So, you've taken the leap and bought a Chromecast. Well done, that was a smart move..
You are probably now happily using it to stream video content directly to your TV. And he's so impressed that he's even thinking about cutting the cord. Should you cut the cord or keep cable TV? Should you cut the cord or keep your cable TV? If you're still stuck with your cable subscription, but are debating whether it's time to make a switch, we're here to help. This guide will help you decide. Read more together. That would be another smart move..
But did you know that the little Chromecast is capable of much more than just streaming video? In this article, we'll show you eight clever hacks for your Chromecast Awesome New Chromecast Apps, tips and tricks you'll love playing with Awesome Chromecast New Apps, tips and tricks you'll love playing with apps that are constantly adding support for the Chromecast, as well keep checking your apps. Until then, read on to learn how to get the most out of your Chromecast with what's available today. Read more . All of which, when combined, will make your Chromecast experience even better.
Google introduced the Backdrop feature in late 2014. If your Chromecast and TV are idle, you can use Backdrop to display content on the screen, like a screen saver on a laptop.
You have the option to display a randomly selected panoramic photo, a slideshow from your Google Photos library, the weather forecast, or news headlines.
News headlines are the best option. It's an easy way to stay on top of the latest happenings without checking your phone every five minutes or having a distracting 24-hour news channel in the background.
It gets the custom headlines from the Play Newsstand app, so make sure you've set this up before you turn on Backdrop on your Chromecast.
To enable Backdrop news headlines, open the Google Home app on your smartphone and navigate to Settings>Background>Play Newsstand .
The Chromecast Preview Program gives you access to the latest Chromecast updates before they are publicly available. In exchange for your participation, Google asks you to provide feedback on new features.
You can sign up for the program through the Google Home app. Find the card for the device you want to enroll, then go to Settings>Program Preview>Join Program . If the option is not available, it is because the program is not accepting new members. So you'll have to try again in a couple of months..
If you change your mind and want to leave again, go to Preferences> Program Preview> Quit Program .
Warning:Google insists you won't get beta software, but keep in mind that if you sign up, you're more likely to encounter bugs and glitches.
We have all been there. You want to stay awake and watch a mediocre action movie starring Dwayne. "The Rock" Johnson, while your partner wants to go to bed. You have to turn the volume down to a whisper and that ruins your fun..
Your Chromecast can alleviate the problem. Thanks to a third-party app called LocalCast for Chromecast, you can connect your headphones to your phone or tablet. The audio will play through your device, but the video will continue to display on your TV.
Setting up the app is easy. You just need to tap Route audio to phone in the app Playing Now screen.
There are many ways to create and share music playlists. 6 awesome ways to find and share playlists. 6 awesome ways to find and share music playlists. Family and friends have become easier than ever. Here's how to do it. Read More
Fortunately, you can use your Chromecast together with YouTube How to Share Music from Multiple Devices to a Chromecast How to Share Music from Multiple Devices to a Chromecast Wouldn't it be great if you could throw a party and everyone could add songs to the music? is that playing? With a Chromecast and these apps, that's easy. Read More
To get started, guests simply navigate to the song they want to play in their own YouTube app. Tell them to play the Broadcast in the upper right corner, but instead of choosing Play Now , they need to touch Add to queue . They will get a message on the screen confirming that it was a success and that the song will play in due time.
Who needs remote controls? They're always getting lost, running out of batteries, or eaten by the dog.
As you probably already know, you use your smartphone or tablet to operate your Chromecast device. That's great, but you still need your old TV remote for one unavoidable action:turning on your TV.
Or you?
Depends. Chromecasts use HDMI-CEC technology, and most modern TVs support it. The technology allows any HDMI device to power your unit. It is not always enabled; You may need to look in your TV's menu to find the proper setting.
There's a trick to getting it to work:your Chromecast needs to be powered from a wall outlet instead of a USB port on your TV. If everything works fine, you just need to start streaming a video for your TV to turn on.
Goodbye, remote, it was nice to meet you..
You know how it goes. You have your friends over to watch the big game and Davey has found a must see video of a dog doing something stupid on YouTube. Twelve of you crowd around your 5-inch screen to watch. It's ridiculous.
Why don't you enable guest mode on your device? Anyone can stream video content from your device directly to your TV screen by entering a PIN number.
To activate this feature, find your device in your Google Home app and go to Settings> Guest mode .
Chromecasts aren't all fun and games. They also have a serious side, and can be a useful productivity tool in your work life.
Instead of fiddling with HDMI cables and 20-year-old projectors, the next time you have a big presentation, you can wow your audience by pulling a Chromecast out of your laptop bag.
Just make sure you have your presentation saved in the Google Slides format, then click Present Button in the upper right corner of the Slides app.
We love Kodi at MakeUseOf. Yes, there is a steep learning curve How to set up your XBMC Media Center How to set up your XBMC Media Center XBMC may have evolved into Kodi, but if you have an older version installed, this guide will help you get set up and get started. Read More
Unfortunately, it's not always easy to use Kodi in conjunction with your streaming device. There is no easy way to install Kodi on an iOS device How to Install Kodi for iOS without Jailbreaking on your iPad or iPhone How to Install Kodi on iOS without Jailbreaking on your iPad or iPhone Kodi is one of the best ways to access live TV. You don't need to jailbreak your device to enjoy free streaming content on your iPhone or iPad. Read More
The exception is Android. Kodi has an official and full version of the app on the Play Store. Open Google Home to view your device's screen and you'll see Kodi content on your TV in no time.
We've shown you eight hacks designed to breathe new life into your Chromecast devices, but there are plenty of other tricks that can help you take your Chromecast to the next level.
Which settings are you trying to get your Chromecast to work smoothly? What third-party apps have added extra functionality to your Chromecast? How to maximize your overall Chromecast experience? Please leave your tips and suggestions in the comments below.
