Google Chromecast is a video sharing technology which allows you to send movies, TV shows and content to your big screen from your laptop, phone or tablet. It is a device that plugs into a TV via a USB cable, however, there are TVs that have Google Chromecast as a built-in function as well. Regardless of which Chromecast you choose to get, you will have the functionality and convenience of streaming anything on the biggest screen in your house. Just use your smartphone or computer as a remote control to access the video content that you want. There are two types of Google Chromecast that are currently available for purchase. There is the 4K Chromecast with Google TV and there is the more affordable, more basic model which is the 1080p Google Chromecast 3rd Generation.

Chromecast and Chromecast with Google TV, and the differences between them

The biggest difference between Chromecast and Chromecast with Google TV is the fact that the latter has an interface. Furthermore, Chromecast with Google TV has 6,500 TV apps available, and it gets software updates that the other Chromecasts do not. These updates have delivered improvements for users. Additionally, there is an actual remote which allows the viewer to simply enjoy what’s on the TV without having to worry about going on phones. Furthermore, the Chromecast with Google TV offers 4K video quality with Dolby Vision whereas the Chromecast stops at 1080p.

How Google Chromecast works and what are its features

Even though it may look like you’re just sending the video from your device to the Chromecast, the process is much simpler most of the time. The device you have connected will basically tell the Chromecast what it is you want to play and then the Chromecast will stream the specific content using its own connection to the internet. Additionally, you can choose to mirror your phone, tablet or laptop’s screen onto the Chromecast on your TV. However, that requires a lot more active intent, as the device you’re using can’t be put to sleep or unlocked without interrupting the feed.

Although nearly everything today has a dedicated app, Google Chromecast does not. Instead, you would just use the Google Home app where you will find the controls for your active Chromecast streams. The use of the Google Home widgets is also very valuable in relation to gaining easy access to controls you might need for pausing and fast-forwarding.

One of the best features that The Chromecast with Google TV has is its own remote which allows you to control the TV’s volume, power as well as inputs. This addition is welcomed by a lot of people who think using your phone while watching can be quite a distraction. However, you can still choose not to use it if that is what you prefer.

Using Google Assistant, you can give voice commands to your Chromecast. However, the remote you get with Chromecast with Google TV has its own Google Assistant button which simplifies things a lot for you. Furthermore, if your phone and Chromecast are connected to the same network you are able to cast music and videos to your TV with only a few words.

Chromecast gives you access to content from a variety of services, which it keeps track of on its official site. Furthermore, since Google released the software development kit for Chromecast, new apps appear often so you might want to keep your eyes peeled. The Chromecast with Google TV can expand your streaming experience with the use of up to more than 5,000 Android TV apps. Additionally, Chromecast with Google TV is expected to finally get the Apple TV app as well as HBO Max, Netflix and more.

The Google Chromecast Extension

If there isn’t a Chromecast button you can simply click on the three dots in the top corner and then select Cast which will then list the available devices to send video to your TV. Furthermore, you can keep the button there but simply right-clicking on the Cast logo and selecting the always show icon.

Travelling with a Chromecast?

Taking Chromecast to the likes of hotels and such may prove to be a bit difficult as Chromecast does not support captive portals, or in other words, networks that require browser-based logins. However, you can still take it with you and if you find a Wi-Fi network without a captive portal, changing the login details would not be that difficult.

Are there any Chromecast alternatives?

There are alternatives but it all comes down to how much you are willing to pay. A Roku Express 4K Plus will also allow you to stream content to your device but its design is not as good as the Chromecast’s. you also have the option of streaming content through a PS4 or Xbox One, but these devices cost a lot more. So, again it just depends on how much money you are willing to spend. There are a number of alternatives to Chromecast that offer similar features and capabilities for streaming content from a smartphone, tablet, or computer to a TV or other display. Some of the most popular alternatives to Chromecast include the following:

  • Amazon Fire TV Stick: This is a small device that plugs into a TV’s HDMI port, and it allows the user to stream video, music, and other content from a variety of sources, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and more. The Fire TV Stick also includes a remote control for easy navigation and playback.
  • Roku Streaming Stick: This is a small device that connects to a TV’s HDMI port, and it allows the user to stream video, music, and other content from a variety of sources, including popular streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and more. The Roku Streaming Stick also includes a remote control for easy navigation and playback.
  • Apple TV: This is a small box that connects to a TV’s HDMI port, and it allows the user to stream video, music, and other content from a variety of sources, including iTunes, Apple Music, and more. The Apple TV also includes a remote control for easy navigation and playback.
  • Google Chromecast Ultra: This is a small device that connects to a TV’s HDMI port, and it allows the user to stream video, music, and other content from a smartphone, tablet, or computer to the TV. The Chromecast Ultra includes support for 4K and high dynamic range (HDR) video, and it can be controlled using a smartphone or tablet.

Chromecast for Developers

To use Chromecast in JavaScript, you can use the chrome.cast API, which is part of the Chrome Extension API. This API provides a number of methods and events that allow you to discover and connect to Chromecast devices on the same network, send messages and data to the Chromecast device, and control the device’s playback.

To use the chrome.cast API, you will need to create a Chrome extension and include the chrome.cast API in the extension’s manifest file. The chrome.cast API requires the cast permission, which must be specified in the manifest file. Here is an example manifest file that includes the cast permission:

{
  "manifest_version": 2,
  "name": "My Extension",
  "description": "This is my extension.",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "permissions": ["cast"],
  "background": {
    "scripts": ["background.js"]
  }
}

With this manifest file, you can use the chrome.cast API in your extension’s background script or content script. Here is an example of how to use the chrome.cast.requestSession method to connect to a Chromecast device and send a message to the device:

// Request a session to connect to a Chromecast device
chrome.cast.requestSession(function(session) {
  // Send a message to the Chromecast device
  session.sendMessage("urn:x-cast:com.example.mynamespace", {
    type: "hello"
  }, function(result) {
    // Handle the result of the message
  });
}, function(error) {
  // Handle the error
});

With this code, you can use JavaScript and the chrome.cast API to discover and connect to Chromecast devices, and send messages and data to the device. This allows you to build web applications that can interact with Chromecast devices and control their playback, and it provides a rich and interactive user experience.

Google Stadia and Chromecast?

Google Stadia, the company’s game-streaming device can be played anywhere. However, in order to get it on your TV via a Chromecast, you would need to either have the discontinued Chromecast Ultra or just a little more time as Chromecast with Google TV will only start supporting Stadia after the first half of 2021.