Chromecast is one of the most used devices today. We explain what this great Google invention is, what you can do with it, and everything you need to know about the different versions that you can find for sale. Read on if you want to learn how to get the most out of your new Chromecast.
What is the Cromecast?
Chromecast is a line of devices released by Google. The first generation Chromecast was released by Google in 2013, as a small dongle that could be plugged into the back of a television screen, using its USB cable.
The idea behind the Chromecast is that it made a “dumb” TV screen or PC monitor smart. By connecting the Chromecast to the back of a TV, it gains the ability to stream live content, videos, and movies through apps . Our tips for Chromecast will help you get more out of it.
In addition, it has other features, such as the ability to mirror to a screen anything that is played in a Google Chrome web browser. For example, if you were viewing images in Dropbox on your laptop, you could press a button to view them on your television, which makes it very popular with consumers to use it at home to cast content to their screen.
Chromecast uses
Chromecast has many uses, some of the most prominent are the following:
- Watch Netflix on a non-smart TV
- Listen to music through an application like Spotify
- Share your desktop with a TV screen
- Use streaming apps like BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and HBO
Chromecast benefits
Some of the main benefits of the Google Chromecast over other similar media devices include:
Very easy to configure . Other than the power supply, you don't need to connect anything for the Chromecast to work. You just have to download the Google Home application and you are ready to start enjoying it.
Cheap . Chromecast is one of the cheapest multimedia devices on the market right now.
The device remains always on , so it is ready to go at any given moment, and uses very little power when not in use.
Guest mode . If you have clients or friends who want to cast on your screen, they can do so using the device's Guest Mode.
It is compatible with many apps. There are endless applications and games that you can use with your Chromecast.
Some inconvenience?
Like everything in this life Chromecast is not a perfect device far from it. Some shortcomings of this accessory are:
- The Chromecast isn't as powerful as other similarly priced multimedia devices out there, which means you can get more for your money with other products for more specific uses.
- The Chromecast doesn't have its own screen interface , so you have to have your television, as well as a PC or mobile device on hand to control it.
- It is not very valid to play.
- There are no central playback controls.
What can I do with a Chromecast?
Do you need inspiration to know what to do with your Chromecast once it is set up? Here are some suggestions:
Share something from your computer on a big screen
If you want to show your family a photo album, Chromecasting is a great way to put your content on a bigger screen. This can be done directly from your computer's Chrome browser by selecting "Submit."
Streaming apps
Chromecast gives you access to apps like Netflix, Spotify, HBO Now, Google Play Movies & TV, YouTube, and Google Play Movies. Keep in mind that Chromecast doesn't give you automatic access to content from apps like Netflix, so you'll need to create an account first.
Facebook Live Live
Facebook Live is a great way to stream content in real time. Chromecast gives you the ability to send a Facebook Live broadcast to a TV, as long as your device and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Make presentations
It's super easy to cast a presentation from Google Slides, Powerpoint, or a PDF directly to the screen using the cast button, and since the presentation is delivered from a laptop or smart device, it's easy to control the slides.
Chromecast models available
There are currently two versions of Chromecast available, each one aimed at a different audience. Next, we summarize its most important characteristics.
Third-generation Chromecast, the affordable option
For many people, the regular Google Chromecast is the best option. It is very cheap with a price of 39 euros and depending on when you buy it, it can often be found at a reduced price or combined with other Google products.
Using the Chromecast is as easy as plugging it into an HDMI port on your TV, setting it up through the Google Home app on your phone, and that's it. From there, you can start broadcasting shows on your TV throughout the day.
The standard Chromecast has a video resolution of 1080p Full HD , which means you won't find 4K.
Chromecast Ultra, perfect for 4K and Stadia
For those users who have made the leap to 4K displays, the Chromecast Ultra will be the best option. The Chromecast Ultra works exactly the same as the regular Chromecast, except that it supports 4K HDR video streaming . If you have a 4K TV and want to get the most out of it, buy the Chromecast Ultra.
The other great advantage of Chromecast Ultra is that it works with Stadia , Google's cloud game streaming service. If you want to play Stadia games on your TV, you need a Chromecast Ultra.
Other improvements to the Ultra are more subtle, including better Wi-Fi speeds , faster performance, and an Ethernet adapter if you want a wired Internet connection. Its approximate price is 70 euros .
This is all you need to know about Google's Chromecast. Are you a user of this great device? You can leave a comment with your opinion, we would love to know it and share it with other users.