Does Chromecast require internet access?

Question

Does Google Chromecast require internet access to either,

• cast an android screen
• cast use something like Videostream for Google Chromecast™, or VLC.

Answer 1

Yes, it does. You can not connect Chromecast to an AP without Internet Access, it has to have some way to communicate with Google

• to send your private information
  • when you accidentally permit it
  • or, when the NSA otherwise asks politely for it.
• to update the background pictures when it is in idle mode.

Neither of those local features should require it, but they do.