Baidu Launches Chromecast Clone

Largest Chinese search engine Baidu has officially released their HDMI TV plugin today that seems to be a clone of Google’s Chromecast. It is already  being sold on e-commerce site Jingdong for about $32, seen first by Tencent Tech, as Baidu steps into the hardware space to extend Web services beyond its traditional outlets.

Earlier this month, Baidu started selling smart TVs in China via its iQiyi business. However, it quietly announced the launch of three gadgets — a USB WiFi dongle, TV dongle and a wireless router.

The USB WiFi dongle has already gone on sale for about $3, while the TV dongle has started selling today. The router is yet to be officially Launched.

Basically, the TV dongle lets users stream content wirelessly from their smartphone, tablet or laptop to the TV screen once plugged into the HDMI port. It supports DLNA, Airplay, Baidu’s BDPlay, as well as iQiyi content — so you can watch videos on your TV easily.

Baidu’s latest product is thought to be similar to Google’s Chromecast, which was launched July this year. Other than just the TV dongle, Baidu has also been following in Google’s footsteps for a couple of other products – one of them a Google Glass-like wearable technology product initially code-named ‘Baidu Eye’. It seems like the Chinese search giant is going all out to replicate the well-received successes of Google to become a true China Google.