Google Launches Chromecast In India; Available Exclusively from Snapdeal For Rs 2,999 ($50)

By Steven Hogg - 09 Dec '14 09:22AM

Google is finally expanding the availability of Chromecast media streaming dongle to a new market in India for Rs. 2,999 (approx. $50).

Google's popular media streaming stick, Chromecast, is finally stepping outside its closed shell of limited availability by officially opening sales in India. Available exclusively through Snapdeal.com, Google will make its push into the fastest growing Asian market in the media streaming space. The tiny USB-like dongle will support similar features as the international counterpart but designed for the local Indian market.

In order to support Google Chromecast in India, Google partnered with Bharthi Airtel, India's largest carrier, to allow mobile devices stream online content to televisions. Chromecast plugs into any HDTV with a USB port and allows streaming of videos from the internet using a laptop, phone or tablet. Through its partnership with Airtel, the carrier will offer 60GB of free data over three months on broadband plans.

Chromecast availability in India isn't entirely new as retailers like Amazon (US) sold the dongle and shipped it to India. The launch makes the device officially available in the country. Chromecast will be up for sale in India starting Wednesday, December 10, from Snapdeal. Online shoppers can also order the dongle from Google Play Store and Airtel for Rs. 2,999 ($50). The price may seem higher than its usual price tag in the U.S., which is $35, but it is cheaper than the price what it was retailer prior to the release at Rs. 3,500.

At launch, Google Chromecast will support streaming from YouTube, Google Play Movies and Google Play Music, as well as apps from local partners like Eros Now, Spuul and Yupptv, CNET reports. More partners are likely to join the fleet at a later time.

Google's affordable Chromecast dongle is now available in more than 10 countries including the U.S., Germany and Denmark. India is the latest addition to list of available countries.