Things to know about Google Chromecast

Although technically Chromecast is a content streaming device, in fact, the Chromecast is an online television device. The biggest difference between Chromecast and other streaming devices is that Chromecast doesn't have a standard user interface for you to choose content from.

Instead, stream to Chromecast from other apps on your computer or mobile device.

What is Chromecast? How to use Chromecast?

1. What is Chromecast?
2. How to connect Chromecast
3. Connect Chromecast to a WiFi network
4. How to use Chromecast
5. Cast from YouTube
6. Cast from Spotify
7. Cast from Amazon Prime
8. Cast from website

What is Chromecast?

When buying a Chromecast device, you might be surprised at its size and simplicity. Chromecast is not too big and relatively thin.

There are currently several different versions of Chromecast you can buy.

1. Chromecast (Standard) : Has an HDMI cable for TV connection, provides full 1080p resolution and supports all wireless networks.
2. Chromecast Ultra: Provides UHD or 4K, supports HDR video, and includes Ethernet port.

The standard Chromecast costs $ 35, while the Ultra version costs nearly double at $ 69. However, if you have a high-resolution TV and want to stream 4K or UHD video, this option might be well worth it.

How to connect Chromecast

The setup is extremely simple. There are two things you need to do, physically connect the Chromecast to the TV and power on. You then need to connect the device to your network to be able to start streaming.

Step 1. Plug the HDMI cable from Chromecast into the HDMI port on the TV.

Step 2. Connect one end of the USB cable that comes with your Chromecast and the other end to the USB adapter or the TV's USB port (if available).

Use the menu on the TV to change to the HDMI source input where Chromecast is plugged in. You should see your Chromecast's default home screen on the TV screen.

Connect Chromecast to a WiFi network

If you have an older Chromecast device (before the second generation), you'll need to search for the Chromecast WiFi network with your phone and connect to the device before moving on to the steps below.

If you have a new Chromecast, your phone will automatically connect to your Chromecast device via Bluetooth. Just make sure Bluetooth is turned on on your phone before proceeding.

Step 1. Launch Google Home on mobile. If not, you can download Google Home for Android or Google Home for iOS devices.

Step 2. Press the + button at the upper right of the Home screen, select Set up device , then click Set up new devices in your home .

Step 3. If you haven't created a 'Home' yet, select Add another home and follow the steps. Once you have created a 'Home', select Next to continue.

Step 4. Google Home will identify a new Chromecast located near you. Click on it to continue the setup process. The wizard will show you how to name a device, configure a name and a WiFi password.

How to use Chromecast

Chromecast is now connected to a WiFi network and ready to start streaming content. Before you get started, you can personalize what your Chromecast does.

Step 1. On the Google Home screen, scroll to the device (the icon is a TV with the device name you have specified). Click to open.

Step 2. You will see Showing Ambient with an image below. This is the default screensaver for Chromecast. If you want to personalize this, press Personalize Ambient at the bottom of the screen.

Step 3. Art Gallery is set by default and you can click here to select the type to be displayed. If you want to display your own photos, select Google Photos and choose from the photos you have stored in your Google Photos account. You can also click Experimental to select other options.

If you press Cast my screen from the Google Home app, you can project your mobile screen on the TV screen. This is not useful for streaming content, but it would be interesting to show everyone in the room any other social media post or application you want to share.

Streaming to Chromecast can be done from a range of products that you can easily find on the web.

Cast from YouTube

Stream live from YouTube by launching videos on your computer or mobile device (YouTube app) and selecting the small streaming icon in the lower right corner of the video window.

When you select this item, you will see a list of Chromecast devices on the network. Just select Chromecast to start streaming. The video on the device screen will change to blank screen or still image and the video will start showing on the TV screen.

To stop casting, simply touch the cast icon and select the same Chromecast device.

Cast from Spotify

There are several ways to stream to Chromecast from Spotify. From the main Google Home screen, you will see the Play music option under your Chromecast device. Select this item to select Spotify as the music player. This will stream the closest playlist you are listening to.

If you want more control, open the Spotify app on your mobile phone and start playing the track or playlist you want to stream. In the lower right corner of the screen, you will see a device icon.

Click here and you will see a screen with devices you can transfer to. Select a Chromecast device to start streaming music to Chromecast.

Cast from Amazon Prime

For years, Amazon has avoided supporting the transfer of Amazon Prime to Chromecast. Chromecast feature has just been added to the Amazon Prime app recently.

To use, launch the Amazon Prime app on your phone. Start the movie or program you want to choose. In the lower right corner of the screen, you will see a small gray circle with the transfer icon. Click on this icon.

Select the Chromecast device in the Cast to device pop-up screen to start streaming Amazon Prime videos.

Cast from website

All services like Vudu, Hulu, Crackle and many other options are allowed to stream from their website, as long as you use the Chrome browser. The transfer symbol is placed in the same position. However, because they use the Chromecast feature of Chrome browser, you will need to select the Chromecast device from the drop-down list in the browser window that appears.

There are a few important things to keep in mind if you choose to cast from Chrome browser.

1. Services like Crackle and Tubi TV seem to have a lot of lag and video breaks when streaming from Chrome browser.
2. Amazon Prime still doesn't support casting to Chromecast from the Amazon Prime website.
3. Both Amazon Prime and Hulu have poorly programmed transmission controls, so while it can be launched via the app (or in the case of Hulu as a website), you still need to use it. Use Google Home to adjust the volume or stop the stream.

One of the biggest differences between Chromecast and other streaming devices like Amazon Fire Stick or Roku is that you can't launch streaming from the on-screen user interface. That means you have to depend on external apps and services to add Chromecast compatibility.

This is not too restrictive since most websites and services that offer content streaming often support streaming to Chromecast. And you can even play games on your Chromecast device!