Chromecast is one of many gadgets that lets you watch web and app content on your TV. From Roku to smart TVs, there are many ways you can share multimedia content on your TV screen. What’s really cool about Chromecast is that it doesn’t just let you watch online videos on a bigger screen.
The ability to cast any tab to your TV from multiple browsers, or even cast your entire screen, allows Google Chromecast to be used in many creative ways. Likewise, the Cast button is being added to more and more applications.
Here are some creative uses for the Chromecast, or other reasons to buy a Chromecast if you haven’t added it to your gadget collection.
Create your own photo slideshow of friends
If you upload your photos to a photo-sharing site like Flickr, a social network like Facebook, or even just back them up to a service like Dropbox, you can simply browse the photos in Chrome and cast the tab to his TV. Instead of centering on a small computer screen, bring your photos to life on the big screen.
Chromecast also has something called Ambient Mode. This is the screen that appears when you’re not using your Chromecast, showing a random picture, clock, and date. If you have a Google Photos account, you can link it through the Home app to show your own stored photos when Ambient Mode is activated.
Share a demo or presentation
A great feature of Chromecast is the ability to cast multiple browser tabs to your TV screen. You can also cast the entire screen. Just click the Cast button in your browser, click Sources and select the Cast Screen option.
It’s a great way to share PowerPoint presentations, client presentations, and more. You can make presentations and presentations anywhere you have a TV and wireless connection. Of course, when doing something like this, you should have a wireless mouse on hand for easier control of the presentation.
Allow others to share your views in VR
It’s often fun to watch someone use a VR headset, especially if it’s their first time trying VR. There’s a better way to make VR content fun for everyone.
Some VR systems, including the Meta Quest, give you the option to project what the user sees onto a TV screen. This is usually done through the VR system’s companion app, and is as easy as casting from any other app, for example, by tapping the cast button.
Use your TV as a large PC monitor
Even if you don’t want to share your presentation or presentation with others, you probably need a large computer monitor. If you’re not going to develop other devices, why not get creative and use Chromecast instead? If you have a laptop or desktop, all you need is a Chromecast, a wireless mouse, and a wireless keyboard (if you’re using a desktop computer).
Again, just like with a Chromecast to include in a presentation, you can cast your entire screen, not just one tab.
Makes it easier to have one-on-one video chats with your family
If you’re video calling friends and family, rather than having a group of people trying to gather around your computer to chat, cast your desktop to your TV. If you’re using a laptop, place it in front of the TV so anyone you’re on a video call can see everyone. Better yet, if you have a good portable webcam, put it on top of your TV. Then you have a big screen to see the person you’re video calling on a big screen.
Many video chat and online meeting applications allow live streaming or within a browser window. For example, Skype can be shared to Chromecast via the Skype for Smartphone app and browser (but not via the Skype for Windows app).
Stream Your Favorite Podcast
Podcasts can make up a sizable chunk of your entertainment mix. Sometimes, it’s good to plug in your headphones, forget about the world, and immerse yourself in your favorite digital conversations. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to listen to podcasts, including via Chromecast.
Many of the most popular podcasting apps allow casting to Chromecast, allowing you to enjoy content through your TV’s speakers. Not only does this allow you to enjoy podcasts with friends or family, but it’s also useful when you want to be able to hear your kids, the doorbell, or whatever.
Exercise improves health
There are several options for exercising with Chromecast. One of the coolest apps is the Just Dance Now app. This free app encourages you to dance with on-screen characters, redoing movements to the music.
You can use Chromecast to stream dance videos to your TV, and your phone will track your movements when you hold it in your hand. It’s so much fun to be a little more active without leaving the house.
Learning Lyrics on TV
Casting music from Spotify or similar music services to Chromecast is a very popular option. If your music service app doesn’t have a Cast button, you can usually play it in your browser and cast the tab. But you may not know that you can also play the lyrics of almost any song on your TV.
There are several apps that can help with this, but one of the best is MusixMatch – Lyrics Finder. You can cast music from several popular music streaming services, then open MusixMatch, find the song, and hit the cast button. The lyrics will appear in a floating box on the TV screen.
Play mobile games on the big screen
Not long ago, if you wanted to play games via Chromecast, you could only choose browser-based titles and cast tabs to your TV. Today, there are hundreds of mobile games you can choose to play via Chromecast. After games are played on the big screen, you often use your phone as a game controller. Some games also allow the use of a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard.
If you have a TV with Chromecast built in, games are usually included. They can be controlled using the TV remote and mobile phone.
Turn your TV into a dashboard
While the Chromecast is primarily an entertainment device, it can also be used in other ways. Just like for presentations or online meetings, Chromecast can be a handy work tool. One of the most interesting uses is to pass custom dashboards.
Some Dashboard services allow casting, including the Dashboard Cast app for Android and Gekkoboard. Dashboards can be customized with RSS feeds, weather forecasts, breaking news, and even web analytics. Connecting your Chromecast to your TV or spare monitor lets you display important information while using your computer.