Got
yourself a super-cheap streaming dongle from Google? Or thinking about
picking one up? Here are 10 lesser-known tricks and tips that you can
use to get more from your Chromecast and unlock some of its hidden
potential.
1. Get the Chromecast wallpaper
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If you like
the impressive photo slideshow that appears when your Chromecast dongle
is waiting for an app to connect, you’ll be interested to know you can
view it as a Web page
as well (to find the link to the actual JPEGs you’ll need to view the
page source and follow the URL from there). Alternatively you can pick
them up from a couple of collections kindly put together on the Web for other users to download and install.
2. Stream local files
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You can cast browser tabs with the Google Cast extension,
and Chrome can play local files, which means you can cast local files
if they’re in a format that Chrome can work with (such as .mp3s and
.mp4s). It may not work perfectly, especially with higher quality videos
or less powerful laptops, but it’s a good option to have available. Use
Ctrl+O or Cmd+O to open a local file in Chrome, then use the Google Cast extension as normal.
3. Change streaming quality
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Choose the Options
link from the Google Cast extension drop-down, and you can configure
the streaming quality that’s used when you send a tab across to the
Chromecast. If you’ve got oodles of bandwidth to work with then set it
to Extreme; if there’s a lot of activity on your local network and
you’re experiencing problems, give the Standard option a try. For most
users the default High option should suffice.
4. Share party playlists
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QCast Music
is a free app from the Google Play Store that ties into your Google
Play Music All Access account (with support for other subscription
services coming soon). You can cast party playlists to your television
set and then let your guests vote on whether a particular song can be
kept or removed. The party host gets the final say, in case you want to
force your favorite band on everyone.
5. Cast your desktop
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The ability
to cast your entire desktop is now an option within the Google Cast
extension. Click the extension button, then the small downward arrow to
find the setting. There’s also the option to restrict the casting to
audio only, which is helpful if you’re just listening to music. Pick Cast entire screen
to send your whole desktop to the Chromecast dongle, though be prepared
to encounter a few bugs along the way as it’s developed.
6. Stream movies from Google Drive
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If you’ve
taken advantage of Google Drive’s drop in storage prices and are keeping
some movies there, you can Chromecast them in several different ways
(such as the one in tip 2). The most straightforward methods are to use
are apps such as the premium version of AllCast or the Android L-ready LocalCast. Alternatively, you can try a media server solution such as BubbleUPnP Server, though the setup is slightly more involved.
7. Find what’s on your Chromecast
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This isn’t a feature that’s available yet, but it’s on the way
so we’re going to include it. If you were paying attention during the
Google I/O Keynote this year then you’ll know the Chromecast home screen
is being updated to show a user-defined gallery of photos. When this
update arrives, you’ll be able to ask your phone “what’s on my
Chromecast” to get Google-powered information about where a photo was
taken or what it depicts.
8. Mirror your Android device
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In the last couple of weeks the Android Chromecast app
has been updated to allow the dongle to mirror the display of your
phone or tablet. You’ll need a one of the following devices: Nexus 4, 5,
7 (second generation), 10, Samsung Galaxy S4 and S5, Note 3 and 10, HTC
One M7, LG G2, G3 and G Pro 2. Run the app, and the Cast Screen option
appears the menu. As you change from landscape to portrait mode on your
device, the cast changes too.
9. Find compatible apps
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Google maintains its own site
where Chromecast-compatible apps are listed. Check back on a regular
basis—and pay attention to the New tab—to be the first to know when your
favorite app gets the upgrade. Recent additions to the list include
WatchESPN and PBS Kids. Don’t worry if you forget to bookmark Google’s
list, though; if any major apps are added to the list then we’ll usually let you know about it.
10. Factory reset your Chromecast
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If you’re
giving away or trying to troubleshoot your Chromecast then a factory
reset might be in order. To do this, press and hold the button on your
device for 25-30 seconds until it reboots. Alternatively, go into the
Chromecast app, select the dongle and then pick Factory reset Chromecast
from the settings menu. The same option can be found in the Windows or
Mac
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