De Chromecast you mainly know as a device that you hang on your television. However, the technology in the Chromecast is also incorporated into televisions and media players. Both devices run on the Cast OS, so the features and capabilities are completely the same. In this article everything about built-in Chromecast.
The capabilities of a Built-in Chromecast? Basically, it means that you can cast media from a smartphone, tablet or PC, provided you have a suitable app for this. Think of Spotify, YouTube or Netflix. There are some minor nuance differences, but the essence of a built-in Chromecast it's the same.
Chromecast built-in
You recognize televisions and media players with built-in Chromecast to the term 'Chromecast built-in'. Freely translated it says 'Chromecast built-in'. Otherwise, you should pay attention to the term Google Cast. That's an umbrella term for all devices that support Google's technology.
Also read: What is Casting?
When your television, soundbar or media player Chromecast built-in, then you don't have a separate one Chromecast more needed to be able to cast content. Casting is the principle of projecting content onto a screen other than the source device: from your smartphone onto your TV, for example.
Also read: Samsung TV with built-in Chromecast: these are the options
You can cast video and audio content. You can also completely transfer the screen of a tablet, PC or smartphone, provided that function is supported. While casting, you can control the media from the source device, but sometimes you can also use the TV remote control.
When you buy a TV or media player with Android TV on board (it must be an official version), you can assume that Chromecast built-in. Other devices, such as those from LG and Apple, are also possible Chromecast (built-in) support.
To use built-in Chromecast, you need a source device and a receiver. But also an app that allows you to view content. Within the app you will find the cast function in various places; where the button is positioned differs per app.
Also the Google Nest Hub, as seen in the image above, has a built-in Chromecast. This makes it possible to cast directly to this 7 inch screen. However, this is relatively small, so you might want to go for a larger screen if you want to consume a lot of media.
Support these apps Chromecast
There are more than a thousand applications currently available Chromecast to support. Google has one for that page created, where you can see all those applications. If an application is added, Google will update the page - so you are always up to date.
✔ Operate with remote control + app
✔ Very affordable
✔ Good value for money
Chromecast with Google TV HD
✔ HDR 10 +
✔ Android TV
✔ Remote control
✔ Wi-Fi ac (2.4 and 5GHz)
Chromecast with Google TV
You may already recognize a large number of apps with video content: Netflix, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Disney+, Videoland, Plex, Pokémon TV, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video and Dailymotion. You can cast your music with Spotify, Google Play Music, TuneIn Radio, Deezer, Qobuz, YouTube Music and Tidal.
It is often stated in the application description – in the App Store and Google Play Store – whether an app supports Google Cast. Otherwise you will find out by doing your own research or by searching for the cast button within the possibilities of an application.
Apps with built-in Chromecast bedienen
Content you receive through Chromecast cast, you operate in three different ways:
- Via an app: content can be played and paused via the app. Meanwhile, you can look up other videos or music while listening or watching what you just set up.
- Via the remote control: if you have started watching, you can also use your remote control. If you cast to your TV, you use that remote. Are you casting to a media player or soundbar? Then you just grab it, but you can usually operate those devices with your TV remote control.
- Via voice control: As a smart home owner, you may already be familiar with the term 'OK, Google'. As soon as a smart speaker or smart display hears that, the Google Assistant starts listening to you. You can ask the Assistant to set up certain content within a specific app and on which device you want to play it.
Devices with built-in Chromecast
Have a lot of different multimedia devices Chromecast built-in. This means that you do not have to purchase a separate HDMI dongle. All the necessary technology is simply in your television or media player. Does the device have Android TV? Then you're baked anyway.
Well-known brands that televisions with Android TV suppliers include Philips, Sony and Sharp, while brands such as Toshiba and Vizio are hard at work. You also have brands such as LG and Hisense, which can offer the same kind of functionality to a limited extent.
So pay attention to the right logos when purchasing, such as the Chromecast-logo. In addition to televisions, media players also often have Chromecast built-in. Think of media player from Nvidia, Xiaomi and Google of course. Amazon media players have none Chromecast on-board.
Finally, there are smart speakers and displays with built-in Chromecast. These are products from Harman Kardon, Google, LG, JBL, Sony, Panasonic and more. In short: you can enjoy a lot of content on many different devices, provided you get the right hardware.
You also have to make sure that installing completely well done. Do you find yourself running into problems? No problem, because they often are quickly resolved. It may help for a while WiFi network, for example, and else is a hard reset often the solution.
Advantages and disadvantages of built-in Chromecast
The big advantage of built-in Chromecast is that you don't have to get an extra device at home. Not only does that save an HDMI port on your television, you also have a socket left; two connections that you can use for a large number of other devices.
In addition, it is true that many apps on Android TV are missing. Some apps that you do use on your smartphone are not available on your TV or media player. And then it's very handy that you simply cast the missing apps from your smartphone or tablet (or PC) to your television.
Speaking of your PC: it's very easy share your PC's screen with your TV, allowing you to share photos and videos with your family or friends, for example. The same applies, of course, to the content stored on your smartphone. Provided, of course, that everything is on the same Wi-Fi network.
The downside of built-in Chromecast is that you need to connect your TV to the internet, and that makes it susceptible to attack. Right, even your TV isn't safe from hackers. An entrance to your router can be found via the TV, giving the hacker access to your entire network.
If you want to read more about Chromecasts in general, then you've come to the right place. Are you still unsure about a model to be purchased separately? Then it's a good thing we do tested all models.
Read also
- Cast to Samsung TV: this is how you can stream easily
- Streaming to TV: This is how casting to TV works
- What is casting: the explanation that everyone understands
- ViaPlay and Chromecast: This is how you stream F1 to the TV
- Apple TV and Chromecast: these are the options (+ explanation)
- Has a Chromecast bluetooth? Everything you need to know
