All About Chromecast

developer options

Google TV Streamer vs Chromecast with Google TV: Everything you need to know

Last updated on: , first published on: Leave a Comment

Google TV Streamer vs Chromecast with Google TV: Everything you need to know

Google TV Streamer will replace Chromecast with Google TV 4K/HD (the only Chromecast device in the market now) in September 2024. Is this the end of the Chromecast? How about Google TV Streamer vs Chromecast with Google TV?

This Chromecast guide answers questions you may have about the transition to Google TV Streamer and the comparison of Google TV Streamer vs Chromecast with Google TV. The guide will also explain the differences between Google TV Streamer and Chromecast with Google TV, the improvements, and the new features of the Google TV Streamer.

Chromecast with Google TV has two versions: 4K (up to 4K 60fps) and HD (up to 1080p). In this post, they will not be distinguished. Unless the HD version is singled out, you can assume it refers to the 4K version.

Does it mean the end of Chromecast? No, Chromecast has been just a software feature since Chromecast with Google TV.

Google already stopped Chromecast devices when Chromecast with Google TV was released in 2020.

Chromecast with Google TV is essentially an Android TV (switched from Chrome OS) with a Google TV UI in the name of Chromecast. It can do everything Chromecast (and Chromecast Ultra) … Continue to read the post....

How to watch YouTube without ads on Chromecast with Google TV (without YouTube Premium) and on Google TV Streamer?

Last updated on: , first published on: Leave a Comment

watch YouTube without ads on Chromecast with Google TV (without YouTube Premium)

Many Chromecast owners are not aware that they can watch YouTube without ads on Chromecast with Google TV without paying for the YouTube Premium.

YouTube ads have become less relevant to users in recent years, and therefore, many Chromecast owners want to use YouTube without ads.

This Chromecast how-to guide shows you step-by-step instructions for installing the free SmartTube app on Chromecast with Google TV to watch YouTube without ads for free.

Please note you can install apps on Chromecast with Google TV (both HD and 4K models. Both also support Fast Pair). The older Chromecast dongles (those without a voice remote control) do not have this capability because they are not based on Android.

Update: the new Google TV Streamer is just an update for Chromecast with Google TV, You can use SmartTube on it to enjoy ad-free YouTube, just like on Chromecast with Google TV. This guide also applies to Google TV Streamer.

The requirements for watching YouTube without ads for free on Chromecast with Google TV

In order to watch YouTube videos without ads for free on Chromecast with Google TV, you need to make sure:

  • The Developer option is enabled to sideload one app
… Continue to read the post....

How to use Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV to pair headphones and earbuds with Chromecast?

Last updated on: , first published on: Leave a Comment

How to use Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV to pair headphones and earbuds with Chromecast?

As announced in CES 2024, you can now use Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV to pair headsets (with Chromecast) after applying the February update.

This Chromecast how-to guide explains what Fast Pair is, how to use Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV to pair headphones/earbuds with Chromecast, and how to manage audio output devices for Chromecast with Google TV. Finally, a list of popular headphones and earbuds that support Fast Pair is provided.

Fast Pair support was added to all models (e.g., 4K and HD models) of Chromecast with Google. So, this guide applies to all models and generations of Chromecast with Google TV. Fast Pair is also supported on Google TV Streamer, the successor to Chromecast with Google TV. You can also use this guide if you are an owner of Google TV Streamer.

Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV is a built-in feature, and you do not need to enable developer options.

What is Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV?

Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV is not new. Google introduced Google Fast Pair Service (GFPS) in 2017 with Pixel Buds for Android devices. It was later referred to … Continue to read the post....

How to enable developer options in Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer?

Last updated on: , first published on: 6 Comments

enable developer options in Chromecast with Google TV

The developer options in Chromecast with Google TV allow you to access some advanced features of Android TV, e.g., sideloading apps directly through ADB commands.

This Chromecast with Google TV guide explains what you can do with developer options in Chromecast with Google TV and how to enable it for the dongle.

Please note this guide applies to Chromecast with Google TV only. Other Chromecast devices (all previous generations of Chromecast, Chromecast Ultra, and Chromecast Audio) are not powered by Android.

Update: there are now two versions of Chromecast with Google TV: the HD version (up to 1080p full HD, [email protected]) and the 4K version (up to 4K, same as the original one @49.99). This guide applies to both of them.

Update 2: You can watch YouTube videos without ads by using the SmartTube app.

Update 3: Google TV Streamer is the successor to Chromecast with Google TV. You can use developer options on Google TV Streamer, just like on Chromecast with Google TV.

What can you do with developer options in Chromecast with Google TV?

Chromecast with Google TV differs from previous generations of Chromecast in two major aspects, as explained in this post:… Continue to read the post....

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

Last updated on: , first published on: Leave a Comment

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

Last updated on: , first published on: 4 Comments

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!

Last updated on: , first published on: 4 Comments

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)?

Last updated on: , first published on: 36 Comments

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....

How to Chromecast Amazon Prime Video to your TV?

Last updated on: , first published on: 9 Comments

How to Chromecast Amazon Prime Video to your TV?

In July 2019, Amazon Prime Video finally supported Chromecast, and you can easily Chromecast Amazon Prime Video on 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 how to use Chromecast to stream Amazon Prime videos and the difference between Chromecast and Watch on Second Screen.

Update 1: Chromecast with Google TV (the 4th Gen of Chromecast) and Google TV Streamer are running on Android TV OS. You can install Amazon Prime Video apps from the Google Play Store directly on Chromecast with Google TV or Google TV Streamer. You can enable developer options and even sideload apps on these devices. For example, you can sideload the SmartTube app to watch YouTube without ads (and it is free.).

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 … Continue to read the post....