Detailed how-to style guides show you how to use Chromecast devices effectively.
The Chromecast guides are organised into the following categories.
You can find detailed how-to guides for using Chromecast, Chromecast 2nd Gen and Chromecast Ultra.
For example, how to reset Chromecast, how to change/switch Chromecast WiFi, how to stream local videos in Chromecast, how to use Google cast app, how to use Android screen mirroring, how to use Plex media server for Chromecast, how to use Videostream extension, differences between Miracast and Chromecast, how to use Chromecast guest mode, Chromecast vs Fire TV, how to check and redeem Chromecast offers …
Chromecast Audio guides are organized separately so that Chromecast Audio owners can find the relevant guides easily without fiddling around with other guides that are not relevant to Chromecast Audio …
So far, we have covered most aspects of using Chromecast Audio. For example, the difference between Chromecast and Chromecast Audio, why Chromecast Audio is better than Bluetooth speakers, how to set up and reset Chromecast Audio, how to stream music with Chromecast Audio, how to choose the correct audio cable for your Chromecast Audio, how to use Chromecast Audio multi-room group playback …
Chromecast setup manual explains the detailed steps to set up Chromecast.
Chromecast 101 is a series of eBooks on how to set up, use and troubleshoot Chromecast.
Currently, there are two titles available on Amazon:
Here is the list of the most recent Chromecast guides. The complete list of Chromecast guides can be found in Chromecast Guides.
You can still cast videos from any mobile device to the Chromecast with Google TV as you did with previous generations Chromecast (Chromecast, Chromecast 2nd gen/2015, and Chromecast 3rd gen/2018), or Chromecast Ultra. But the Google TV interface adds tons of new features and possibilities. The voice remote is an indispensable accessory to enjoy these new features.
This Chromecast guide explains what the voice remote for Chromecast with Google TV can do, the layout of the voice remote and the functions of each button/part, and how to control Chromecast with Google TV if you cannot find the voice remote.
If you use Chromecast with Google TV as a passive receiving device, you probably do not need the remote. But you missed a lot of features of the dongle.
The voice remote helps you use the Chromecast with Google TV as a full-featured Android TV setup box.
The remote control was … Continue to read the post....
The post Master the Voice Remote for Chromecast with Google TV appeared first on All About Chromecast.
Most of the time, it is not necessary to factory reset Chromecast (factory data reset). The device update itself when connected to internet. It seldom gives problem.
But in the following two scenarios, you probably have to reset Chromecast:
It is quite simple to factory reset Chromecast. There are two ways to factory reset Chromecast.
Hold down the button (next to the micro USB port) on your Chromecast for at least 25 seconds or until the solid light begins … Continue to read the post....
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As explained in this page, Videostream for Google cast is one of the best solutions to stream local contents to Chromecast.
It is both powerful enough and simple enough for most Chromecast owners. We also published a detailed guide on how to use Videostream extension to stream local contents to Chromecast.
But one of the most common questions asked is how to launch Videosteram after initial installation.
Videosteram for Google cast is just a normal Chrome app. So, you can launch Videostream just like launching other Chrome apps.
This is a simple job for Chromebook users, or seasoned Chrome users.
But for many new and casual Chrome users, it can be very confusing about how to launch Chrome app after the installation.
This guide will show you how to launch Videosteram for Google cast app easily. You can even create a shortcut of Chrome apps on desktop.
There are at least 3 different methods to launch Videostream for Google cast from your PC. We will cover all of them one by one.
After Google removed Chrome App launcher for PC (Windows, PC, and Linux) earlier this year, you cannot … Continue to read the post....
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… Continue to read the post....
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If you are not aware of it, Google quietly released the $15 Ethernet adapter for Chromecast early this month. You can get it from Google devices store for $15.
This guide will show you how to use Ethernet adapter for Chromecast to get best connections for your Chromecast.
The Ethernet adapter is a lifesaver for those Chromecast owners:
In the box, you can find:
… Continue to read the post....
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The chromecast backdrop feature was officially released early this month. Now, you can customize the TV screen when you are not casting content through Chromecast.
