Google’s Chromecast has turned into a staple in US households, and even in some parts of the globe. The biggest push for its rise in the gadget world is the device’s expanding app support. Chromecast makes it easy for users to use streaming services like Netflix, Spotify, Hulu, and hundreds (literally) of other services. For a small price of $35, Chromecast is a satisfying investment if you want to smarten up your viewing experience.
Along with its conventional music and video streaming, Chromecast provides a plethora of other useful features and functions. Here are some you may not know:
Ethernet Adapter
The Chromecast is a practical, functional device for streaming content from your handheld device to your television. As such, it requires a solid Wi-Fi connection to deliver uninterrupted streams. The bad thing is not everyone has a strong and fast Wi-Fi network. The good thing is that Google now offers an ethernet adapter for Chromecast.
The accessory looks pretty much the same as the Chromecast power cord. The only difference is that now, the plug end has a tiny Ethernet port. The adapter is sold for $15. It’s available at the Google Play store. To make it work:
- Connect the ethernet cable to the same port where your modem is connected.
- Plug the adapter into the Chromecast.
- Link the Chromecast to the HDMI port on your television.
Presentations
If you have a project you want to present using Google Slides, you can display a better presentation using a Chromecast. Google Cast is integrated into Chromecast, so it’ll make the slides more sleek and professional. To do this:
- Go to the top right part of your Presentations.
- Click “Present.”
- Tap “Present on another screen.”
- Choose your Chromecast device.
Digital Monitor
Make an outstanding slideshow of your own photos as a decorative, digital piece with Chromecast. If you’re too shy to display your family pictures, you can choose an album with art, landscape photography or even satellite images from Google. Use the slides as a Chromecast background. To do so:
- Go to the Google Cast app.
- Tap the Devices tab.
- Choose the Chromecast where you want to change the background.
- Click on the hamburger menu on the top right corner of the device.
- Choose “Backdrop Settings.”
- Pick the photo(s) you want to use via Google Photos, your Facebook album or your Flickr account. Alternatively, you can choose to display slides of art, weather reports or current news.
Android “Mirror”
Users who prefer vertical integration will enjoy the fact that Google incorporated Android and Chromecast together. Android users can mirror the content on their devices to a big monitor thanks to Chromecast. To enjoy this service, your Android unit must run at least Android OS 4.4.2. To enable Android mirroring, simply:
- Connect your Android unit to the Wi-Fi network where your Chromecast is also linked.
- Launch the Google Cast app.
- Go to the top left and click the navigation drawer.
- Click “Cast Screen.”
- Choose your Chromecast.
To end broadcasting what’s on your phone:
- Launch the navigation drawer.
- Choose “Cast Screen.”
- Tap “Disconnect.”
Try these new Chromecast functions to make the most out of your Google device.