What is Google Chromecast? What are its Features & Uses? Everything you need to Know

Google Chromecast is the line of digital media players which is developed by the Google. The devices, designed as small dongles, which enables the users with a mobile device or personal computer to initiate and control playback of the Internet-streamed audio-visual content on the high-definition television or the home audio system through the mobile and web applications, which support the Google Cast technology. The contents can be mirrored from the Google Chrome web browser running on the personal computer, as well as from the screen of some Android devices. The first-generation Chromecast is the video streaming device, which was announced on July 24, 2013, and it was available for purchase on the same day in the United States.

The second-generation of the Chromecast and an audio-only model called Chromecast Audio, which was released in September 2015. Google then launched the third version called Chromecast Ultra, which supports the 4K resolution and a high dynamic range was released in November 2016. The Google Cast SDK allows the third parties to modify their software for working with the Chromecast and the other Cast receivers. There are plenty of Google Cast-ready apps are available, and millions of units have sold globally since launch, which makes the Google Chromecast, the best-selling streaming device. It is the series of three digital media players, which is created to meet various streaming needs of different people.

Chromecast offers two different methods to stream the content, the first employs the mobile and web applications that support the Google Cast technology, the second one supports mirroring of the content from the web browser Google Chrome running on the personal computer, as well as content displayed on some Android devices. In both the cases, playback is initiated through the “cast” button on the sender device. When no contents are streamed, video-capable Chromecasts displays the user-personalizable content feed called “Backdrop” which can include the featured and personal photos, weather, artwork, weather forecasts, satellite images, and news. The Chromecast audio supports the high-resolution audio and also the multi-room playback So that the users can simultaneously play the audio across multiple Chromecast Audio devices in different locations by grouping them together using the Google Home mobile app. Some of the Chromecast devices are powered by connecting the device through the micro-USB port to the external power supply or a USB port. The Video-capable Chromecasts plug into the HDMI port of the HD television or monitor. The audio-only model outputs sound through its integrated 3.5 mm audio jack. Chromecasts connect to the internet through the Wi-Fi by default.

Topics Discussed:

Features of Google Chromecast
How to Setup Chromecast on Your TV?
How to Setup Google Chromecast for Android?
How to Install Kodi on Chromecast Using Android Devices?
How to Use Google Chromecast on Apple Devices?
How to Setup and Use Google Chromecast on Safari Browser?
How to Install Chromecast Extension On Google Chrome?
How to Setup and Use HBO GO on Chromecast?
How to Setup and Use Plex on Chromecast?
How to Cast Twitch Using Chromecast?
How to Reboot or Factory Reset Chromecast Dongle?
How to Manage Chromecast with Your Physical Remote?
15 Best Google Chromecast Apps to Streams Videos on TV
11 Best Chromecast Games for Your TV
How to use Google Chromecast on Laptop?
How to Watch Amazon Prime Video Using Chromecast?
How to watch Netflix on Chromecast?
How To Watch Popcorn Time on Chromecast?
How to Play iTunes on Chromecast?
How to Install and Stream Plex on Chromecast?
How to Use AirPlay on Chromecast?
Apple TV vs Chromecast – Which is Better for ‘Casting’ to Your TV?
Chromecast VS Miracast – Mirror Screen Between Devices

Features of Google Chromecast

The following feature expresses the functions of Google Chromecast in a better way in a shorter manner but much more efficiently. The users are advised to take a look into that before proceeding further.

Better WiFi:

The Google Chromecast has a better Wi-Fi connectivity options, which never lets you face any connectivity issues with Wi-Fi. The Google Chromecast 2 supports 802.11ac and 5Ghz So that it is compatible with all the modern state of the art Wi-Fi routers, which enables the faster and smoother streaming. It also has the three bespoke antennas inside, for the smooth and optimal streaming performance. It also provides you with the better streaming. Google’s Chromecast team also worked with the OnHub team to ensure the better streaming. The overall streaming quality may depend on the two sources, such as the Access point routers, which you have to check whether it has the better streaming capacity.

Fast Play:

The new Chromecast 2 has the Fast Play, which is the Google’s version of smart streaming. So when you watch the episode of the Big Bang Theory, Fast Play will start buffering the next unwatched episode, even before you hit the play. As per Google, the movie starts playing nearly 80% faster than the normal streaming devices.

