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Chromecast 4th Gen (Chromecast with Google TV) is coming!

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Chromecast 4th Gen (Chromecast with Google TV)Very likely, Google will reveal the 4th Gen of Chromecast on September 30, 2020. But the details of the Chromecast 4th Gen (aka Chromecast with Google TV, or Chromecast 2020) were leaked. A few retailers have released the product inadvertently.

Google TV here simply means Google-branded Android TV (not the old Google TV). It is not a new platform. Instead, it is a new form factor (dongle) for Android TV.

This post will summarize the key features of the Chromecast 4th Gen (Chromecast with Google TV) compared to the 3rd Gen of Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra.

Chromecast 4th Gen converges Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra

The new Chromecast (4th gen, Chromecast 2020) is a natural successor for the 3rd Gen of Chromecast (Chromecast 2018).

But Google worked the extra mile. The Chromecast with Google TV also converges the Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra.

The 4th Gen of Chromecast supports 4K and HDR, which were the exclusive features of Chromecast Ultra. So, the new Chromecast with Google TV surely will replace not only Chromecast 3rd Gen but also Chromecast Ultra.

In other words, Google simplifies the Chromecast product line into one.

Unfortunately, Google does not offer any successors for … Continue to read the post....

How to Chromecast Amazon Prime Video to your TV?

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How to Chromecast Amazon Prime Video to your TV?From July 2019, Amazon Prime Video finally supports Chromecast and you can easily chromecast Amazon Prime Video to your TV.

Now, you can enjoy the Prime videos on the TV without a fire TV dongle/box/cube. Chromecast and the Amazon Prime Video app are the only requirements.

This Chromecast how-to guide explains to you how to use Chromecast to stream Amazon Prime videos, and the difference between Chromecast and Watch on Second Screen.

Fire TV vs. Chromecast

For a long time, Amazon has fought against Google on all fronts.

Chromecast was banned on the Amazon platform. Fire tablets removed anything related to Google. Amazon used Bing, instead of Google, as the default search engine on their devices.

Google fought back by removing YouTube support on all Amazon devices (Fire tablet, Fire TV,  Fire TV Cube, and Echo Show).

In July 2019, two adults finally stopped hostility.  Amazon started to sell Chromecast (and other Google gadgets) and add Chromecast support to Prime Video app.

So, you can now use Chromecast to stream Amazon Prime Video from your mobile devices or PC to your TV without using a Fire TV.

In the past, you have three options … Continue to read the post....

What’s new in Chromecast 2018 (3rd gen of Chromecast)?

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What's new in Chromecast 2018 (3rd gen of Chromecast)?On October 9 2018, Google announced the 3rd generation of Chromecast (Chromecast 2018) as the successor of the 2nd generation of Chromecast (Chromecast 2015).

There is no update for Chromecast Ultra or Chromecast Audio this year. Update: Google discontinued Chromecast Audio in early 2019.

This Chromecast guide explains the new features of Chromecast 2018 (3rd gen of Chromecast), and whether it is worth to update your Chromecast.

The successor of Chromecast 2018, Chromecast with Google TV (Chromecast 2020; Chromecast 4th Gen), were released on September 30, 2020.

What are the new features in Chromecast 2018 (3rd gen of Chromecast)?

Chromecast 2018 is a minor update to Chromecast 2015 (2nd gen Chromecast). So, there are no jaw-dropping new features in Chromecast 2018.

Because Chromecast is so unique that there are no serious direct competitors in the market, it is hard to judge whether Chromecast 2018 is behind or ahead of the industry trends.

But one thing is sure your $35 will be well spent if you do not own a Chromecast or Chromecast Ultra now.

As Google stopped selling the 2nd gen Chromecast, you will get the latest Chromecast 2018 if you purchase the Chromecast from now on.

The new … Continue to read the post....

How to use VLC for Android to stream local media to Chromecast?

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use VLC for Android to stream local media to ChromecastWith version 2.9.1, you can now use VLC for Android to stream local media to Chromecast. Videos and music files of all formats supported by VLC media player now can be streamed to Chromecast. Chromecast Ultra, Chromecast Audio, Google Home, Google Home Mini and Google Home Max. In this guide, I will try to use Chromecast to represent them all, instead of listing them all.

For PC users, you can stream local video and music files to Chromecast very easily with VLC media player version 3.0 RC2 or later.

