More and more people are cutting the cable cord and relying on streaming devices. One of the most popular is Google's Chromecast. Whether you have it or you're thinking about it, getting the most from your Chromecast is important when siting down to binge-watch the latest season of Stranger Things. To help, Jared Cotter has four awesome Google Chromecast hacks you’ll want to check out.
1. Guest Mode
We've all had parties where somebody wants to show us a video or photos on their phone and then everybody crowds around trying to see what's on the small screen. So, to avoid the hassle, do this instead. Go to the Chromecast device settings and turn on guest mode. People can use any app that has the "Google Cast" icon, like YouTube or Google Photos, to send anything on their phone to a nearby TV by entering the four-digit pin displayed on the TV.
2. Streaming From the Cloud
Say you have DVDs that you've copied and store on a hard drive. Maybe you also have movies you've purchased online. Add to that photos and music from other devices and that's a whole lot of media scattered around. Here's how you can use Chromecast to tap into all that content. Download a media management app like Plex or VideoStream for the desktop. These apps organize all your content in one simple place. Android and iOS apps let you send it from your mobile device.
3. Browse the Web on Bigger Screen
If you're hanging around the living room or are lying in bed and don't want to go to your desktop computer, you can cast to your TV from the Chrome Browser on your phone, tablet or laptop. Open the browser, click on the three vertical dots in the upper right, select "cast," pick the Chromecast device and the browser tab will show up on the TV. You're now ready maximize your web surfing.
4. Google Voice Assistant
If you really want to Chromecast like a boss, download the "Google Voice Assistant" to your mobile device and link "Cast Ready" apps like Netflix and Spotify. Once you've set up the voice assistant, tap the microphone icon at the bottom and tell old Google what you want to do.
What's your favorite device for streaming? Join the conversation!
