a Modal Popup saying something like "Your device has a virus, install this and that", and this stupid message will not go away, unless you tap OK. Cannot switch it back to the previous tab. This happens every time when I refresh the main stream page. My question is: Is this normal? everyone gets this? or it is just me doing something different. Where is that message coming from? I know I do not have a virus, that is just some scam popping up.

Thank you a lot for the streams

Hmm, you may have to install the Google Home app? That's where I found (and modified) the setting on my phone (a Google Pixel). Oh well, good luck anyway. :)

Open the google home app link. Open the side menu and select "offers". If your chromecast is set up there might be some things in there you can redeem.

Here's the google help page on it

https://support.google.com/chromecast/answer/4624638?hl=en

Try to connect to the Chromecast with Google home https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app . Sometimes my Netflix app can't see my Chromecast until I connect to it in Google home first.

Mm Are you sure both Chromecast are actually connected to the red? You can check it with any wifi/lan scanner

I think using the Google Home app also could do the trick

You could mirror your phone's screen to your Chromecast. So play your Netflix content as if you're just going to watch it on your phone, but have screen casting on.

The feature is accessible from the Google Home app.

To what device are you planning on screen mirroring your phone? If Chromecast/AndroidTV, download Google Home app (previously Google Cast app). It has option to mirror screen on TV.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app&hl=en-GB

you may need to download & run the google cast setup app

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app&hl=en

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-cast/id680819774?mt=8

Just download Google Cast on your phone and mirror your phone. It will show whatever your phone sees. Maximize your NFL Network app and there you go.

And a tip, make sure you turn off screen rotation. It can get annoying if you accidentally flip the screen while watching.

It works flawlessly from the app. I've set two Chromecasts up from the app on different devices. One of which I never linked to a computer, too.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app&hl=en

Amazon Instant Video will work on ChromeCast if you have the ChromeCast app on your device(it simply casts whatever your screen shows).

Edit: to include ChrmeCast app link.

Mirror for those that would rather skip the app link

Shortcuts are my biggest thing with Nova. Can swipe up on certain apps to perform certain actions. Pair with Tasker and Auto-input for more functionality.

If I swipe up on Google Maps' icon, it'll begin navigation towards home.
Swipe up on a certain games' icons, and it'll turn media volume off, and open the game.
Swipe up on Google Home to connect to my Chromecast audio speakers.
Swipe up on Google Keep to go directly to my grocery list.
Swipe up on Android Pay to go directly to my YMCA membership card.
Swipe up on YNAB's to go directly to its "Add Transaction" page
Swipe up on Phone to call my wife
Swipe up on Textra to open me and my wife's conversation
Swipe up on Flamingo for Twitter to open the native Twitter app's "Moments" page.

But... this already exists?

Android Oreo

GOOGLE ALLO

intégration des appels Google Duo dans Google Allo
Google Allo dispo sur desktop sur allo.google.com ?

Google Jobs sera disponible aux Etats-Unis d'ici la fin du mois. D'autres pays à venir.

partenaires de "Google For Jobs" : Linkedin & Glassdoor (site où les salariés notent leur entreprise)

Google lance "Google for Jobs", une API ("logiciel") pour améliorer les recherches d'emploi

L'application Google Expédition (VR seulement aujourd'hui) va proposer de la réalité augmentée. Le futur de l'école selon Google

un dév de Chicago a dvpé une app de détect° des cancers du sein grâce à l'intelligence artificielle. VPS : un GPS mais pour l'intérieur des bâtiments. Impressionnant

Google avait lancé Expéditions en 6 pr les classes (app de sorties scolaires). Nouveautés dispo dans l'appli en 7

Google annonce une alliance avec Qualcomm, HTC et Lenovo pour travailler sur des casques VR totalement indépendants.

La deuxième génération de téléphones Tango va arriver cette année

téléphone Asus Zenfone VR (avec caméra du projet Tango ?) dispo cet été

En des casques avec téléphone, Google va proposer des casques VR totalement autonomes suivi Nicolas Catard et Pippe Berry Boss de UptownProd (prod vidéo) et TheGrandTest (High-tech & Pop Culture http://youtube.com/TheGrandTest ) Instagram : NicolasCatard /ex-Micro…

Le Google Play va avoir une section dédiée aux applications Lite. Il est question de progressive web apps aussi. Intéressant !

Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ compatible Google Daydream (VR ?) cet été après une mise à jour

quelqu'un connait le langage de développement Kotlin dispo pour les app Android ? seb

Android Go seems like Google's attempt to head off potential fragmentation and, in particular, OS forks in emerging markets.

nouvelle appli Youtube Go avec mode offline pour ceux qui ont un réseau 3G pourri. Intéressant à la montagne

Google présente Android Go, une version adaptée aux smartphones entrée de gamme ( légère, moins de mémoire...)

d'utilisateurs d'Android en #Inde qu'aux En du Java, les développeurs vont pouvoir utiliser du kotlin. Une vraie révolution !

