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What is Chromecast: Explaining Google's wireless streaming technology
Google's wireless streaming tech, Chromecast, is pretty much everywhere. This is everything you need to know about it.
If you have thought about picking up a dongle over the last several years to enable wireless streaming on your non-smart HDTV, there is an excellent chance you have come across Chromecast. It is essentially a lineup of devices by Google that allows you to stream media to your TV or AV receiver wirelessly. But the underlying Chromecast technology is not just limited to the Google dongles. In fact, you can find it in televisions, speakers, and AV receivers. And it can do far more than just stream online content.
Google Chromecast will smarten up your old TV for as little as $20
Take your TV to the next level with Google's Chromecast.
You probably already have a great TV at home, but if you've ever wanted to give it a little more power, then the Google Chromecast is going to be an excellent device to do so. The Chromecast gives you access to a whole new UI thanks to its Google TV interface. It will also give you easy access to some of the best streaming services available, along with convenient voice input using Google Assistant. Perhaps best of all, the Google Chromecast receives frequent updates that make it better and better each time. The Google Chromecast typically is priced at $30, but now, it comes in at just $20, making it an absolute steal.
Google discontinued support for the first-generation Chromecast
It looks like Google quietly discontinued support for its original Chromecast, with the information now coming to light.
Apparently, Google quietly ended support for its very first Chromecast last month, ending a ten-year run of updates. The first Chromecast made its debut in 2013, and since then, many more have been announced and released. As far as the last update the device received, the Chromecast was updated in November 2022 with software version 1.36.159268, which only brought "bug fixes and improvements." If you're still using the original Chromecast, you can still continue using it, but Google does warn that there could be issues in the future.
Google in 2023: Predictions, rumors, and what we want to see in the new year
Google has a lot on the way for 2023, from the Pixel Fold to the annual Pixel phone release. But what else could it have in store?
2022 was a big year for Google. It created products in new categories, like the Pixel Watch, and leaned more into improving ChromeOS. But it wasn't all good either. The company had cutbacks in Area 120 — its innovation division — and it shut down Stadia entirely. Nevertheless, Google is a huge company that certainly has a lot of plans going into the new year, and these are some of our predictions alongside current rumors. We've ranked them below from most likely to least possible.
Android 13 for Android TV releases with performance improvements and additional features
Android 13 for Android TV is now here, though you can only use it on ADT-3 and the Android Emulator for the moment.
Android is the largest operating system in the world. It powers over 2.5 billion smartphones worldwide, and every year it receives a new upgrade with improvements over the previous version. It powers TV devices such as Chromecasts too, and it can run apps just like its smartphone counterpart can. The most recent version of Android TV was Android 12, but now Google is rolling out Android 13 for Android TV.
Chromecast with Google TV is still a great Chromecast dongle that does what it says on the box
The Chromecast with Google TV is still a great Chromecast dongle, even if it's not the best streaming stick you can get. Read about it here.
The Chromecast with Google TV has remained the best Chromecast dongle on the market, offering 4K HDR streaming support, a voice remote with a dedicated Google Assistant button, new personalized recommendations, and the ability to control connected smart home devices. It has an updated design over its predecessor and packs a quad-core Amlogic S905D3G chip, 2GB of RAM, and 8GB of onboard storage. When it launched, there were a number of bugs and other problems that soured the experience. But over time through updates, the Chromecast with Google TV has become an excellent addition to a standard television set. While it's not the most powerful device, it costs $49 new -- a pretty great price.
Google is reportedly working on a new Chromecast device with Google TV
Google is reportedly working on a new Chromecast device with Google TV. Read on to learn more about the upcoming streaming dongle.
In September 2020, Google introduced a new Chromecast device featuring the new Google TV software experience. The Google Chromecast with Google TV sported an updated design and packed a quad-core Amlogic S905D3G chip, 2GB RAM, and 8GB of onboard storage. Since its launch, the Chromecast with Google TV has remained the best Chromecast dongle on the market, offering 4K HDR streaming support, a voice remote with a dedicated Google Assistant button, new personalized recommendations, and the ability to control connected smart home devices. However, Google is reportedly working on a new Chromecast device in the same lineup, which might one-up the current model.
Rooted devices can bring back volume control for Cast speaker groups
It's possible for rooted Android devices to bring back the ability to control Cast speaker groups with volume buttons.
Sonos filed two lawsuits against Google in January 2020, saying the company stole its multi-room speaker technology and infringed on 100 patents. The United States International Trade Commission ruled earlier this month that Google had indeed infringed on Sonos patents, and with Google (so far) unwilling to pay for a patent license, the ability to control Cast speakers with the volume buttons on Android phones and tablets was removed. However, it seems like there's a way to get the functionality back — as long as your Android device is rooted, anyway.
Get the Chromecast with Google TV for only $39 today
The Chromecast with Google TV is back to its Black Friday/Cyber Monday price of $39, making it as great of a deal as ever.
The Chromecast with Google TV is the latest streaming player from Google, packed with the full Android TV operating system and a custom Google TV interface (which is slowly making its way to other TVs and players). There have been a few sales on the Chromecast with Google TV, and now it's discounted again to $39 at multiple retail stores. That's $10 off the original price, and it matches this year's Black Friday and Cyber Monday prices.
Google Nest Audio and Chromecast with Google TV retail leaks reveal even more details before next week's launch
Upcoming Google Nest Audio and Chromecast with Google TV have leaked yet again, revealing more details ahead of the launch.