Gaming:

Mirroring your Android smartphone to the TV has been improved a lot. The cool feature of the Google Chromecast 2 is that you can now use the large screen TV as the display and the smartphone becomes the dedicated controller. You can even play the Angry Birds Go in the Multiplayer. It is related to the multiplayer on the console and that is impressive. The Graphics, can’t match the PS4 or the Xbox One, but it is gear for the casual gaming.

New Apps:

Now Google has made it become the one stop shop for everything, which you can stream to the Chromecast. If you are looking for the app that is compatible with the Chromecast or the content, but you don’t have the app downloaded, The Google will suggest that app to you through the Chromecast app. Google also updated the Chromecast apps, to make it easier for you to find the great things to watch or to play, across the thousands of apps, that works with the application through the Chromecast, whether you feel like browsing or want to search for the specific TV show or movie.

Photos:

The really annoying thing with the original Chromecast is that if you wish to see the photos on the large screen TV, you need to your mirror your display and then open the photos app and anything you did on the phone would appear on the TV.  The updated app can now interact with the photos in the same way you would with the YouTube, in which you can start streaming the video and add videos or navigate out of the YouTube. You can do anything with the casting video unless you pause or stop, it will continue to play on the big screen TV. Google has done the same thing with the Photos Now. So that you can start the slideshow and add photos to the cast library and can continue to navigate your phone while the others can enjoy the photos on your Tv. It is the feature, that many of the users were looked for, but now it is available.

Chromecast Audio:

The Chromecast Audio lets you connect the device to the older speakers with 3.5mm jack So that you can enjoy the music with the older speakers. It simply turns your old speakers into the Wi-Fi Ready. You can stream music from your smartphone to the speakers through the Chromecast Audio. You can also add songs to the existing playlist and change or pause the tracks whenever you wish. So that you don’t have to always rely on the HDMI ports and the HDMI compatible speakers, Now you can stream music however you wish through the Chromecast Audio.

How to Setup Chromecast on Your TV?

Google Chromecast is one of the best and cheapest streaming devices that available for your TV. The Google’s product Chromecast is quite easy to use virtually on all sort of devices, and you can learn that how to stream your favourite TV shows and movies on your TV it is just a matter of seconds. The setup procedure of Chromecast on your home network is a simple process. The Chromecast is a simple plug and Play internet streaming stick, and it is not like other competitors such as Roku Streaming Stick, Amazon Fire Stick or Apple TV. Moreover, this device is not having its remote, and even it does not have its own interface. If once the Chromecast gets enabled and connected to your device, you will see your TV in a slideshow of some amazing pictures from all around the world. If you want to do something with the Chromecast, you must have the support of another device such as Android phone, iPhone, or a PC.

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How to Setup Google Chromecast for Android?

The Google has spent a lot of time for developing an experience to stream all sort of contents on your TV. In the market, you have multiple software as well as it has tons of hardware to stream contents on TV. So the Google-developed an effective device that is Chromecast, now they trying to evolve it with the Android devices. The casting process on your Android device will allow you to mirror your Android device to your TV, where you can experience all sort of contents exactly as you see on your mobile device. This is one of the great technology, and it is the concept is quite easy to use at once you understand. The device has been completely redesigned, and it looks better when compared to the previous version of Chromecast.

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How to Install Kodi on Chromecast Using Android Devices?

Kodi on Chromecast is one of the incredibly popular open source media streaming service apps, which can easily run on your Android phones and box, with that it can also run on another platform. Then by instaling this application on Android device, you can create all your ad hoc Android TV system. Moreover, Google Chromecast is one of the efficient media streaming devices, where the Google media apps like YouTube can support all the devices but the media centre app Kodi will not support. Most of the people who love to watch contents on Kodi and it would love to stream Kodi to Chromecast. Moreover, you are not out of luck there some other ways to stream Kodi on Chromecast. It can be done in all sort of devices like Android smartphone or tablet or even your PC or Mac.

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How to Use Google Chromecast on Apple Devices?

Apple AirPlay is one of the great ways to connect your Apple devices like iPhone, iPad and Mac on your TV, and it is the only option that available for your Apple devices. Now Google offers you a new external device that is Chromecast, which is used here to enable wireless media playback through iOS and macOS. Moreover, Google Chromecast is the best and budget-friendly alternative to AirPlay which is used here for wireless media playback for all platforms. Here we offer you some guide to use Chromecast on your iPhone or Mac. Here you have some limitations on using the Chromecast with iOS when you compare to Android. Moreover, the AirPlay is a built-in option of iOS; Google app must approach the Chromecast support differently. Now the Chromecast app is available for iOS, with that, the application has the ability to edit all the settings on the Chroemcast itself, where you can connect it with different WiFi network.