Le démarrage des smartphones sous Android O sera deux fois rapide

YouTube copie Twitch avec son Super Chat

Les développeurs Android vont pouvoir utiliser Tensorflow lite pour intégrer du Machine Learning facilement

comme sur les téléphones Xiaomi (ROM MiUI)vitostech gastoonix Mathdossantos ajouté,

Les applications qui ont des notifications ont désormais des badges sur le launcher

La sélection du texte va être intelligente pour regrouper automatiquement les mots ensemble (ex : une adresse) c'est sur mobile le picture in picture ? regarder une vidéo & lire ses emails en même temps ? ajouté,

Le picture in picture et le compteur de notifications dans Android O

Les mots de passe de Chrome seront utilisables dans les apps Android (connexion automatique)

le remplissage automatique des champs arrive sur Android O Oreo après avoir été dispo sur PC/mobile ds Chrome Les vidéos YouTube en 36 vont pouvoir être visionnées sur sa télé a dit :(

On va désormais parler d'Android le 36 est sympa sur un PC avec un grand écran tactile (moins sur téléphone) mais c'est vrai que ça ne va pas révolutionner la vidéoajouté, Arrêtez avec le 36 sérieusement. C'est juste le format vidéo le inconfortable à regarder ever. https://twitter.com/macgeneration/status/86495798 …

API youtube super chat. Vous pourrez allumez des lumières (Philips Hue ?) si quelqu'un vous fait un don ? comme chez GuiHighTech. Google 36 seraient des vidéos en 36 (comme Periscope 36 ?) (visionnables avec des lunettes Google VR / Google Cardboard ?)ajouté,

on peut assister à des concerts depuis son canapé grâce à Google 36 (qu'est-ce que c'est ?)

on peut assister à des concerts depuis son canapé grâce à Google 36 (qu'est-ce que c'est ?)
Les appels seront réalisés en numéro caché, mais on pourra utiliser le numéro de son téléphone Google Assistant va mieux s'integrer avec les Chromecast. Par exemple regarder son calendrier GPhotos va automatiquement supprimer les photos en doublon, floues...pour éviter qu'elles ne soient imprimées pour rien. US uniquement Google Photos va aussi utiliser Lens pour détecter ce que l'on voit dans nos photos (ce que fait Bixby par ex)

Google Lens reconnait automatiquement du texte à partir d'images, l'affiche et propose de le copie-coller #IA #DeepLearning

"Youtube n'est pas de la diffusion dans seul sens, c'est de la conversation dans les sens"

prix des livres photos réalisés par Google aux USA : 9,99$ (~9,99€)

L'impression sera disponible dès aujourd'hui aux US.

le service d'impression de photos Photowebfr à #Grenoble sera t il compatible avec l'impression de photos dans Google Photos ?

On dirait la keynote de Phil Schiller il dix ans.JeanSébastien Zanchi ajouté, net net Google annonce Photos Books, un service qui permet d'imprimer ses photos sur un joli album.

Photo Books : on pourra demander l'impression de ses photos depuis Google Photos (on attend les prix tout de même...)

le partage intelligent des photos dispo sur Google Photos dans l'app Androdi & iOS N8

Assez intrusif ces fonctionnalités de partage... ��

Android O Oreo
- appels Google Duo dans Google Allo
- Google Allo pas dispo tout de suite desktop

500 millions d'utilisateurs actifs de Google Photos N8

Google Photos envoie un SMS ou un email à vos amis qui n'ont pas Google PhotosN8

régoire Martinez‏ Gregoirefr

Google Photos repérera désormais les personnes présentes sur une photo pour pouvoir leur partager le cliché facilement

Google Photos

Trois nouvelles fonctionnalités attendues

Google Photos va vous suggérer des personnes avec qui partager vos photos

On va pouvoir téléphoner à l'aide du Google Home

Google Lens : comme Bixby, Google Assistant va reconnaître les objets, mais en mieux

possible de faire des commandes sans rentrer son adresse ni sa CB dans Google Assistant gastoonix

Google Assistant dispo en français à l'oral cet été (déjà dispo à l'écrit en FR dans Google Allo)

Google Assistant dispo sur iphonefr (en anglais seulement ?)

confirmation : Android O = Android Oreo (marque comme KitKat)

http://www.google.ai , site de Google sur l'intelligence artificielle ? AutoML: un réseau neuronal de Google qui entraîne d'autres réseaux neuronaux, afin d'automatiser l'apprentissage automatique (!)

l'intelligence artificielle de #Google va détecter les cancers du sein

les s intelligentes aux emails arrivent dans Gmail sur Android & iOS (en anglais seulement ?) l'intelligence artificielle de Google est bcp + rapide qu'avant

toutes les nouveautés sont sur les médias, l'embargo est tombé :-)

mise à jour de l'appli Android Google Home https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app&hl=fr

appareil Google Home 129 US$

Actions on Google

Pas d'Android Pay au Canada :-(

It's really all going to boil down to what sort of content they consume, how long they intend to own said device, and personal preference to user experience.

User experience is key. Not just for software, we deal with user experience in retail, sales, offices, hospitals.

