Anycast is a streaming media adapter that allows users to play online content such as videos and music on a digital television‎.‎ The adapter is a dongle that plugs into the TV‎'‎s HDMI port‎;‎ a cable connects to a USB port to power the device‎.‎ A mobile app makes it possible to essentially use a smartphone‎,‎ tablet‎,‎ laptop or desktop computer as a TV remote‎.‎ Once the streaming begins‎,‎ it‎'‎s not necessary to keep the app open‎,‎ and the device can be used for other purposes‎.‎ Anycast  can stream content from an increasing number of sources including Netflix‎,‎ Hulu Plus‎,‎ YouTube‎,‎ Google Play music and movies and the Chrome browser‎.‎ Anycast  competes with other devices for streaming media to the television including Roku‎'‎s Streaming Stick and Apple TV‎.‎