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How to Setup and Use Google Chromecast on Safari Browser?

Google has launched a Smart TV dongle that is Google Chromecast, which is one of the versatile gadgets that used to stream all your favourite contents directly from the internet through the wide variety of devices on your big screen. Moreover, the Apple device can work better with Google Chromecast. That’s why mirroring your smartphone or tablet is not a difficult task, if you want to do it on your iPhone or iPad the best way is to use the Google Chromecast. Then you have another choice that is to use the Apple’s Lightning to HDMI cable, though it’s inelegant. Here you have an advantage in iOS that here most of the media apps can able to support casting videos to Chromecast, so you do not have any issues to play all your favourite videos on your device. Here we are going to explain that how to setup and use Chromecast on Safari.

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How to Install Chromecast Extension On Google Chrome?

The Google Chromecast is one of the cheapest streaming devices available, and likely, one of the best. Before starting watching everything the Internet Providers, though, you’ll need to get the device up and running. The Chromecast setup procedure is usually intuitive and straightforward. If you are a newbie and don’t know how to use the Chromecast Setup on Windows Computer, Android and iPhone then you are on the right page. The Chromecast Extension is similar to the Airplay. Except you will need the inexpensive Chromecasat to transfer the information from your iPad, iPhone, or computer. You can stream the Netflix or Hulu in your TV, setting up and installing the Chromecast Extension is an excellent strategy to use, and it is much more affordable as it is opposed to Apple TV.

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How to Setup and Use HBO GO on Chromecast?

HBO Go is one of the excellent applications to use with your Google Chromecast. You may be started watching Game of Thrones and if want to catch up the latest season aris. All sort of things can do it with your HBO GO application and with your Google Chromecast app. Where the application that allows you to watch all your favourite movies, comedy, kids shows and TV Shows on any time and anywhere. Moreover, the HBO GO application is available for various devices, which is entirely depends upon the Television provider. Where you have to grab the application from the Apple App Store or the Google Play store. If once you install it on your smart device, then you can access it through the Google Home application that works on your Chromecast. At the time when you are using HBO GO through Google Home where you can open the HBO GO app. Now you just get ready to binge watch some HBO on HBO GO app with your Chromecast. Here we offer you the technique ti use Chromecast HBO GO.

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How to Setup and Use Plex on Chromecast?

Plex Media Server is one of the best application, and it is the biggest challenge to setup Plex on Chromecast, here figuring out some ways to cast content to it without tying up your computer or phone at the time when you watch. To stream the local media on Chromecast is not simple as you excepted. Plex is a media server that can offer contents to your TV, mobile devices and on your computer. Then here you can use Plex to watch movies, and you have to download it on your device. Then the app that allows you to manage the music and it will allow you to make your home library. The Google Chromecast is a simple streaming device that can able to work on all TV with the HDMI port. It is one of the best home streaming devices to the market. Here you can setup Plex to cast videos without stuttering or audio de-sync issues, and it underpowered by the first-generation Chromecast devices.

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Cast Twitch Using Chromecast

Twitch is making it a little easier to catch your favourite live streams from the comfort of your living room. The Streaming provider is now offering the Chromecast support, meaning you will be able to send the live video straight from the laptop, iOS or Android devices to your television. Twitch chat remains active on your remote machine as the live Twitch event, which is streamed on a television. Any device which is connected to your Wi-Fi network can also act as the remote control, and you can switch out the streams at any time or access the playback controls without stopping the live broadcast. Many of them are often asked if the Twitch will ever be available on TV. The Xbox and Playstation integrations make it the one-click process to watch Twitch on your big Screen. “said Twitch’s VP of Marketing Matthew DiPietro, VP of Marketing in the press release.

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How to Reboot or Factory Reset Chromecast Dongle?

The Google Chromecast is one of the low-maintenance devices; mostly the device will work without any issues. In some occasions, the Google Chromecast will make some trouble, at that time you can do the factory reset Chromecast to start over. In which scenarios you need to reset your Chromecast when you change the network of your WiFi, and at the time when changing the WiFi router. In this situation, you have to reset your Chromecast to set it up and to add a new network. To do this first you have to reset your Chromecast and keep it fresh. Then it is one of another possible situation to reset your Chromecast at the time when it hangs or freezes. If you need to recover it first, you have to restart your Chromecast device and if it does no helps you then just reset your Chromecast. Here we offer you the guide to Reset Chromecast Dongle from your device.

