Google Chromecast originally came out in 2013.
A new version was released just this year.
Naturally, the new Chromecast is much better than the old version.
Now, the interface design of Chromecast is completely different.
Chromecast has leveled up to the point where its become more akin to Roku and Apple TV.
In this article, well be telling you all about Chromecast.
What Can Google Chromecast Do?
Before going over how to optimize Chromecast, lets talk about how to make it work first.
For Chromecast to work, youre going to need to do a few things.
you gotta plug it into your TV via HDMI.
You also need to connect it to a stable power supply.
In addition to these, you also need a smartphone compatible with the latest version of the app.
After acquiring everything you need, we will now discover how to optimize Chromecast.
you could now run Google Chromecast easily.
Using Chromecast, theres quite a lot you could do.
Its like having cable TV except you get a streaming service instead.
you’re free to also use Chromecast to put your Android screen onto your TV.
The Chromecast app is also excellent for viewing all of your favorite mobile apps on a bigger screen.
Using the remote, it’s possible for you to control everything on the screen.
From video playback to volume, you name it and your Chromecast remote can do it.
it’s possible for you to even install new compatible apps to make your Chromecast experience even better.
There are tons of apps you’ve got the option to try out with Google Chromecast.
Apps like Netflix, HBO, Twitch, and YouTube are all compatible.
But did you know you could cast Spotify onto your TV screen with it as well?
Chromecast will also show you which installed apps are capable of being cast.
What Can I Optimize on Chromecast?
Discover your Chromecasts features and what it can do.
Lets go over how you might give yourself a better streaming experience.
What exactly can you optimize on Chromecast?
In this section, well give you a brief rundown of how to optimize Chromecast to your liking.
However, it does require you to have the latest version of Google Chrome installed.
This feature is excellent for people who want to do a presentation using Chromecast.
With the app, you might mirror your phones screen onto Google Chromecast.
To use mirroring, youll need your phone to be on the same data pipe as Chromecast.
From there, you’re able to cast your screen using the Google Home app.
Chromecast has a screen mirroring and screen casting option.
Improving quality for mirroring can be quite tricky.
Using the screencast feature instead of screen mirroring may be a better option.
The mirroring quality of Chromecast is about as good as your gadget is.
In terms of how to optimize Chromecast mirroring, there are actually only few options.
Thus, we recommend using a gadget with high resolution such as a tablet for the best mirroring experience.
Its similar to Twitch Studio, which allows you to stream a single game or your entire screen.
However, the option to cast the entire screen for Chromecast is still experimental and being worked upon.
From there, you just need to nudge the dropdown menu near the Cast this tab to option.
Depending on your specs though, it might work perfectly fine.
it’s possible for you to also opt to use your setup while watching TV.
However, this is possible only if youre using thefull-screen option with Google Chrome.
To do this, press Alt+Tab to switch tasks.
Doing this will put the content in the background allowing you to use your gear freely.
Video Playback
Chromecast requires a stable and fast internet connection for good quality streaming.
This means you may experience buffering in some of your videos while using Chromecast.
And we all know how much buffering sucks the fun out of your viewing experience.
To do this, go to your options in the Chromecast extension.
From there, you oughta select Options and lower your quality to Standard (480p).
The overall quality may be reduced, but at least youll be able to watch without interruptions.
You see, the initial controls of Chromecast make it so that youre always on 720p.
In the same Options menu, you might set the projection quality to Extreme (720p high bitrate).
We recommend lowering the streaming quality if youre having a hard time with buffering.
Gaming
Ever wanted to play games on the big screen without having to buy a console?
Well, we tell you how to optimize Chromecast to do just that in this section.
Lets say you want to play a fantasy RPG on your TV.
Using the full-screen option, you could cast your favorite games onto the screen and play with a controller.
To do this, all you gotta do is download the cardboard app on your smartphone.
From there, mirror your phones screen on the TV.
The Chromecast app also supports some motion-controlled games.
you could play games like Super Sync Sports or Just Dance Now with it.
There are also other games available, most of which are family games.
you might even play Pictionary with it.
Some games you download on your smartphone can be played on Chromecast while your phone acts as a controller.
