I think they're actually quite different (disclaimer, my first Chromecast is sitting in its just delivered box on my desk as I type this).
Setting aside tabcasting, Chromecast is for streaming from "the cloud" onto your big screen TV. Your other device (phone, tablet etc.) only sends instructions on what to play and the Chromecast takes over.
This is all about sending the video direct from your device. I'd say that's a much worse solution for Youtube/Netflix/HBO Go etc. but has many other uses, like sharing the screen with others as you interact with it via a mouse.
Tabcasting might evolve, but I'd say what Chromecast does particularly well is the other thing, particularly as a locked down device that Netflix etc. can trust.
But I think there's space for an "open" chromecast-like device too.
Setting aside tabcasting, Chromecast is for streaming from "the cloud" onto your big screen TV. Your other device (phone, tablet etc.) only sends instructions on what to play and the Chromecast takes over.
This is all about sending the video direct from your device. I'd say that's a much worse solution for Youtube/Netflix/HBO Go etc. but has many other uses, like sharing the screen with others as you interact with it via a mouse.
Tabcasting might evolve, but I'd say what Chromecast does particularly well is the other thing, particularly as a locked down device that Netflix etc. can trust.
But I think there's space for an "open" chromecast-like device too.