Google has launched its long-awaited Chromecast dongle in Australia, giving locals a new way to stream internet content via high-definition TVs.
The device, which has been available in the US since July last year, will sell for $A49 from JB Hi-Fi, Dick Smith, and the Google Play online store.
The Chromecast is a stick, about the size of a cigarette lighter, that plugs into a TV's HDMI port and acts as a conduit for internet content from phones, tablets and computers via a Wi-Fi network.
In Australia, Chromecast will support YouTube, Google Play Movies, Google Play Music and music-streaming service Pandora.
Movie-streaming service Quickflix says it is in the final stages of testing its Chromecast app, while Foxtel's Presto service will be available from July.
The ABC is also working on a Chromecast-compatible app.
Since the gadget's launch in the US, more than 5000 developers worldwide had signed up to create apps, said product manager Raunaq Shah in a blog post.
"We're looking forward to seeing the range of great TV shows, movies, music and more from local content creators, which will soon be available for Aussie audiences," he said.
"Chromecast will help Aussie mobile content lovers bridge the gap between their devices and their TV."
Chromecast is designed to challenge Apple TV, which has similar functionality but works within Apple's iTunes ecosystem.
Movie and TV streaming service Netflix, one of Chromecast's most important partners in the US, is not yet available in Australia.
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