Have you heard about the Google dongle device yet?  Yes, it sounds funny. No, it's not related to cyber sex. It's Google's latest answer to Apple TV. Since 2010, Google has tried again and again to get a foot in the television industry, teaming up with Sony and others to create a viable option for consumers. Google has failed every time so far, offering large, expensive receivers and poorly planned subscription services. Will the dongle be any different? What is it anyway?

Google is officially calling the new product Chromecast, so the dongle part is the only the physical component of the gadget. It's actually incredibly small, measuring only two inches in length, and plugs in to your television's HDMI port. Once it's plugged in, it runs an app that streams media content from another device via wifi and the cloud. In fact, it's compatible with any device, any operating system-Apple, Android, etc-a smart decision on Google's part.

Even smarter is its $35 price tag. Apple TV costs $99 and has a larger receiver and a tiny separate remote that you know is going to get lost between the couch cushions. With Chromecast, the devices you already own become the remote. In fact, you can stream seamlessly between all your electronics-just pause the television, pick up your Samsung Galaxy or your iPad and continue watching the movie on the toilet, take your music with you, or keep flipping through photos on your way out the door, all where you left off.

What do you think about Chromecast's features? Do you think Chromecast will finally get Google in the television game?