Google recently started sending out media invites for its upcoming Pixel 5 launch event. In the invite, the company revealed that it would showcase the Pixel 4a 5G and the Pixel 5 at the event, along with a new Chromecast device and a smart speaker. While the company is yet to unveil any details about the upcoming devices, we've already seen plenty of leaks in the last couple of weeks that have given us a good look at all the devices and their specifications. Just a few days ago, we saw an extensive leak of the new Google Chromecast and Nest Audio smart speaker which revealed almost everything about their design and hardware. Now, just a week ahead of the launch, retail packaging of the devices have been spotted online, revealing even more information.
Google Chromecast with Google TV and Nest Audio smart speaker leak again before launch
Ahead of an event on September 30, new images of the Google Chromecast with Google TV and Google Nest Audio smart speaker have leaked.
In the not too distant future, Google will reportedly launch a Chromecast with Google TV and a Nest Audio smart speaker. We’ve seen evidence of both devices on more than one occasion over the last several weeks, and both devices have again been leaked courtesy of WinFuture.
Google Meet adds Chromecast support for video conferencing on larger screens
Google Meet now lets you cast your meetings from Google Chrome to a larger screen thanks to Chromecast support. Camera, mic, and audio still play from PC.
With the COVID-19 pandemic still a concern in many parts of the world, working from home has become the norm for many students and professionals. While most people rely solely on their phone or PC screen to video chat, Google wants to elevate the experience by adding a larger TV screen to the mix. Google Meet on Chromecast will make it easier than ever to expand the group video conferencing experience. Now, you can cast your meeting to your living room Android TV or other Google Cast-connected device.
Spotify for the desktop can finally initiate casting to Google Cast devices
Previously, Spotify couldn't Google Cast to a Chromecast or Assistant smart speaker from the desktop app. This is finally being fixed for Windows and Mac.
Spotify isn't a perfect music streaming service, but it is easily one of the best options out there. One of the features that makes Spotify so great is "Spotify Connect." It allows you to open the app on any device and control the music wherever it's playing. Google Cast devices are included in Connect, but with one big limitation: you can't initiate from the desktop app. That's finally getting fixed.
Google may revamp the Chromecast Ultra with Android TV and a dedicated remote
A new report claims the next Chromecast Ultra will (finally) feature an external remote and it will actually run Android TV.
The Google Chromecast is undoubtedly one of Google's most successful hardware ventures. These little dongles have become incredibly popular thanks to their affordable price tags and ease of use. Google has revamped the little dongle a few times over the years, and the company currently offers two different models: A cheaper dongle and an Ultra model that supports 4K streaming. If a new report is to be believed, Google may revamp the Chromecast Ultra this year with a dedicated remote (finally) as well as full Android TV.
YouTube gets remote and voice controls in the casting menu
One of the most popular apps for casting is, of course, YouTube, and now the Android app is getting more casting controls.
Google's Chromecast and casting ecosystem have been incredibly successful for the company. By plugging in a very affordable device, you can "cast" videos from nearly any streaming app to your TV. One of the most popular apps for casting is, of course, YouTube, and now the Android app is getting more controls.
Android TV adds a Data Saver mode for users in India, Files adds Chromecast support
Google is bringing Data Saver features to Android TV devices in India. Also, related to TVs, the Files app is getting Chromecast support.
There have been a few Android TV developments as of late and now Google is announcing some of their own. The company has announced new features that will roll out first in India and will be welcomed by anyone with limits on their Internet data. Google is bringing Data Saver to Android TV. Also, the Files by Google app is getting Chromecast support.
New Firefox extension "fx_cast" lets you Chromecast videos from Netflix, YouTube, and more
A new Firefox extension called fx_cast brings the ability to chromecast directly from the Firefox browser to your Chromecast-connected display. Read on!
For all the functionality that Google Chromecast brings to the table, casting content from browsers other than Google Chrome isn't one of them. Google officially supports streaming content from Chrome's browser tabs to Chromecast, and even makes it dead simple to do so. All you have to do is click the 3-dot Chrome Menu icon and select "Cast.." However, if your browser of choice is not Google Chrome, you were out of luck.
Google confirms they're discontinuing the Chromecast Audio
Google spokespeople from multiple sources have said the company has discontinued the Chromecast Audio, the audio-only Chromecast dongle.
Many will likely contribute the Chromecast to the product that kickstarted Google's hardware division. Sure, they've sold other products in the past, but the company has sold tens of millions of Chromecast units and has integrated the feature into many of its services. Google is currently on its 3rd generation of regular Chromecast devices, but in 2015 they launched the Chromecast Audio. However, it's been rumored that Google has been wanting to stop selling the device and now it has been officially confirmed. Google spokespeople from multiple sources have said the company has discontinued the Chromecast Audio.
Chromecasts can now be added to speaker groups in the Google Home app
One thing that has been annoying about speaker groups is the exclusion of Chromecasts. That's finally changing as users are seeing the feature.
If you own a lot of Google Cast-compatible devices, speaker groups is a handy feature. It allows you to combine devices into a group so you can cast to all of them simultaneously. The result is perfectly synchronized audio, which is great if you have a bunch of devices spread throughout your house. One thing that has been annoying about speaker groups is the exclusion of Chromecasts. That's finally changing.
Google Home Hub Smart Display and refreshed Google Chromecast are official: Here's what you need to know
Google's first smart display, the 7-inch Google Home Hub, has been announced. A refreshed Google Chromecast has also been announced.
Google is in a race with Amazon: A race to see which company will be the first to take over your home. At one end, you have Amazon Alexa and all the Alexa-enabled products. On the other end, you have Google Assistant and all the Assistant-enabled products. Amazon was first to market with an Alexa-enabled smart display, the Amazon Echo Show, but Google followed up at this year’s CES by announcing that several partners like Lenovo and JBL would be releasing their own Google Assistant smart displays. Now, Google has unveiled their own smart display, called the Google Home Hub.