What is Google Chromecast? Well, that question used to have a much easier answer. Today, all Chromecasts share the same screen and video sharing technology, where movies, TV shows and other content can be sent to your big screen from your laptop, phone or tablet. And as we disovered with our Chromecast with Google TV review, the latest Google Chromecast is more complete thanks to Google TV apps and a remote.

Oh, and that new Chromecast? It’s the best streaming devices available, due in part to that solid mix of functionality and convenience. No matter which Chromecast you get, you’re on a fast path to streaming practically anything (including the likes of Netflix, YouTube and Hulu) on the biggest screen in your house. Right now, the new Goole Chromecast is facing stronger competition than ever, with the similarly priced Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Roku Streaming Stick 4K as compelling alternatives.

• Our best Netflix shows list has lots of great picks for your next binge watch
• The best streaming services

Use this FAQ to get up to speed on the basic Google Chromecast functions and decide if it’s right for you, and how to set up Google Chromecast too. If you think it’s not got enough, we’d say that the Chromecast with Google TV is the upgrade that your streaming habits deserve.

Latest Google Chromecast news (updated Nov. 18)

• Right now, if you buy one month of Sling you can get a free Chromecast with Google TV.
• Google’s also selling it for $10 off at the Google Store.
• The first Google TV stick (and Chromecast alternative) the Realme 4K, has been announced.

What is Google Chromecast?

Chromecast is a device that you plug into your TV’s HDMI port, powered by a USB cable (included). Using your smartphone or computer as a remote control, you can use Chromecast to access video content from Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, the Google Play Store and other services (Xfinity Stream just got Chromecast support). You can also use it to stream almost any kind of content from the Chrome browser on a laptop or desktop computer.

There are two current Google Chromecasts. We’ve already mentioned the Chromecast with Google TV, but check out our Google Chromecast (3rd Generation) review to learn more about the more affordable entry-level model.

Also, Chromecast support is baked right into plenty of apps you already stream from. Just look for an icon of a rectangle with curves in the bottom left corner. This is how the Cast icon appears in HBO Max in the top left corner:

When you see that icon, you know that the app you’re using can stream to the screen your Chromecast is connected to.

When you’re not streaming anything in Chromecast, it simply posts beautiful desktop backgrounds, in its Ambient Mode. You might notice quality dip, though, and a lowered frequency in new art. Google announced that it’s making these changes to reduce stress on bandwidth, prioritizing traffic for video calls and other more pressing content.

Chromecast technology is also a part of the Android TV operating system. A recent update allows users to perform Chromecast app audio streaming in the background of Android TV. Read our TiVo Stream 4K review to learn about that Android TV streaming device.

What is the difference between Chromecast and the Chromecast with Google TV?

To put it simply: $20 and a heck of a lot of apps. The Chromecast with Google TV makes Google’s streaming device a lot more like the Fire TV sticks and Rokus it’s always competed with.

The biggest difference is likely the interface, in that there is an interface. The Chromecast with Google TV has 6,500 Android TV apps for you to use, so you’re not just relying on Chromecast support.

Also, there’s a full remote for controlling your stream, so you can put down your phone and pay attention to what’s on your TV.

The Chromecast with Google TV offers 4K video quality, with Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HDR10+, while the Chromecast tops out at 1080p.

For all the other differences, check out our Chromecast with Google TV vs Chromecast face-off.

What is the difference between Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra?

Google no longer sells the Chromecast Ultra, which was priced at $70 and can broadcast content at up to 4K resolutions with HDR color technology.

In terms of channel selection and overall functionality, the two devices are identical. It’s worth noting, though, that the Chromecast Ultra has a built-in port for an Ethernet cable, but also requires an external power source, rather than a USB connection built into your TV. You can also see how the Chromecast Ultra stands up to its competition in our Chromecast vs Fire TV vs Roku face-off.

Is there a Google Chromecast remote?

That used to be a really easy question. We’d just reply with a “no.” Times, though, have changed.

The Chromecast with Google TV packs its own remote, which can also control your TV’s volume, power and inputs. The addition of a remote makes a ton of sense to folks like myself, who think a remote and TV-watching go together like Leslie Knope and Ben Wyatt. Why would people want a remote? Personally, I’m always fighting the impulse to use my phone as I watch TV, as it’s a big distraction from what I’m trying to watch.

Of course, the new Chromecast doesn’t need to be used with its remote if you’d prefer to declutter and keep things simple.

How does Google Chromecast work?

While it might appear that you’re sending the video from your device to the Chromecast, most of the time it’s doing something more simple. Your connected device is merely telling your Chromecast what you want to play, and then the Chromecast will stream that media, using its own connection to the internet.

Of course, you can also use a Chromecast to mirror your phone, tablet or laptop’s screen on your TV. This requires a lot more active intent, as your device cannot be put to sleep or unlocked, without the feed going down. Oh, and if your Chromecast is getting an update right now, get excited. The Chromecast will finally remember your volume settings, and the Google Home app is becoming a better virtual remote control.

Where’s the Google Chromecast app?

Practically everything has an app, but there isn’t a dedicated Google Chromecast app. Instead, you’ll use Google Home (Google Play, iOS) app, where you have controls for your active Chromecast streams.

The Google Home widgets on both platforms are valuable for easy access to the controls you need for pausing and fast forwarding, though scanning through long movies and events can be very hard when you’re tapping the on-screen progress bar.

Where is the Google Chromecast extension?

I spent way too much time looking for a Chromecast extension, but you don’t need to download anything new to get Chrome to work with Chromecast.

If you don’t see a Chromecast button in the menu bar, just click the three dots button in the top corner, and select Cast. Then, you can see the available devices to send video to your TV.

To keep the button there, right click on the Cast logo and select Always show icon.

What can I watch on Google Chromecast?

Chromecast has access to video and audio content from many services. Google keeps track of many of these on its official site, although there is no comprehensive list. Ever since Google released the software development kit for Chromecast, new apps have been springing up frequently, so keep an eye out for more apps.

On top of that, the Chromecast with Google TV opens your streaming experience up to the more-than-5000 Android TV apps.  It’s why it’s not just one of the best wireless screen-mirroring devices anymore.

We just learned that the Chromecast with Google TV will soon finally get an Apple TV app, in addition to the likes of HBO Max, Netflix and many more.

Can I control Google Chromecast with my voice?

Yes. Previously, you needed to route your Chromecast commands through a Google Home device, but now, you can give vocal commands directly through Google Assistant.

If you get the Chromecast with Google TV, its remote has a Google Assistant button, making it all the easier to activate.

Google has complete Chromecast setup instructions, but the functionality is pretty self-explanatory. Simply connect your Chromecast and your phone to the same network, and you can cast music and videos to your TV with just a few words.

Can I travel with a Chromecast?

Due to its small size and easy setup, the Chromecast may seem like a boon for frequent travelers. However, Chromecast does not support captive portals — networks that require browser-based logins. As such, the Chromecast is not terribly useful in most hotels and universities. Still, if you do take your Chromecast with you and find a Wi-Fi network without a captive portal, changing the login details is not too difficult.

Original post: https://www.tomsguide.com/us/what-is-google-chromecast,news-17637.html