Chromecast: doubts and most frequent uses

After the pertinent analysis of the Chromecast and its most popular applications, it is very possible that some doubts will continue to arise. And for that we are here, opening another article in order to help you as much as possible. We will be in charge from now on to expose questions that we think can fit more with the doubts of the users at the time of facing the handling of this device, among other things. We begin:

What is Chromecast?

This may sound like Perogrullo, but we do not lose anything by re-defining what this gadget is: we are talking only about a device that connects to the HDMI port of our television (in the pendrive style) allowing content to be played on the screen via WiFi connection multimedia that come from other domestic terminals such as Smartphone, pc or tablet.

What's in the box (Unboxing)

Although you can see more closely thanks to our Chromecast review.

Apart from the device, as is logical, we will find a USB cable and charger, in addition to an HDMI extension. The USB allows us to connect our device to the TV to charge it or to the electrical network through the charger as an intermediary. The HDMI extension will allow us to use the Chromecast also serving as an intermediary between the device and our TV (if it does not have enough physical space to connect the Chromecast directly, of course), in addition to being used as a WiFi antenna.

Is it difficult to configure?

We do not need to have extensive computer knowledge to start using Chromecast: it connects, we install a Google Chrome browser extension, it is linked to the WiFi network and it is ready to be used. It is very simple.

Does it contain internal battery?

The answer is no. It needs to be permanently connected to function, be it to television or to the electrical network. Even for some special functions like "turn on the TV from mobile" it must be plugged into the charger.

Compatible Devices

Whatever is compatible with Chrome, or what is the same: all, that is, tablets, phones and computers. As for operating systems, Chromecast works with Android, iOS, Windows and OSX.

BlackBerry and Windows Phone users: helpless?

We fear this is the case, at least for now, so we will have to wait.

Can only be used with online content

This is at least the idea with which Google started when creating and marketing it, placing its trust in YouTube and Google Play. However, third parties are already allowed to develop applications for Chromecast, such as RealPlayer, Plex or Cloud, which allow local content to be played.

HD video playback: 720P? 1080P?

In general, we can enjoy video files with quality and without cuts, although it depends significantly on the speed of the WiFi network and the power of the PC processor. It plays video in resolution up to 720p, without it being available at 1080p.

Can we use the Smartphone while broadcasting with Chromecast?

Definitely yes, thanks to the fact that the applications synchronized with Chromecast can run in the background, allowing us to make a different use of our terminal at the same time.

Battery consumption in smartphones and tablets

Normally, the autonomy of our mobiles or tablets will not be seriously affected.

Will it turn our television into a "Smart TV"?

Not exactly, since a Smart TV offers its own services, such as specific applications, digital recording of content, online purchase, etc. The Chromecast only acts as an intermediary between our favorite devices and the TV.

Can any computer serve us?

No. I5 or Macs 2012 or later processors are required. It is also worth mentioning that since Windows XP and Linux we cannot issue browser tabs, one of the most interesting functions.

Is it compatible with the 5Ghz Wifi Network?

We are sorry to indicate that unfortunately it is not. This is quite a negative point, since in the current times and that the 2.4Ghz Wifi network is falling short, we must configure our router or access point in "Dual Brand" to stream with Chromecast.

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Are we talking about a revolutionary product?

Not at all. It has ancestors such as Apple TV or Roku 3, although what makes Chromecast interesting is what Google offers us: Android universe, an unbeatable price of 35 euros, a multitude of applications and a guarantee.

Frequent uses

Next we are going to develop three different uses that we can give Chromecast and that are causing a real sensation among users:

• The television becomes a giant photo frame or a music player: thanks to applications like Dayframe we can create slide shows with our favorite snapshots. On the other hand, Youtube has thousands of music video lists to liven up any party with friends or family. Wide the screen of our laptop: the ideal for this is to have a wireless keyboard and mouse, in order to enjoy our television - computer as God commands. We cannot guarantee that all programs work well, but we do not lose anything by trying it. My television, my video game console: thanks to the GamingCast app we will be able to enjoy simple retro games that will strike a chord with more than one, such as the snake, tetris or pong, which offers a multiplayer version.

Availability in Spain

The Chromecast is already available in our country for the incredible price of 35 euros, so its success is guaranteed both in the Play Store and in Amazon Spain. It has many free applications, although some may also require a paid subscription. It is compatible with Android smartphones and tablets in version 2.3 and later, as well as iPads, iPods and iPhones that have iOS 6.0 onwards and also Windows or Mac computers that have the browser.