Dont worry if someone else is using Chromecast while youre gaming on your PC.
you’re free to continue playing games on your box whilewatching something on Chromecast.
However, if you want to do this, then using the full-screen feature is a no-go.
To do this, youll need Google Play Music downloaded on your phone.
Simply pop launch the app, tap on the cast icon, and choose what you want to play.
Pairing Chromecast with Google Play Music can also allow you to stream more thanChromecast audioand music.
you’re free to also opt to use other services like Pandora and Spotify instead.
If you have Google Home speakers, you could pair them with Chromecast.
Since Google has voice-activated speakers, youll be able to control your TV with your voice.
Alternatively, you could just connect speakers with optical input to Chromecast.
Another way to connect your speakers is by connecting Chromecast directly to your HDMI input.
With Chromecast and voice-activated speakers, streaming audio and music has never been better.
Itll follow your command and play your desired song.
There are a couple of things you cando with Chromecastthat a lot of people dont know about.
Heres a couple of things you could do to make your streaming experience a lot better.
On the Chromecast web client extension, simply right smack the options and select Inspect element.
Afterwards, look for a Quality custom section in the code.
Expand this and delete the display: none code.
Just like that, you now have access to the hidden configs.
Using the hidden controls, you could set the minimum and maximum bitrate.
Moreover, you might adjust the minimum and maximum frame rates to your desired limits as well.
The hidden tweaks menu also allows you to change the audio bitrate and video buffer.
However, you might have to learn some extra technical terms to know what everything does.
People have also reported mixed results with the hidden configs.
Some say it works while others say nothing changed.
Your very own phone can act as the remote.
Chromecast supports a technology called HDMI-CEC.
And not only that, but you could also use your system as well.
Turning on the CEC feature can be quite tricky though.
Each TV brand has its name for it.
For Samsung TVs, its Anynet+, and its called Bravia Sync for Sony.
Youll need to find the right name for CEC that matches up with your TVs brand.
Using HDMI-CEC makes it so you dont have to change the input every time you use Chromecast.
Casting using different devices is made easy with it since it makes your TV switch to Chromecast automatically.
Go to the Google Home app and then tap the + icon on the top left.
Once youre given access to a different menu, tap on Videos and Photos.
Thats where youll be able to link your Netflix account.
Every time you open Netflix on Chromecast, itll automatically be your Netflix account that opens.
This saves you the trouble of having to get in every time you pop kick open the app.
After linking your account, you’re able to open Netflix via voice activation.
This feature also isnt limited to just Netflix, though.
With Chromecast, you’re able to link your YouTube profile as well.
Going through the same Videos and Photos menu and signing into your YouTube account will set you up.
Its an incredibly useful feature that some people fail or forget to do.
And its sad people dont do it more often because then they arent getting the most out of Chromecast.
To do this, go to your Google Home app and select More tweaks.
Select TVs and speakers from the Services section.
Once youve selected TVs and speakers, youll be taken to a different page.
Now, press the + at the bottom right and press Add.
Adding the app will allow you full voice control.
you might also change your devices name if you dont want to say Chromecast all the time.
Change it to whatever you want and then save it.
Changing the name of your Chromecast is pretty cool.
It allows you to personalize Chromecast to your liking.
you could set the name to whatever you want, provided Google can recognize it.
Buying an ethernet adapter and then connecting it to Chromecast will help it connect faster and load videos better.
Buying an ethernet cable can also help enrich your overall streaming experience and reduce buffering.
Its a way to improve your video playback experience in the event you dont want to reduce video quality.
It isnt a surefire method, though.
you might buy an ethernet adapter fromGoogle for $15and plug it into your Chromecast.
If you want an adapter already included, you could buy the Chromecast Ultra.
Its more expensive overall, but its better since it supports 4K streaming.
Using guest mode requires you to enable it on the Google Home app.
There will then be a dropdown menu, where you will select Guest Mode.
Enabling it will send a beacon allowing users to pair their devices with Chromecast and stream without a hitch.
The Bottom Line
Google Chromecast is a handy equipment that can do a lot of things.
