Elyse Betters Picaro/ZDNET
Since 2014, Google's Chromecast has been an affordable means for helping viewers turn their older model TVs into smart TVs, allowing them to stream content from their phones, tablets, and computers to a bigger screen.
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Alas, the era of the Chromecast has come to an end. Google is replacing it with the Google TV Streamer, promising a faster processor, Thread and Matter integration, and the ability to summarize TV episodes or whole seasons, among other new tricks.
But that doesn't mean the Chromecast is obsolete yet; in fact, Google has promised to continue providing software and security updates for now. I found a number of cool things anyone can do with their trusty Chromecast that most users are unaware of.
1. Cast your favorite tunes to your TV
Numerous music streaming platforms, such as Spotify, SiriusXM, Amazon Music, and Pandora, can stream music directly to your Chromecast device. Why not get bigger sound from your TV speakers or, better yet, the soundbar you have hooked up to it?
Ensure that your device is on the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast, and find the More Devices button or Chromecast icon in your app. Select your Chromecast from the options that appear, and start streaming. When you want to disconnect, use the Google Home app to stop streaming from your music app.
2. Check out Chromecast Preview
The Chromecast Preview Program is a user-opt-in channel that updates your Google device with the latest firmware version before it's made broadly available. Members of the program can get early access to features and improvements on their devices; in exchange, they help Google find and fix bugs before features are released for broader consumption.
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