Google is bringing its streaming dongle Chromecast to India – one of rapidly growing markets in the world as far as electronic gadgets is concerned – in a bid to cement its position in still largely untapped market.
Chromecast is already available in 10 major markets including the US, UK, Germany, and Denmark and with the Indian launch Google will see a huge surge in demand owing to little competition. Google has joined hands with Bharti Airtel – India’s largest mobile carrier – to launch Chromecast in the country.
The streaming dongle has been available in India for quite sometime now, but through unofficial channels and people were either buying it through Amazon US or asking friends and family from US to bring Chromecast with them when they visit India.
Users buying it from US online retailers had a couple of issues to digest – first and foremost is the lack of official warranty and the increase price they were required to pay. However, from December 10 this will change as the dongle makes its official entry in the country. Buyers will have to shell out Rs. 2999 (~$48) for the dongle.
The price is definitely higher than what it sells for in rest of the world, but it is still cheaper than the ones bought through unofficial routes.
Buyers will be required to head-on to Snapdeal.com or Google Play Store or Airtel’s site to buy one and we are not sure if Google is going to make it available through other sites or channels. Airtel customers will be receiving 60BG of free data over three months with their broadband plans.
As far as streaming is concerned, the app will support content from YouTube, Google Play Movies, Google Play Music, Eros Now, Spuul and Yupptv at launch.