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How to Manage Chromecast with Your Physical Remote?

The Google Chromecast makes your work easy to browse videos, with that, you can watch them on TV, but at the time if you need pause and playback without searching your smartphone or computer. But now you can do it from your TV’s default remote control. All these features can able to make use of the features called HDMI-CEC. Here by using the HDMI-CEC standard and it offered in the most modern TVs, where you can use the remote that came with your TV to pause and unpause videos at the time videos playing on your Chromecast. Here we say that how to use the built-in TV remote as Chromecast Remote Control.

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15 Best Google Chromecast Apps to Streams Videos on TV

Google Chromecast is an excellent video streamer, which includes the entry level of Chromecast, with that, it also has a higher end Chromecast. It is one of the slick ways to the wireless beam media for your favourite apps and provides services to the flatscreen TV. Now the Google has a page listing Chromecast that enables the apps, which is not exactly comprehensive, where you have no way to search for Chromecast it is available for both Android or iOS apps. Finding some of the best apps on Google Chromecast is quite less enjoyable, with that, it is one of the cheapest ways to get your TV  connected with some of the biggest Streaming services, and the little streaming device is well-known for having a user-friendly content store. In the beginning, the device cannot be able to support for tons of apps, but the latest version of the can support most of the apps in the App store. Here you can enjoy all the latest shows and movies with your friends and family by watching TV  with Chromecast, for that we found some of the best Google Chromecast apps for your device.

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11 Best Chromecast Games for Your TV

The Google Chromecast application is probably used to stream movies, videos and it helps you to view photos from your device. But now this device is used here to play games with the help of your hand device. Here you can use some of the quick and easy party games, or it is used to organize a group vacation, with that, you can experience all your favourite non-video apps for Chromecast. Where you have to find the games that support Chromecast and make your time worthy by playing games on your TV. Here we offer you the list of casual games for you, where you can simply pick up and play by just connecting it with your Chromecast easily. The Chromecast that allows you to watch all sort of movies and TV shows as well as you can experience your favourite games on the big screen. Moreover, here all kind of apps and games can be experienced in the extra screen space. Here we say that how to play Chromecast Games for your TV.

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How to use Google Chromecast on Laptop & Stream Cloud-Based Media

The Google Chromecast that helps you to stream both local and cloud-based media on your laptop. With the help of the device, you can stream all sort of TV shows and music directly from your smartphone is quite amazing and this is the reason why Chromecast designed. Moreover, you can use the Google Chromecast device to stream all your favourite stuff from your laptop as well. It used for the services like Netflix and Spotify, with that, the process of the device is quite same as like as on your phone. Just look for the magical Google Cast logo and make a click on it at the time when you see it on the screen. Even though the Google Chromecast has no Cast compatibility with the video player, but also you can use the Chromecast to stream all your content, and it has several methods to do it. The simplest and easiest ways to stream a tap from your Chrome internet browser, and the tan contains video, audio, pictures and more.

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How to Watch Amazon Prime Video Using Chromecast?

Since Amazon has released the Prime Instant Video app for all the Android devices, it is now possible to Chromecast the Amazon Prime video right from your Android phone. Unfortunately, it is not applicable for the iPhone and iPad users, who are left out in the cold on this one. But you can still cast your videos from your PC or Mac. when following the technique below, make sure to plug your phone since this may drain your battery.

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How to watch Netflix on Chromecast?

At the time when we cast, something Chromecast will come to our mind, which is used here to cast videos from your smartphone to a big screen television, but it is not only the way to stream the content. Here this concept is especially true for Netflix, where you can cast all sort of movies and TV shows, and it not only works in  Chromecast-enabled TV, it also suitable for all smart TV, Video game consoles as well as on other streaming media players, where you will get the complete control from your Smartphone. Here we say that how to cast and how to control Netflix video directly from your Android device or the iOS smartphone or on a Chromecast-connected TV and more. The Netflix application is now available for most of the Chromecast devices, and the app will work with Netflix wherever you need. The Chromecast device that offers you the ability to control all your Netflix, with that, you can experience all things from your Android device, Apple mobile device otherwise directly from Netflix website in your Chrome browser once after you install Google Cast extension.