How obvious are the directions/options
How easy are they to access
How simple is it to perform a routine task
How quickly can it be performed by the un-experienced

Just Google it, most people are unhappy with the slow, unresponsive, clunky designs of Smart TVs.

The Chromecast App is available on both Android and iOS devices. This is used to set option, initial configuration and customization. It can also be used to find content, but I don't recommend it for that use. Beyond that, any major media app will have an Chromcast enabled app.

			.
Netflix	Hulu	YouTube	Twitch
Pandora	Spotify	iHeartRadio	Slacker
HBOGo	EPIX	Starz	Showtime
MLB.tv	NFL	NHL	NBA
FOX	CBS	Comedy Central	HGTV

To name a few. The vast majority of these have both Android and iOS versions of their apps.

Many of these won't offer apps for a market like Smart TVs because the market is so splintered and small. Here is an example of YouTube cutting support for a specific TV.

It's akin to buying one of those old VCR / TV combos. It was cool, space saving, even borderline "minimalist" until the VCR broke. Then you just had a bigger, uglier TV than other people; no modularity.

HowToGeek has a great writeup on this. Allow me to copy paste a few choice excerpts:

> In practice, smart TVs just aren’t that great. Smart TVs have software made by TV manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, LG. Their software is generally not very good. Smart TVs usually have confusing, often baffling interfaces. Controlling the smart TV’s features will generally involve using a remote, probably using on-screen buttons on the the TV. The menu interfaces usually feel old.

> But don’t take our word for it. A report from NPD last year indicated that only 10 percent of smart TV owners has used the web browser on their smart TV and about 15 percent had listened to music from online services. The majority of them had used video apps, however — for example, to watch Netflix on their TV without plugging in additional boxes.

> Smart TVs will become dumber over time as they don’t receive updates. New video services won’t work on old TVs, and their operating systems may never receive updates from the manufacturer. Some smart TVs may already lack services you’d want to use. For example, Amazon notes that “Amazon Instant Video is available on select 2012 and 2013 LG Smart TVs.” Not all of them, in other words — just some of them. You’d have to do your research before buying a smart TV to get the services you want.

Beyond that, there are some security concerns. As with any internet connected device there is the potential for the manufacturer or someone less scrupulous to gain access to any video or audio recording device present.

This is not a major concern for most people, as the likelihood of someone caring about what your parents are discussing in the living room is slim; but it's good to be aware.

All of that said, I feel I've painted a pretty clear picture on why Smart TVs are not a good investment.

However, Chromecast is not the only option: The Wirecutter has a great article on how to select the best Media Streaming device for you.

Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TVs, nVidia Shield, Razer Forge, XBOX, PlayStation, etc. All are good options with pro's and con's.

Really you just want to look for something that is going to get continued support for years to come, so you don't need to go replacing it every year or so. Get someone that fits their setup, and that they can understand how to reset/restart if needed.

Here are a few simple videos that go over the basics of what I'll call the major competitors:

Watch the videos and you'll see they are all very similar, the Chromecast being the most unique in the way that you access and stream content using other devices. In every other option you use a remote to directly control the UI on the TV.

The beauty of the media streaming device is that if something stops working (TV breaks, Roku breaks, whatever) you only have to replace one of the two, instead of buying a whole new TV if only one thing stops working.

Pick whats right for you.

you have to download this first:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app

Google leaks design on it's home app

Google Home, it has the cast screen option

In the FAQ:

If you want to control your stream download/open the 'Google Home' app. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app There may be a version on iTunes for iOS devices.

You can pause and seek through the stream with that app, it may also display a 'Cast media control' notifications that can pause or stop the stream, tapping on it opens the 'Home App'! https://support.google.com/chromecast/answer/7206638?hl=en

> Chromecast could be used here, but it requires a separate DAC + a splitter from HDMI to get the audio out.

Again, no it doesn't. You're thinking of the regular old Chromecast, which is meant to be used with a TV.

The Chromecast Audio (CCA), which I named specifically and linked in my initial comment, is a separate, audio-only device. It has stereo out and optical audio out. If he has a "pretty decent HiFi setup", I'm going to bet it has optical audio in, so the Chromecast Audio is still going to be the best solution, along with a minijack TOSLINK cable.

Even if his hifi is analog-only, the CCA supports 24 bit, 96kHz audio, and its internal DAC has both normal, and full dynamic range modes, the latter of which is intended for use with HiFi systems.

The CCA can also be linked up with other CCAs attached to other speakers in other rooms to form speaker groups with seamless, synced audio. Google Home devices can also be added to speaker groups. This management is done through the Google Home app (available on iOS as well).

We currently have three CCAs (Computer Room, Kitchen, Bathroom) and one Google Home (Living Room) in our home, and they are superb devices. If your friend has Android, he will be much happier with something that has native support, rather than something that relies on reverse engineered stuff that's liable to break on Apple's whim. Most Android audio apps support casting, and for those few that don't, you can actually use the integrated "Cast Screen" feature in Android to just send the device's audio stream to the CCA.