Wi-Fi is fantastic — the ability to be constantly connected to your network when in range of your router was a revolution. There’s just one thing, it’s horrible compared to a hardwired connection, especially for video.
Google launched their new Google TV device today, the Google Chromecast with Google TV. Out of the box the streaming stick only supports Wi-Fi, however, don’t despair you can connect it to your hardwired LAN.
The first method is the official choice, with Google’s support page confirming that they will be launching an ethernet power adaptor letting you jack your Chromecast right into your network. It’s up for pre-order in the USA for $19.99, so it should launch in Australia for around $29.99.
UPDATE: The Australian Google Store has been updated with the new adaptor. It is priced at $29.99 as expected.
The new Ethernet Adapter for Chromecast with Google TV will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States (except Puerto Rico) according to Google support. With the TV not launching here yet, we will keep an eye out for an official listing.
The second method is using a traditional USB-C Hub. Several outlets have confirmed that they were able to get the new Chromecast working with an external HUB on their hardwired network. It does not quite plug and play, however, testing showed that power draw was an issue, so you’ll need a hub capable of delivering a lot of juice.
Once connected to a HUB however your options expand, with accessories like USB storage, mouse and keyboard and a webcam for Duo now available to you. It’s great to see that Google Built USB drivers into the new device, and we can’t wait to see what the community get up to with it.
I’ve preordered the Chromecast. Does anyone know how I can I add one of these to the order?
“pre-order in the USA for $19.99, so it should launch in Australia for around $29.99.”
Google have been a bit greedy with their launch this year.
Their $50USD chromecast is $100AUD.
I suspect their $19.99USD adapter will be $39.99AUD
In this instance, it has been announced as AU$29.99. You have to remember that right or wrong you need to factor in the currency conversion, then GST, and there are local costs that gt passed on. We find that on averedge products are about 150% of USA price
Does the page listing say it only includes a 10/100 Mbps ethernet port? What is this, 2011??
Ugh. Only 100Mbps… what a waste.
If you’re lucky enough to even get 100Mbps to your home then that would be true… probably more than adequate for the vast majority of users, at least in Australia.
Probably referring more to streaming local content, which would take more advantage of a gigabit connection.