If you are looking for an affordable and simple way to stream content on your television, you have most likely come across the Google Chromecast.
Google Chromecast is basically a device that lets you send things from your small screen phone to your big screen TV. It is very easy to figure out, set up, and use. This article will help you to learn what is Google Chromecast, how it works, and what you can do with it. Everything is explained you need to know about the affordable HDMI dongle.
Table of Contents
What is Google Chromecast?
Google Chromecast is a line of a streaming dongle which can be plugged into any television or monitor through a standard HDMI port. Once configured, it lets you stream audio or video wirelessly to a bigger screen from your phone, computer, or even a Google Home device. It connects over Wi-Fi and is entirely controlled by another device like a smartphone and unlike other media players, it does not have a dedicated remote. Hence, there’s also no special TV interface. You need to boot it, pair the network, and you are up and running in a few minutes. It basically acts as a bridge between your TV and your phone or tablet.
The Chromecast comes in two flavors. First one is Chromecast and the other one is Chromecast Ultra. The latter supports 4K Ultra HD and HDR video and you can also use it with an Ethernet connection in addition to Wi-Fi.
What you can do with Chromecast?
Watch Streaming Videos- The Chromecast can stream videos you buy from the Google Play store and there other top content providers that work with it as well, such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO GO & HBO NOW, Sling TV, ESPN, Disney, PBS, History, YouTube, NBA, and many more.
Listen to Streaming Audio- With Chromecast, you can play music from several popular services as well, including their own Google Music, Pandora, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.
Cast Your PC and Android Device Screens on Your TV
You can use the Google Chrome browser on your Windows desktop or the Google Home app on your mobile device to mirror its entire screen on your TV. So, it would allow you to read your email or display a presentation on your screen.
How does Chromecast work?
The Chromecast is built on Google’s own proprietary protocol known as Cast. It is designed to let the devices such as smartphones easily mirror their content onto a screen or a smart speaker. The important thing to realize about casting is that it is not only about sending the content from your phone to the Chromecast dongle.
In many cases, you are using your phone to tell the Chromecast device what content to play. Then, Chromecast uses its own connection to retrieve that stream in the best quality it can.
However, in case, if you are casting your phone on the TV, then you’re sending that directly from your phone or computer to the Chromecast and both need to stay connected.
Whenever Chromecast is on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or computer, the compatible app will show a Cast icon. You need to tap that icon and beam the content you are watching directly to the Chromecast. Because the Chromecast itself is also paired with the internet connection, your phone shares the URL of the content. As a result of which, the process is almost instant and you won’t face any delays.
How to set up a Google Chromecast?
Hopefully, you have understood what a Google Chromecast is and what it can do. If you have bought the device and wondering where to start with the configuration, you can see the detailed guide on how to set up and use a Chromecast.