What is a Google Chromecast? Know All About It!

Google introduced a device called Chromecast decades back, the features and use of which are still unknown to many. 

Google Chromecast comes in the form of a dongle and enables mirroring of anything and everything on your screen from a phone or PC. The resolution ranges up to 4K, which offers good quality whenever and wherever you watch or listen. 

So, in short, it is a connecting device that allows its users to cast whatever is on their computer screen to the television. 

It acts like a connector between your computer and the TV. But remember, it is not just any other type of computer connector or cable. It has more to itself!  

The new generation Chromecast comes with Google TV that further streams shows, plays games, helps to listen to music, and watches movies, all in one place. 

All you need to do is, attach the Google Chromecast to your TV and allow access to your computer. It then allows the casting of presentations, sites, pages, and conferences in no time. When used with Google TV, this versatile device unlocks the power to numerous applications being opened simultaneously on your mobile phone, until now! 

Technical Specifications for Oldest and Newest Versions of Chromecast 

As shown in the above-given image, the third-generation Chromecast is a disc-shaped device with a cord that is permanently attached and can be plugged into your television, whereas the original or the formerly launched Chromecast resembled a bulbous flash drive.

Let us know more about the recently launched Chromecast with Google TV. 

Chromecast with Google TV- The Newest Launch 

(Chromecast with Google TV (4K))

Buy | $49.95

Although the Chromecast with Google TV is an ovular device, its design is comparable. 

• It has a thickness of 0.5 inches (12.5 millimeters), a width of 2.4 inches (61 millimeters), and a length of 6.4 inches (162 millimeters). 

• It comes in three tones: sky, snow, and the sunrise. 

• Each of their remotes offers voice control notwithstanding actual buttons. 

• Like its sibling, the Chromecast with Google Television has an HDMI connector to plug into the television. However, the power link utilizes a USB-C association instead of a miniature USB.

• The latest third-generation Chromecast has a refresh rate of 60 frames per second and a resolution of 1080p. With a 60-frame-per-second refresh rate, 4K HDR video can be played on the Chromecast with Google TV. 

• In Chromecast with Google TV, you can use Google Assistant with its voice remote, play games on Google Stadia, and control smart home devices, all of which cannot be enjoyed on the original or formerly launched Chromecast.

The two variants are comparable to one another, but the Chromecast with Google Television needs extra capacity for any applications the user might want to add. Even though it has 8 GB of flash storage, the operating system takes about 3 GB, reducing the amount of storage that can be used.

Operating Systems Supported by Chromecast

Chromecast can be used with a variety of operating systems. Hence, you need not worry as to which one you own. 

To name those operating systems, below given is the list:

1. Android 6.0 or higher
2. iOS or iPadOS 12.0 or higher
3. Macintosh operating system 10.9 or higher
4. Windows 7 or higher

These operating systems work well with Chromecast, but what about the applications that you wish to play? So let us move on and know what platforms you can access with the new Chromecast. 

Which Platforms Support Google Chromecast?

Chromecast is a versatile device that allows access to various platforms and applications. The apps vary from music, movies to series and shows. Even in case of limitations, you’d find a way to watch your favorites on Chromecast. Now, a few of those apps supported by Chromecast include the following:

• YouTube
• Netflix
• Spotify
• Facebook
• GamingCast 
• NPR One, and others.

This is a list of only a few platforms that support Google Chromecast. You would be wondering why it isn’t Amazon Prime Video listed among the others. But here’s why! 

Can You Stream Amazon Prime Video on Chromecast?

As for streaming directly, it is a no! 

Amazon itself has a competitor to Chromecast in the name ‘Firestick’ that has a similar functioning to this one. However, you may also access Amazon Videos on Google Chromecast with the help of its feature called ‘Screen Mirroring.’ All you need to do is, log in to Amazon on your phone and start mirroring!

And, of course, it does not have geographical limitations; all you need to do is, log in!

These were only the apps you can access on Chromecast, but what do you exactly do with them? So, let us get to know the abundant features that Chromecast brings along.

What Does a Chromecast Do?

Chromecast has a variety of uses in this technologically advancing world. It not only makes your life fun but easier with access to a variety of things on bigger screens. Here are the top 6 reasons why the use of Chromecast has proven to be beneficial for almost all users: 

• You can watch movies and shows online on the device connected to the Chromecast without having to struggle between different apps. 

• Listen to music from various applications, including YouTube and Spotify. 

• Access your presentations on the phone and make them available on a bigger screen like Google TV with Chromecast. 