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How To Watch Popcorn Time on Chromecast?

Popcorn Time is one of the efficient free and open source, multi-platform software, and it uses the power of torrents, and it has the giant library of content at your fingertips. Here with the help of the application, you can enjoy all your favourite TV shows, movies, foreign films, and animated contents. It is the perfect alternative to Netflix, and it does not bother any subscription. Here the downside of the Popcorn Time has mostly limited to the mobile devices. To stream Popcorn Time on Chromecast, with that, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Popcorn Time is an online TV Show, with that, you can stream movies, where you can stream contents free of charge. It is one of the standalone application and now it is available on a website. Moreover, the application has features with the large library of entertainment, and it can be viewed in both onlineHow to use Chromecast for Popcorn Time and offline.

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How to Play iTunes on Chromecast?

Most of the users know that you can easily drag the local movie files to the Chrome browser address bar and just cast it on the big screen with the help of Google Cast Chrome extension through Chromecast. Moreover, we have a clear view that the iTunes contents protected by the Apple Fairplay DRM protection. Here you have the ability to play only the iTunes content in Apple Ecosystem. In the case, if you are interested in watching the iTunes content with Chromecast, you have to remove the DRM protection first. Then with the help of this process, you can easily convert the iTunes M4V files into the normal MP4 files. The Chromecast can currently work on several popular online services that include, Netflix, HBO Now, YouTube, WatchESPN, Pandora, and more. Even though the list gets continuously grown and it can support for iTunes Store, with that, it is one of the largest online media sellers.

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How to Install and Stream Plex on Chromecast?

If you want to use Plex on your Chromecast, where you need to have a Plex account, with that, you have to install the Plex app on your device. Then the device that allows you to use the Plex Web app through the Chrome browser. Moreover, nowadays the biggest challenge is setting up the Plex on Chromecast, and it offers you some ways to cast content without tying up with your computer. The Plex app on Chromecast is working well with the full-featured web client and send all the contents to your TV without forcing. Plex is a streaming media server, which helps you by delivering all sort of contents on your TV, Computer as well as on your mobile device. The application that allows you to watch all sort of movies and you can download all your favourite contents as well. The Google Chromecast is a low-cost, simple streaming device that works on all sort of TV with the help of HDMI port.

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How to Use AirPlay on Chromecast?

AirPlay is one of the great ways to connect your iPad, iPhone and Mac to your TV, and it is the only option available for Apple devices. Here Google offers you another option that is Chromecast, which is used here to enables wireless media playback through iOS and macOS. Moreover, it can be used on all sort of Apple devices, with that, you can stream all your favourite contents on TV by using Chromecast Airplay. Basically, the Mac device will not allow you to cast your whole desktop or your Google Chrome browser tab with a Chromecast device. To stream your contents on TV by using Chroemcast Airplay you have to use another application to get those parts to play together. To connect the device by using the app AirParrot 2, which is used here to mirror or extend your Mac desktop with the help of your Chromecast.

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Apple TV vs Chromecast – Which is Better for ‘Casting’ to Your TV?

Many of you are wondering if the cheap Chromecast or the Powerful Apple TV is the best media streamer. Media – streaming devices have come crashing down in price over the last few years, with the devices such as the Sky Now TV Box now costs less than the print and the portion of fish and chips. It has become highly popular for people to connect the media streamer to their current household television instead of splashing out the lot extra for a smart TV. In fact, media streamers are probably a better investment because they are regularly updated and offer all the latest content, and if the changes, you can buy another for next to nothing. There are plenty of media streamers available in the market, but the two major players are the Chromecast and Apple TV. There are a lot more things involved in choosing between these devices. The advantages of having the media streamer which is manifold.

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Chromecast VS Miracast – Mirror Screen Between Devices

Chromecast is one of the most commonly used television accessories from the introduction of LED TV. Moreover, it has got fame as one of the best and amazing gadgets in today world because of its unbelievable features. If you are interested in casting your PC, desktop, Android device, Tablet screen to a large screen then Chromecast is the best device that was we suggest for all users. Nowadays, everything has changed because of the latest technology that cuts the HDMI cord, and they wirelessly integrate with the mobile and television. It’s all because of the Miracast, then the wireless video-sharing standard was introduced in the year 2012, and it is the first wireless casting device.

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