From the comfort of your smartphone or tablet, you can search, browse, create a queue and control your TV. It doesn’t affect how you use your smartphone or tablet in the least and doesn’t drain your battery. The beauty of it though is that Chromecast is bigger than the sum of its parts, ergo Chromecast built-in. Chromecast built-in refers to devices other than the Google Chromecast dongle that offer the same Chromecast experience without actual investment in a physical dongle.
Features
Chromecast built-in uses the cloud to stream the aforementioned multimedia content to your Smart TV with a resolution of up to 4K Ultra HD with great sound. A basic requirement is a strong internet connection otherwise your stream will be affected by intermittent cuts. Streaming with your Android or iPhone can be relegated to the background leaving you to browse, chat, or make calls. Multitasking and the media stream itself don’t deplete your phone battery. Another less talked about feature supported by Chromecast is screen mirroring. Unlike a Chromecast stream, you don’t actually need an internet connection to mirror your device onto the big screen.
The Updated Guide to Setting Up Google ChromecastThe Difference Between Google TV and Android TV
What devices support Chromecast built-in?
Android TV sets and streaming boxes have Chromecast-built in by default. Among these include Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Philips, Skyworth, Polaroid, Soniq and Vizio TV brands running Android TV. Also, Google-certified Android TV boxes like the Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box/ Mi Stick, Turewell T9 automatically support Chromecast built-in. Other than the latest Google Chromecast which runs Google TV (a skin of Android TV) and comes with its own remote, Android TV devices make a better argument due to their advanced functionality than a plain old Chromecast dongle. Chromecast built-in speakers are now also apparently a thing. The big names in the biz (JBL, Sony, LG, Vizio, Philips, e.t..c.) are throwing their weight behind it to give it credence. With wireless speakers, you can set music to play in every room with a few taps on your smartphone.
Supported Apps
There’s a laundry list (in the thousands) of Chromecast-enabled apps to choose from. Other than the usual suspects like Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, Google Photos, Chrome and more there’s a way to tell. Look out for the Chromecast logo on your favorite app whenever you’re on the same network with the display device that has Chromecast built-in.
Some other examples include Google Play Movies, VLC, Plex, Hulu, Disney+, Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, Angry Birds Go, Twitch, Apple Music, DStv, Showmaxx, Prime Video, e.t.c. The list is endless and dependent on what apps you use on your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
Featured image: Android Police
