Seven great things you can do with Google’s Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra
There's more to the Chromecast than you might think - we show you what with these seven tips
THE Google Chromecast is a truly flexible device, capable of broadening your home media capabilities and making it easy to share the fun with friends.
So while it might not look like it’s up to much, there’s a reason Google keeps updating and improving the HDMI-tailed piece of tech.
The device’s popularity speaks volumes. The web is awash with positive reviews, showing exactly why the Chromecast has been welcomed into homes across the UK.
If you have one, or you’re thinking of getting one, check out these tips to unlock its full potential.
1. Break out the headphones
Android users can turn their phone + Chromecast combination into the world’s best headphone adaptor. By downloading LocalCast from the Play Store, users can broadcast
video to their TV screen while keeping the audio broadcast through their phone.
It's ideal if you don’t want to wake up the family or your neighbours with a late night film binge.
2. Make a house a (Google) home
Chromecast can be synced up with your Google Home devices, allowing you to control Chromecast streaming features using voice control.
If you're not sure about the Google Home just yet, see how it compares to Amazon's Echo.
3. Dare to daydream
If you’ve always wanted to see your friends (virtually) ripped apart by zombie hordes, you can stream VR games through your Chromecast.
Currently the feature works through Google Daydream and Samsung Gear VR.
4. Host with the most
You can let your guests connect to your Chromecast without joining up with your wifi connection.
By changing the settings to Guest Mode, anyone within a 25-feet radius can cast that hilarious YouTube clip they’ve been dying to show you.
5. Connect an ethernet cable
If you’ve got a slow wireless connection, you can connect an ethernet cable to your Chromecast to sure up the streaming.
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Not everyone has a clear wi-fi signal, but you can get around that by buying an adaptor - available for £15 on Google’s online store - and using an ethernet cable to directly connect router and Chromecast.
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6. Presenting
Should you you ever want to practise a presentation at home, you can use your Chromecast to display it on your big screen.
If you use Google Slides, simply select the ‘present’ option in the top right-hand corner of the presentation.
7. Master Spotify
Tired of using your tiny phone speakers to listen to your music? You can easily stream Spotify to your TV.
You should be able to find your Chromecast in the ‘Devices Available’ tab that appears below your song choice.
And as Chromecasts are built for streaming, you can do this with other apps too.
Many media apps – including Netflix, Now TV, YouTube, BT Sport and more – come with Chromecast streaming functionality built-in.
You may be surprised by just how many apps a Chromecast is able take advantage of – and all for a reasonable price.
Watch 4K Ultra HD
you can also watch 4K via the Chromecast, since Google released a Chromecast Ultra in 2017.
This updated version is capable of streaming 4K content from mobile devices to any screen with an HDMI input.
The Ultra is a little more expensive at £69. The standard Chromecast may be all you need though, as it supports full HD (1080p).
How much does the Google Chromecast cost?
The going rate for a Chromecast is £30, but you may be able to find it cheaper.
The Chromecast Ultra is priced at £69 with few retailers currently discounting the device.
Chromecast Pricing
- Maplin - £30.00 -
- Very - £29.99 -
- Argos - £30.00
- John Lewis - £30.00 -
Chromecast Ultra Pricing
- Maplin - £69.00 -
- Very - £69.99 -
- Argos - £69.00 -
- John Lewis - £69.00 - .