Technology

4 Everyday Uses For Google Chromecast

The goal of technology is to make our lives better or more convenient.  Sometimes a piece of technology can become very popular and almost be a common household name, without many really knowing what it does or how useful it could be.  As a person that just discovered it’s usefulness, Google Chromecast may be one of these products.

My wife and I were setting up for our son’s graduation party, and we wanted to display a video we created with pictures from his childhood on a large screen in our garage.  We had the projector setup but didn’t want to have a computer sitting next to it as was just another piece of electronics that could get bumped and broken.  As I was contemplating what to do, my son suggested we use his Google Chromecast.  His suggestion led to a series of questions, and a solution.  Just what is Google Chromecast, and how might you be able to use it in your everyday life?

What Is A Google Chromecast?

Google Chromecast is a video streaming device that allows users to transmit video from a computer or mobile device to a television.  The device is a magnetic disk at the end of a short cable that plugs into the HDMI port of a television.   When a video is played on a computer or mobile device using a Chromecast enabled device, the user can broadcast the video stream by pressing the cast icon within the application.  The video is then displayed on the television.

Everyday Uses For Google Chromecast

• SmartTV Functions: For the $35 price tag of a Chromecast, any TV with an HDMI port can be made into a smart TV.   If you use a video streaming service such as Netflix, Hulu or watch videos on YouTube, you can sign in on your computer or mobile device and simply cast it to your television.  My son wouldn’t go on a family vacation without it, as it allows him to stream videos where ever we go. Navigating these applications on your powerful computer or mobile device may actually be easier and faster than the common smart TV as well.
• Listening To Music:  Music content from the web version of Spotify, or a YouTube playlist can be cast to your television.  If your TV has a high-quality soundbar, this is a great way to play all your favorite songs when entertaining friends at your home.  In the case of YouTube, the accompanying video can add to the experience.
• Picture Sharing:  Share pictures of your kids or from your recent vacation by storing your pictures anywhere that can be accessed by a browser.  Instead of having everyone crowd around your computer, or passing your phone around, just cast the pictures to your larger television for the entire room to enjoy!
• Casting To A Projector:   This is the scenario described earlier for my son’s graduation party. By plugging the Chromecast into the HDMI port of the projector we were able to project his video in the garage without having a computer next to the projector.  I can also see us using this same setup for outdoor movie night during the summer!

Google Chromecast has been around for several years, but many people still don’t know what it is, or how it could be used to enhance their lives.  There are many other uses for Google Chromecast, what is your favorite?