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Meaning of LED light on voice remote for Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer

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Meaning of LED light on voice remote for Chromecast with Google TV

The LED light on the voice remote for Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer can give you some quick information about the status of the remote.

This Chromecast with Google TV guide explains the meaning of the LED light on the voice remote for Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer to help you understand the status of the remote correctly.

Please note that this guide only applies to the official voice remote, which is bundled with the Chromecast with Google TV (both the 4K and HD versions) and the latest Google TV Streamer.

You may get a replacement from Google Store. Third-party Android TV remote controls may have totally different designs. The meaning of LED lights on these third-party remotes, if present, depends on the manufacturer. Google TV Streamer is the successor to Chromecast with Google TV. This guide applies to both.

Where is the LED light on the voice remote for Chromecast with Google TV?

As explained in this guide and shown in the picture above, the LED light is located in the lower part of the front panel below the Power button and the input source switch button.

When it is not … Continue to read the post....

Master the Voice Remote for Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer

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Master the Voice Remote for Chromecast with Google TV

Voice remote for Chromecast with Google TV is one of the signature features of the latest Chromecast device.  It transforms the casting dongle into a full-featured setup box.

You can still cast videos from any mobile device to the Chromecast with Google TV as you did with previous generations of Chromecast (Chromecast, Chromecast 2nd gen/2015, and Chromecast 3rd gen/2018), or Chromecast Ultra.  But the Google TV interface adds tons of new features and possibilities. The voice remote is an indispensable accessory for enjoying these new features.

This Chromecast guide explains what the voice remote for Chromecast with Google TV can do, the layout of the voice remote and the functions of each button/part, and how to control Chromecast with Google TV if you cannot find the voice remote.

Update: Google TV Streamer now replaces Chromecast with Google TV. This guide also applies to Google TV Streamer.

What can Voice Remote for Chromecast with Google TV do?

If you use Chromecast with Google TV as a passive receiving device, you probably do not need the remote. But you missed a lot of features of the dongle.

The voice remote helps you use the Chromecast with … Continue to read the post....

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.

Update 1: you can now use Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV to quickly pair headphones and earbuds with Chromecast.

Update 2: It is very easy to use SmartTube to watch YourTube without ads (without YouTube Premium) on Chromecast with Google TV.

Update 3: After 4 years, Chromecast with Google TV now has a successor: Google TV Streamer.

Chromecast 4th Gen converges Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra

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

But Google worked the extra mile. The Chromecast with Google TV … Continue to read the post....

How to use Chromecast to stream music to dumb speakers (as Chromecast Audio does)?

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How to use Chromecast to stream music to dumb speakers (as Chromecast Audio does)?

Although Chromecast Audio was discontinued, you can still make your vintage speakers or favourite AVR systems alive by using Chromecast to stream music to dumb speakers, just like what Chromecast Audio does.

Of course, this may require additional setup and one additional gadget (a few bucks) unless your speaker or AV supports HDMI input.

This Chromecast guide explains why you may consider using Chromecast to stream music to dumb speakers and how to set up the system so that you can continue streaming music to the speakers and AV systems without Chromecast Audio.

Update: the latest Chromecast 2020 (Chromecast with Google TV; Chromecast 4th Gen) merges Chromecast, Chromecast Ultra, and Android TV. There is no successor to Chromecast Audio. The Android TV OS enables some useful features, e.g., accessing Google Play Store, enabling developer options, and sideloading apps. The voice remote also added new ways to control the Chromecast with Google TV.

Update 2: Google TV Streamer now replaces Chromecast with Google TV. You may use the HDMI output of Google TV Streamer for your AV system or dumb speakers.

Why do you want to use Chromecast (or Chromecast Ultra) as Chromecast

… 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 updating your Chromecast.

The successor of Chromecast 2018, Chromecast with Google TV (Chromecast 2020; Chromecast 4th Gen), was released on September 30, 2020.  Google TV Streamer is the current product replacing Chromecast with Google TV. 

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-generation Chromecast, you will get the latest Chromecast 2018 … 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 wanted 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 about 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 a low-power, short-range personal area network (PAN). The speed is far lower than that of … Continue to read the post....