Back in 2013, Google introduced Chromecast, a nifty little device that allowed you to stream audio and video from your smartphone, tablet, or computer straight to your TV.
This was a game-changer when smart TVs were still rare, providing a cheaper alternative to streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV. Over time, Google’s streaming technology evolved, leading to some confusion between Chromecast and Google Cast. This guide will help clear things up and explain how it all works.
Chromecast Hardware
The original Chromecast was a simple HDMI dongle that plugged into your TV, letting you cast content from your devices. It was popular due to its affordability and simplicity.
Google later introduced Chromecast Audio, for streaming audio to speakers, and Chromecast Ultra, which supported 4K/HDR streaming. These devices required a source device to cast content and didn’t have their own interfaces or remote controls.
Enter Google TV
In 2020, Google released Chromecast with Google TV, merging the casting features of previous Chromecasts with an on-screen interface and remote control. This new device, based on Android TV, came with a content discovery feature called Google TV.
It addressed the growing competition from cheaper devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV. Chromecast with Google TV is available in two versions: one that supports 4K/HDR and a more budget-friendly 1080p/HDR model.
Back to Google Cast
Google allowed other manufacturers to integrate Chromecast functionality into their devices, leading to the term “Chromecast built-in.” This applied to TVs, soundbars, and speakers that could receive casted content but lacked the full features of Chromecast with Google TV.
In May 2024, Google reverted “Chromecast built-in” to “Google Cast” to clarify this distinction. Both terms mean a device can receive casted content.
How Does Google Cast Work?
Casting works differently depending on the content. For streaming services like YouTube or Spotify, your device sends a command to the cast-enabled device, which then streams the content directly using its own internet connection.
Here, your device acts as a remote control. For local content, like music on your phone or screen mirroring, the content is streamed over your home network from one device to another.
Google Cast and Apple AirPlay are similar, but Google Cast supports higher-resolution audio and works with a wider range of devices, including PCs and Android devices, unlike AirPlay, which is limited to Apple products.
Google Cast and Google Home
You can manage Google Cast devices through the Google Home app on iOS and Android. This app lets you control playback, assign devices to rooms, create speaker groups, and integrate devices into smart home routines using Google Assistant.
How to Cast
To cast content, look for the Google Cast icon (a rectangle with three concentric rings) in your mobile app. Tap this icon to see a list of available Google Cast devices on your network.
Select the device you want to cast to. The cast icon will change to indicate an active session, allowing you to control playback or end the session at any time.
Understanding these distinctions and features will help you make the most of Google’s wireless streaming technology, enhancing your viewing and listening experiences.