This Chromecast guide shows you how to use VLC for Android to stream local media to Chromecast: installing the app, enrolling in the Android beta program, streaming local media with VLC for Android, and Chromecast streaming controls for VLC for Android.

Update: with the release of VLC 3.0, Chromecast is officially supported. Therefore, it is not necessary to join the beta program to use VLC for Android to stream local media to Chromecast. For PC users, you can use VLC media player to stream local music and videos to Chromecast, Chromecast Audio, and Google Home devices as detailed in this guide.

What is VLC for Android?

… Continue to read the post....

Chromecast Ultra vs Chromecast 2nd Gen

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Chromecast Ultra vs Chromecast 2nd GenOn October 4, 2016, Google announced a new $69 (not $35) Chromecast device: Chromecast Ultra.

This actually is the 3rd generation of Chromecast. Chromecast (1st gen) was released in  2013. Chromecast 2nd gen and Chromecast Audio (which were discontinued in 2019) were announced in 2015.

This post will try to help you understand the differences between Chromecast 2nd Gen and Chromecast Ultra, and help you decide whether you need a Chromecast Ultra.

Chromecast 3rd gen (Chromecast 2018) and Chromecast 4th gen (Chromecast 2020; Chromecast with Google TV) are also available in the market now.

Is Chromecast Ultra for 4K TV only?

One of the most prominent features of Chromecast Ultra is supporting 4K video streaming.

But this does NOT mean Chromecast Ultra is only for 4K TV owners.

If you only have a Full HD (1080p) TV, compared to Chromecast 2nd gen,  Chromecast Ultra can still offer some nice new and improved features:

  • High Dynamic Range (HDR) support. Of course, HDR contents are still very limited. YouTube and Google Play will gradually join Netflix and Amazon for streaming HDR contents. HDR-ready TV is also needed to enjoy the benefits. We will discuss this in detail in
… Continue to read the post....

Chromecast Preview Program: Everything you need to know

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Chromecast Preview ProgramWhat is Chromecast Preview Program?

As a proud owner of the $35 Chromecast device, you already know the software in the dongle is always updated automatically. Google never asks you to update, or reboot to update.

So, you can enjoy the Chromecast without wasting any time on updating the firmware/OS.

On September 13, 2016, Google released Chromecast Preview Program for opt-in Chromecast owners to enjoy the new features and new version of software before such updates are broadly available.

In other words, Chromecast Preview Program, if opt-in, puts your Chromecast device in a special channel that receives software udpate before Google makes the update available for all other devices.

The update you get through Chromecast Preview Program is NOT beta software. It will be the final update (preview).  In  most cases, you just get it a few days (or one or two weeks) earlier than others,

For modern software udpate, it is impractical to push out updates immediately to tens of millions devices. Most companies roll out update in batches so that the update will not crash the server. And at the same time, quick feedback can be gathered before a full-scale roll-out.

Chromecast Preview Program is just to … Continue to read the post....

How to play games on Chromecast from mobile devices (Android and iOS)?

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play games on Chromecast from mobile devicesYou can play games on Chromecast from Android or iOS devices

Two of the new features for Chromecast and Chromecast Audio are multi-room group playback for Chromecast Audio  (for Chromecast Audio only) and playing games on Chromecast through Android and iOS devices (for Chromecast only, including 1st generation Chromecast). Please refer to this guide on how to use Chromecast Audio multi-room group playback.

For Chromecast-enabled apps, you can cast the game to the TV through Chromecast. Your mobile device then can act as a game controller and can display other info.

You can also challenge your friends or family members with multi-player games.

Please note, playing Chromecast-enabled games on Android and iOS devices is fundamentally different from Android screen mirroring (Android screen casting).  When you play Chromecast-enabled games on Android and iOS devices, you get split view of the game, not simply mirroring the screen.

This post will try to show you how to play games on Chromecast from Android devices.  The procedure is similar to that from iOS devices.

What are the requirements to play games on Chromecast from Android?

The requirements for playing games on Chromecast from Android devices include:

  1. A ready-to-cast Chromecast. Both the first generation and
… Continue to read the post....

Chromecast Audio vs Bluetooth: advantages and disadvantages of Chromecast Audio

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chromecast_audio_vs_bluetoothWhen Chromecast Audio was announced, a lot of people want to know the advantages and disadvantages of Chromecast Audio vs Bluetooth.

