Chromecast: The internet has brought many facilities and new ways of consuming products and services. How it is used to spend time with videos, music, games, and various other types of content is completely transformed.
And televisions could not be left out. But the more technological and modern equipment is costly. If you want to adapt your old TV to have some of the functionality of a Smart TV, investment in Chromecast is a cheap and efficient alternative.
If you still need to learn what Chromecast is, let’s explain what it is for and how the device works, which is a facilitator for owners of older TVs.
What Is Google Chromecast?
Launched in 2013 by Google, Chromecast is a gadget that manages to transform your common on a Smart TV with access to multiple applications, working as a streaming media player. In other words, the user can watch videos on YouTube, follow their favorite series and movies on streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, for example, and listen to music through applications such as Spotify.
Plug the device into an HDMI port on your TV to do this. And the best thing is that you don’t have to worry about whether the TV has an internet connection, as Chromecast solves this problem. The older device versions support both Android and iOS operating systems. The latest models have their operating system based on Android, with Google TV, and have a remote control. Another detail is that the user does not need to pay any monthly fee to have the service; they just purchase the device.
How Does Chromecast Work?
As we said, the Chromecast must be connected to an HDMI port on the TV. Thus, through the Wi-Fi network, it offers access to various applications. The most current model of Chromecast has its operating system, unlike the older versions, which require a cell phone, computer, or tablet to control and mirror the contents to the screen.
But the mirroring function is still active on the latest version of Chromecast. Using the Google Chrome browser, it is possible to open all the content of the cell phone application directly on your television, for example. To connect your Chromecast to electricity, there are two options, and it will depend on each model. One is directly plugged in using the power supply or connected to one of the USB ports on the television.
Models Available
There are other versions of Chromecast that we will not mention here, as they are already outdated devices that are no longer for sale in official channels and larger stores. Therefore, before purchasing your Chromecast, ensure it has the features to meet your expectations and needs.
Another important point of attention is the originality of the device. It is very common to find fake models being marketed on the internet. But rest assured, and we also have a guide to help you not fall into scams.
Chromecast 3
Chromecast 3 was released in 2018 and had Full HD resolution, and the main difference from previous devices is that it can display images at 60 frames per second. The 3rd generation has a more powerful processor and is still the most popular version. It is also the cheapest currently.
Chromecast 4
The most current model is the Google Chromecast 4. The biggest difference between this model is its operating system and interface, Google TV, and the possibility of reproducing images in 4K and HDR. Remember that 4K and HDR image resolution will only be possible if your TV supports images with this definition. Chromecast 4 also supports Dolby Vision, a visual enhancement feature that provides greater immersion in content.
As it no longer depends on another device, it has a remote control for easy navigation. In addition to the mirroring function, it has an internal memory of 8GB, Bluetooth, a personal assistant, support for Dolby Digital audio, and responds to voice commands through the control.
Chromecast With Google TV
Launched in September 2022, Chromecast with Google TV is a version focused on the best cost-effectiveness of Chromecast 4. The operation is the same; even the design has been maintained in this new version. Even though it is similar, the Chromecast with Google TV is only available in snow white, while the sturdier model has white, sky blue, and coral colors. But the main difference is that this model does not support Dolby Vision, and instead of 4K images, it has HD resolution.
Among the features available on Chromecast with Google TV are support for HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG image technologies. In addition, it also has Bluetooth, dual-band Wi-Fi, an Android 12 system, and voice commands via remote control via Google Assistant.
Is Chromecast Worth It?
The device has an interesting and efficient proposal for those who want the resources of a Smart TV without spending too much. Chromecast 3 is quite popular, but it could be more useful than the others, as it needs your smartphone to be a controller. With Chromecast 4, your television will be even closer to the functionality of a Smart TV, and the device is very easy to use. But if you’re going to invest thinking about watching 4K images, it mayn’t pay off much. After all, they will only be reproduced in this resolution if the television supports it, and current 4K TVs already have all the features on the device.
Now, Chromecast with Google TV is the most cost-effective version to transform your old TV. In addition to being cheaper, the Google TV interface can boost your experience with various applications available so you can enjoy the best of a Smart TV to watch your favorite content.
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