This Chromecast guide explains everything you need to know about the Chromecast backdrop.
Essentially, Chromecast backdrop allows you to fill the TV screen with the following contents:
You can enable or disable these contents individually from your Android devices or iOS devices.
More interestingly, you can even learn more about the current images shown on TV by asking questions directly in Google Voice Search.
In your Android device, start the Chromecast Google Home app.
Tap the menu key (3 … Continue to read the post....
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Very likely, Google will reveal the 4th Gen of Chromecast on September 30, 2020. But the details of the Chromecast 4th Gen (aka Chromecast with Google TV, or Chromecast 2020) were leaked. A few retailers have released the product inadvertently.
Google TV here simply means Google-branded Android TV (not the old Google TV). It is not a new platform. Instead, it is a new form factor (dongle) for Android TV.
This post will summarize the key features of the Chromecast 4th Gen (Chromecast with Google TV) compared to the 3rd Gen of Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra.
The new Chromecast (4th gen, Chromecast 2020) is a natural successor to the 3rd Gen of Chromecast (Chromecast 2018).
But Google worked the extra mile. The Chromecast with Google TV also converges the Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra.
The 4th Gen of Chromecast supports 4K and HDR, which were the exclusive features of Chromecast Ultra. So, the new Chromecast with Google TV will surely replace not only Chromecast 3rd Gen but also Chromecast Ultra.
In other words, Google simplifies the Chromecast product line into one.
Unfortunately, Google does not offer any successors for … Continue to read the post....
The post Chromecast 4th Gen (Chromecast with Google TV) is coming! appeared first on All About Chromecast.
This is a compliment to streaming local media files as detailed in this guide, as more and more Chromecast owners save contents in the cloud.
For Android users, the most popular cloud photo storage is probably Google Photos, which was recently revamped with many nice features (e.g., unlimited storage).
However, Google photos for Android does NOT support Chromecast currently. FYI, the old Google+ photos (the predecessor of Google photos) supported Chromecast.
So, although Google Photos can back up your photos and videos perfectly to the cloud, it is not easy to enjoy them on the TV.
For photos saved in Google Photos, you can create albums. Then add the albums to the Chromecast backdrop. In this way, you can enjoy your photos on the TV screen through Chromecast automatically.
Please follow this guide on how to set up and use Chromecast backdrop to stream your Google Photos.
For videos, you are probably out of lack. Currently, there is no direct way to stream Google … Continue to read the post....
The post How to stream photos and videos on OneDrive to Chromecast? appeared first on All About Chromecast.
To stream local media to Chromecast is not as simple as many expected. Google intends to make Chromecast an internet thing, not a local media player.
If you used Chromecast for online streaming, you probably are very happy with this $35 device. It works with more and more services, and the online streaming quality is quite impressive most of the time.
But if you have a lot of media files in the hard drive of your PC, you may feel the pain to stream local media to Chromecast (to watch on the big screen).
In the Chromecast how-to guides section, I shared two methods of streaming local media to Chromecast:
Both of the methods are not robust, with obvious limitations.
Using a Chrome tab to stream local media to Chromecast is the simplest method. But it is severely limited by the media formats that you can play through Chrome browser. Very often, the user has to install additional software or … Continue to read the post....
The post How to use Plex media server to stream local media to Chromecast (from your PC) appeared first on All About Chromecast.
Update 1: there are several other methods of streaming local media to Chromecast. The desktop sharing method illustrated below is mainly for turning your TV into your second screen of your PC. It is not good for video streaming (at least, for video streaming, there are some other better methods). You may check this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast.
Almost every Chromecast owner knows you can cast any Chrome browser tab to your TV through Chromecast. What you need is just the Google Cast extension.
You can even stream local video, music or photos to the TV as I showed you in this guide: How to stream local video to Chromecast?
But you may not know you can share the whole desktop to Chromecast, and watch it on the TV. Even better, the audio output can also be transferred to TV!
Sharing your desktop with Chromecast is not only for fun. It solves a lot of practical issues.
If the … Continue to read the post....
The post How to use Chromecast to share desktop screen (and audio) to TV? appeared first on All About Chromecast.
Happy casting!