This is a natural question because Bluetooth speaker is readily available in all countries and regions. Most families have a few Bluetooth speakers, which may be given free when purchasing some expensive home appliances.

Chromecast Audio is new, although Chromecast is about 2 years old.  Even, some Chromecast owners may have some misunderstandings on Chromecast Audio.

If you are not sure about the difference between Chromecast and Chromecast Audio, or you are not sure about how Chromecast Audio streams music, you may check our Chromecast Audio guides page.

This post focuses on comparing Chromecast Audio vs Bluetooth to help you understand the advantages and limitations of Chromecast Audio. And therefore, you can make a better decision on whether you should get a Chromecast Audio, or whether you can live with Bluetooth, or whether and how you can use both of them within your budget.

Chromecast Audio vs Bluetooth: audio quality

Bluetooth usually has terrible audio quality because Bluetooth is designed as low power, short-range personal area networks (PANs). The speed is far lower than that of … Continue to read the post....

What’s new in the new Chromecast (Chromecast 2015)

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new_chromecast_2015_new_featuresUpdate: Chromecast 2018 (3rd generation) is out. You may check this guide for new features in Chromecast 2018.

Google just announced and released the 2nd generation of Chromecast on September 29, about 2 years after the initial release of Chromecast.

You can order the new Chromecast through Google Store or Best Buy now.

You may wonder what’s new in the new Chromecast (Chromecast 2015) and whether you should update to the new Chromecast.

In this post, I will share with you the top 5 new features and improvements of the new Chromecast (Chromecast 2015).

Detailed how-to guides for the new Chromecast will be added gradually.

1. Chromecast Audio: a new member of  the new Chromecast family:

In addition to the normal Chromecast with HDMI interface, Google released the new Chromecast Audio for your speaker.

You can connect Chromecast Audio to a speaker (or a soundbar or even your home theatre system) through the 3.5mm audio cable.

Chromecast Audio instantly turns your speakers or soundbar into a “smart” and “connected” device. It can stream music from the cloud or from your phones or other devices. Please check Chromecast Audio guides here.

It is better than a Bluetooth speaker:

  • It
… Continue to read the post....

How to use Ethernet Adapter for Chromecast?

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If you are not aware of it, Google quietly released the $15 Ethernet adapter for Chromecast early this month.  You can get it from Google devices store for $15.

This guide will show you how to use Ethernet adapter for Chromecast to get best connections for your Chromecast.

Who need Ethernet Adapter for Chromecast?

The Ethernet adapter is a lifesaver for those Chromecast owners:

  • Who do not have a wireless router at home.
  • Whose wireless signal is poor near the TV.
  • Whose wireless signal quality is not good.
  • Whose router is configured with AP isolation.
  • Who are streaming very high quality 1080p videos with Chromecast. Please follow this guide if you want to stream local media files.
  • Who are not satisfied with the WiFi connection quality for their Chromecast.

What are in the box of Ethernet Adapter for Chromecast?

In the box, you can find:

  • One Ethernet adapter for Chromecast, which will replace your current power adapter. It is essentially an 850mA power adapter with an Ethernet port.
  • One 1-page quick start guide. It illustrates you how to connect Ethernet adapter for Chromecast to Chromecast and the router.
  • One 36-page safety, regulatory and warranty information in many languages. You
… Continue to read the post....

Google released $15 Ethernet Adapter for Chromecast

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Ethernet_Adapter_for_Chromecast

Update: a mini user guide is available on how to use Ethernet adapter for Chromecast.

Google quietly released a $15 Ethernet adapter for Chromecast in July 8.

The adapter will not only improve the network performance of Chromecast especially if your WiFi  network signal (strength and quality) is not so good, but also may introduce new usages for Chromecast.

I will share with you why this $15 Ethernet adapter for Chromecast actually is a big thing for the e  .

Will $15 Ethernet adapter for Chromecast drag you back to wired era?

The  is supposed to be very simple to setup and simple to use.

Most of the time, it is.  But not always.

Some Chromecast owners have faced such problems:

  • weak WiFi signal or poor WiFi signal quality near TV.
  • no idea how to connect the Chromecast to the wireless network.
  • very old wireless router only supporting 802.11b.
  • no WiFi in office.
  • poor network performance of Chromecast.

Ethernet adapter for Chromecast will surely solve these problems.

Why?

  1. Ethernet connection is far more stable than WiFi. Even the  10M/100M Ethernet ports  in some aged routers usually can offer better and smoother streaming than 5G Hz wireless AC  connection
… Continue to read the post....

