Google Chromecast is tipped to be launching in Australia this year, powered by Telstra.

Land of Oz

According to a report in The Australian, Google is in negotions with Telstra to provide content from BigPond media. There is also speculation that Telstra's T-Box digital media player could be embedded with Chromecast functionality. 

Chromecast is a digital media player, similar to a USB stick, that plugs into a TV set and streams high definition audio and video content directly from wi-fi.

The service has been available in the US since July 2013, where it hosted content from Netflix.

Local market

Chromecast is expected to launch in the UK in the next few weeks, indicating Google's commitment to making a dent in the streaming video market – and the failure of Google TV to set hearts aflutter.

If Google and Telstra can team up it may prove a serious threat to the local television market, and a boon to Australian users who aren't exactly spoiled for choice when it comes to legal streaming and downloading options. Watch this space. 

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