• Mirror the entire phone screen, including pictures and document screenshots, to access whatever you need on a larger and clearer screen, as the resolution is quite fine that going as high as 4K. 

• Enjoy the refined set of Chromecast Games on the connected screen and have an experience like never before. 

• Control and access all the features not just manually but also with Google Voice Assistant, making the process even less complicated. 

• You can also cast your free conference call with Google Voice using Chromecast for a more presentable view. However, the microphone and camera would still be your computer’s. 

Moving ahead with the Chromecast functioning, users are always keen to know what they can do with it. But now that you already know that all the best streaming services are accessible with Chromecast let us learn about the setup process. 

So to ensure a flawless experience with Google Chromecast, we have detailed below the actual functioning process along with the setup for you guys!

How does Chromecast Work?

Although it may appear as though the video is being sent from your device to the Chromecast, the majority of the time, it is doing something more straightforward. The only thing your connected device is doing is telling your Chromecast what you want to play. The Chromecast then uses its internet connection to stream the chosen media.

Further, you definitely can mirror the screen of your phone, tablet, or laptop on your television with a Chromecast as well. But, because your device cannot be put to sleep or unlocked without the feed going down, this requires significantly more active intent. 

The Setup Process

If you want to use any of the services that can stream through Chromecast, you just need a Wi-Fi connection, a device to cast from, and of course, the Chromecast. 

And then next, you may follow these few easy steps:

1. Firstly, for setup, you will need to know your Wi-Fi password.

2. In some cases, it may also require some configuration of your Wi-Fi router, and your router may not be compatible with Chromecast.

3. There is a Chromecast router compatibility page on Google’s support site that includes a lengthy list of compatible routers, the firmware version, potential workarounds for specific issues, and contact information for the router manufacturers.

4. The Chromecast’s USB power cable and adapter should be plugged into a power source, and the HDMI connector should be plugged into a port on your television. 

5. To view the output, turn on the TV and change its input source to the Chromecast. 

6. Now, you will see information about the Chromecast on your screen, which you can use to complete the setup with your smartphone’s free Google Home app. 

The above explained the basic functioning of Chromecast with the usual system, but now that we also have Google TV in the market, knowing about it is unavoidable too. What if you buy it someday? 

How Does Chromecast Work with Google TV? 

Setting up the Chromecast with Google Television follows a similar fundamental system, even though it does not need the Google Home application. Here’s how:

• For 3rd generation device users, the Home app will show you a QR code that you can scan with your phone to continue using your Chromecast with Google TV.

• The Chromecast will perform an automatic update to access the most recent software once it is connected to Wi-Fi, which may take a few minutes. 

• Regardless of whether you are performing setup or not, the device automatically downloads and installs new software whenever it becomes available.

• Your computer or mobile device should be ready to stream to your television via Chromecast after all of this, provided there are no connectivity issues. Opening an app and casting away is the next step. 

So, hopefully, you are good to go now!

Conclusion

The guide to anything and everything you must know about Google Chromecast is now over. But you must know that just reading it all would not help you as a user. You must handle things with care and request professional assistance at the time of setup if needed. 

No doubt, Google Chromecast is one amazing technology that not only makes your streaming experience better but convenient and hassle-free. You no longer have to move across applications on your mobile or worry about the small screen size. You would finally get to have a visual appearance of all you want with fewer complications and more fun!

FAQs

What is chrome cast?

Ans: Chromecast is a device/technology that enables you to send content from one device to another. It directly casts your Window screen on TV with an easy setup process.

What does Google Chromecast do?

Ans: The built-in Chromecast uses the cloud to stream content to your TV, delivering HD video and high-quality audio from selected devices and apps. While streaming, you can send texts and take calls without interfering with what is playing on the TV or draining your phone’s battery.

What is the monthly charge for Chromecast?

Ans: You need not pay a single penny for Google Chromecast once you have purchased it.

Is Chromecast free for TV?

Ans: Chromecast will not charge you any amount once it is purchased. However, you may have to pay for the subscriptions for the online streaming apps being used.

Which is better, Chromecast or Firestick?

Ans: Both of these technologies are identical in use. However, based on their individual performance and price values, we would recommend Google Chromecast 4K.

Does Chromecast take up a lot of Wi-Fi?

Ans: If you put the Chromecast on Standby Mode, it will take up approximately 15 GB of data per month.

Read More

Author:
Janvi Panthri

Senior Writer, Editor

Categories: How to
Source: HIS Education