How to stream photos and videos on OneDrive to Chromecast?

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stream_photos_and_videos_on_OneDrive_to_Chromecast_0_supportIn the latest update (June 27) for Microsoft OneDrive for Android, Chromecast support is added. This means you can stream photos and videos on OneDrive to Chromecast.

This is a compliment to streaming local media files as detailed in this guide, as more and more Chromecast owners save contents in the cloud.

The current limitations of Google Photos

For Android users, the most popular cloud photo storage is probably Google Photos, which was recently revamped with many nice features (e.g., unlimited storage).

However, Google photos for Android does NOT support Chromecast currently. FYI,  the old Google+ photos (the predecessor of Google photos)  supported Chromecast.

So, although Google Photos can back up your photos and videos perfectly to the cloud, it is not easy to enjoy them on the TV.

For photos saved in Google Photos, you can create albums. Then add the albums to the Chromecast backdrop.  In this way, you can enjoy your photos on the TV screen through Chromecast automatically.

Please follow this guide on how to set up and use Chromecast backdrop to stream your Google Photos.

For videos, you are probably out of lack. Currently, there is no direct way to stream Google … Continue to read the post....

How to use Chromecast on Amazon Fire tablets (Fire HD, Fire HDX and Kindle Fire HDX)

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use_Chromecast_on_Amazon_Fire_tabletsUpdate (August 2019): an updated guide on install Google Play store and apps from Play Store on Amazon Fire tablet

If you are using an Amazon Fire tablet from 5th gen to the current model (8th gen), it is now easier to install Google Play Store on the Fire tablet.

Please check this updated guide on how to install Google Play Store on Fire tablet.

Update (July 2019): Amazon Prime Video app now supports Chromecast

As explained in this guide, Amazon Prime Video app on Android and IOS now supports Chromecast.

However, the Prime Video app on Fire tablets still does NOT support Chromecast.

Update (2016/02): Android screen mirroring works on Fire tablet 5th generation

For Fire tablet 5th generation ONLY (you can check yours in Settings– Device options–Device model), you can also use screencast for Chromecast (Android screen mirroring).  You can run the Play Store and update Play services.  Please follow this guide to run one ADB command.

For all previous generations of Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD, and Kindle Fire HDX tablets, you cannot run Google Play store app. Screencast does not work either. If Chromecast does not work after install the 4 APKs, you can try … Continue to read the post....

A Guide to Chromecast Offers

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chromecast_offers_guideMany Chromecast owners wasted free Chromecast offers for them, are you one of them?

For most companies, you can only get some special offers or gifts when buying their product.  After paying them, you seldom get free offers from them unless you upgrade or buy a new one again.

Google is really different.

Google gives  owners offers after offers, including existing owners. All these Chromecast offers are offered free from Google. Some of them are just like cash rebate e.g.,  Google Play Store credit,  which you can use for apps, music, TV or movies. Some are free movies.  Of course, some are free trials.

But many Chromecast owners are not aware of such Chromecast offers, and therefore let the offers expired.

This guide is to show you how to check the Chromecast offers available for you, and how to claim (redeem) them from your PC or Android (or iOS) devices.

Step-by-step guide on how to check and claim Chromecast offers from your PC

Please note, you can check and claim the Chromecast offers either from your PC or from a mobile device.  If you want to do this on a mobile device, you may skip this section … Continue to read the post....

Chromecast guest mode guide

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Chromecast guest mode allows your guests to cast to Chromecast without connecting to your WiFi network.

This Chromecast guide explains everything you need to know about the Chromecast guest mode: what the guest mode is, how it works, how to enable or disable it, how to cast in the guest mode, and the limitations of the guest mode.

What is Chromecast guest mode? When will you need it?

By default, the only way to use Chromecast is by joining your device to the same network as Chromecast.

This is part of the security consideration: you don’t want your neighbor to mess up your TV screen.

Sometimes, you have some guests in the house and they want to share something interesting from their devices through Chromecast. In this case, you have to connect their devices to your network to use the Chromecast.

If you have some sensitive files in your home network, you probably are reluctant to have them connected to your network. You may trust your friends, but you cannot trust their devices which may have nasty malware.

Chromecast guest mode comes to solve your dilemma. Thanks to the recent update in Chromecast.

You can turn on guest mode … Continue to read the post....