EzyFlix is the first Australian streaming service to join forces with Google’s Chromecast two weeks after the device launched Down Under.
Chromecast, the $49 thumb-sized HDMI plug-in for TVs enabling users to stream music, movies, and television shows was released in Australia in late May but had been largely unusable with major Australian video-on-demand partners due to delays in copyright protection after Google supposedly kept local services in the dark as to the device’s launch date.
EzyFlix.tv beat out competing services Foxtel’s Presto, ABC’s iView, and Quickflix to become the first video service capable of streaming the device’s iOS, Android and desktop apps, while also offering access to iTunes rival UltraViolet, beating out retailer JB HiFi in the process.
“Chromecast is a game changer for the consumer because it delivers convenience, content availability and value,” EzyFlix chief executive White said.
“Our technical specifications for delivery have been given the big tick by the major Hollywood studios and we have worked hard to ensure our extensive film library is fully compatible. That foresight and groundwork has paid immediate dividends and we are proud EzyFlix.tv is the first to make its service available on Chromecast.”
While Australia is just now jumping aboard the Chromecast train, figures out of the US suggest the device’s popularity is waning. Household usage of Chromecast has declined against an increasing market streaming media players as the $US35 appliance approaches its first birthday.
According to data, streaming is down 5% and web page access down a whopping 29% in 2014 compared to last year’s figures.
Photo: AFP/Getty Images
