In a move that will bring a selection of live TV channels to the popular Chromecast streaming adapter, Aereo announced Thursday that its broadband video and cloud DVR service will be “Google Cast Ready” on May 29.
That’s a little more than a month after the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in the case between Aereo and major broadcasters on April 22.
Aereo, which captures digital over-the-air TV signals and converts them to IP streams that are then delivered to customers via the Internet, said subscribers in its active markets will be able to watch live TV and play back network-stored programs on the Chromecast via an app offered through the Google Play store. When the app becomes available, a “cast” icon will appear after the app is installed.
Aereo offers an app (in beta form) for Android-powered phones and tablets at the Google Play store, and also supports iOS devices, most major PC browsers, the Apple TV (via AirPlay), and on Roku boxes.
“The way people watch and experience television is changing and Google is a pioneer in providing consumers with more choice and flexibility in how they access and experience that media,” said Aereo CEO and founder Chet Kanojia, in a statement. “We’re excited that Aereo will be Google Cast Ready this May. Consumers deserve more options and alternatives in how they watch television and our team is committed to providing consumers with the best experience possible using Aereo’s innovative cloud technology.”
Following recent court-ordered shut downs in Denver and Salt Lake City, Aereo presently offers services, which starts at $8 per month, in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, Texas; Cincinnati; Boston, Atlanta; Miami; Houston; Detroit; and Baltimore. Other markets targeted for future expansion include Chicago; Minneapolis; Madison, Wis.; Cleveland; Providence, R.I.; Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pa.; Kansas City; Washington, D.C.; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; and Birmingham, Ala.
Aereo is poised to become what’s sure to be a large group of apps coming to the Chromecast following the release of the Google Cast Software Development Kit in early February. Apps already optimized for the Chromecast include Rdio, VUDU, Photowall, Crackle, Netflix, HBO GO, Hulu Plus, Pandora, YouTube, Google Play TV & Movies, Google Play Music, Vevo, Red Bull.TV, Songza, Plex, PostTV (videos from The Washington Post), Viki, and RealPlayer Cloud. Users can also cast a Chrome browser tab from their PCs or laptops to the TV.
