Do you want to stream your photos or other content on your TV? The best option is using Google Chromecast. This is one of the best media streaming devices.
Although millions use Google Chromecast, there are things that not everyone is aware of regarding this streaming device. Keep reading.
Setting up Chromecast
- macOS
Chromecast is a great device that allows you to stream your favorite movies and TV shows on your TV. If you are wondering how to connect Chromecast to Mac, you can set it up by plugging the Chromecast into your television’s HDMI port. Then, proceed to download the Google Home application on your mobile device from the Google Play Store or App Store. Next, use your Google account to sign up for the application and follow the instructions.
To use Chromecast on your Mac, you must use the Chrome browser. Then, open the browser on the page you wish to cast and click the three dots. Next, find the Cast option and click it. Finally, choose the device you want to cast to.
- Windows
Open Google Chrome, click Move > Cast and choose the Chromecast device where you want to watch the content. When you finish casting, click Cast and then select Stop Casting.
Hidden Features on Chromecast
- Cast Spotify to your TV
Do you listen to music on Spotify? You can cast the songs on your television using Chromecast. You don’t need a remote for this.
Open the Spotify app on your smartphone, play your favorite tracks and choose the device available. Then, select the Chromecast option to cast the music on your television.
For other music services like Wynk Music, Gaana, JioSaavn, YouTube Music, etc., follow the same process.
- Play games on your TV using Chromecast
Many people are not aware they can play games on their TV using Chromecast. Although you cannot run popular AAA titles, you can use Chromecast to play different arcade games to enjoy with your family.
Download the games on your Android device or iPhone and use your smartphone as the controller. The game will run on your TV.
- Cast pictures
If you want to show your holiday or wedding pictures to your family, you can cast the pictures on your TV. This is the easiest way to let everyone enjoy going through the pictures. In addition, you can cast Google Photos on the TV.
On your iPhone or Android smartphone, open Google Photos and then search for the Cast option on top of the application. Then, tap to connect.
It would be best to stay connected to the same Wi-Fi network to work seamlessly.
- Cast Google Slides
If you are working on a critical presentation with a lot of pictures and graphics and want to know how it would appear on the big screen, you can cast it on your TV. Let your family members give you feedback on the presentation so you can improve it before presenting it in front of your colleagues or class.
This feature is limited to Google Slides. So when making a presentation in Google Slides, find the Cast button and tap it. Then, it will connect to your TV, and the slides will appear on the big screen.
You can install Google Slides for Android and iPhone.
Does Chromecast Come with a Remote?
Previously, Chromecast did not come with a remote, and your smartphone would act as the remote. However, times have changed.
The Chromecast with Google TV comes with a remote, and you can use the remote to control the TV’s power, volume, and inputs. The addition of the remote makes a lot of sense because you can keep your phone aside and manage whatever is seen on the big screen with the remote.
However, if you prefer to keep things simple, you are not obligated to use Chromecast with a remote.
What are the Alternatives to Chromecast?
There are Chromecast alternatives, but it depends on your budget. You can check out Roku Express 4K, and with this, you can stream content on your TV. However, the design of this device is not as appealing as the Chromecast.
Apple users can check out Apple TV 4k, but this is an expensive investment. It functions much like the Roku box, and you can stream content from your iPad and iPhone. Even the Xbox One or PS4 can stream content, but they are not affordable.
Besides these, it is easy to travel with Chromecast due to its small size and simple setup process.
Conclusion
Chromecast is a boon for users who want to watch movies or play games on a bigger screen. Thanks to this device, you can easily cast whatever you do on the screen onto your TV. Therefore, the experience of watching movies, playing games, or browsing through pictures is enhanced.
