If you’ve been considering purchasing a Smart TV but haven’t got yourself to make the move, you could now consider a Smart TV solution instead. It’s more affordable and it does all the things a Smart TV can. There have been many of these products in the past with all kinds of features, but they’ve lacked updates or new features. That clears the way for products such as the Google Chromecast. For one, it costs far less than a brand new Smart TV would and it’s made by Google, so it can do some impressive stuff. You get a ton of updates and features all the time and it’s priced at just Rs. 3,399*. There’s a lot more and we’re going to talk about the features that really make a difference if you choose to become a Chromecast 2 user.
Setting up a Chromecast is really simple
It really is. Everything you need comes in the box. The Chromecast 2 has a flexible cable unlike other solutions and even the older model, so it can fit snugly even at the back of your wall-mounted TV. It’s built well so it hangs from the HDMI port without any issues. A power adapter is bundled with a really long cable although most TVs’ USB ports could power it just fine. Installation really takes seconds.
It’s designed to last and to impress
The re-designed Chromecast is built really well, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged or overheating or acting funny at any point in time. The older Chromecast had issues fitting into the back of your TV and this one is so much better.
No shortage of apps here
One buys the Chromecast for its features and for us, it means apps. There are games, movie streaming apps, time management apps, educational apps, and so much more. Chromecast plays well with your Android phone and tablet, but also with your iOS device (iPhones and iPads) or any laptop or PC running a Chrome browser. Some of these apps are designed for the large screen only while some others work as a controller on your phone, while the TV runs a different version of the app. That’s us trying to explain what the Chromecast can do, but you really have to experience the world of Chromecast apps yourself to know its possibilities.
Stream Amazon Prime Video using the Chromecast
Sure, the Chromecast doesn’t have the Amazon Prime Video app but that’s fine! You can always use a web browser on your phone, tablet or laptop and mirror it to your Chromecast so you don’t miss out on your favorite shows or movies.
It supports laptops, iPhones and iPads too
We spoke about this earlier. You don’t have to be an Android smartphone user to use all of the Chromecast’s features. There are apps that work on the iPhone and iPad. You can even use your Windows, Linux, Chrome OS or OS X based laptop and mirror it to your Chromecast. The Chrome browser has a Cast feature that lets you mirror a tab or even the entire screen of your laptop to the Chromecast. You don’t even need to install any extensions to do this. This opens up the possibility of presenting wirelessly at work, or watching movies from your laptop or even video calling.
The Chromecast 2 is quick!
The Chromecast is loaded to the brim with features but doesn’t consume much power. It loads up in seconds although it’s best to leave it turned on all the time. The apps for phones and tablets are light-weight and connecting them to the Chromecast takes seconds as long as you have good network connectivity within your home.
It has DLNA support – You can stream anything
DLNA might sound complex but it’s a simple feature that lets you to stream movies and TV shows, without using screen-mirroring. What it means is that you can run a movie from any device at home to the Chromecast without having the movie or track run actively on your laptop or phone screen. For example, you could be using your phone as a remote control to stream a movie from a laptop sitting in your bedroom to the Chromecast in your hall, while you’re on a phone call.
Your phone is the Chromecast’s remote control
While the Chromecast doesn’t come with a physical remote control, your phone becomes your remote control. You can send YouTube videos or other movies and music from your phone, or other devices to the Chromecast. You can even use voice commands to tell your Chromecast what to do using Google Assistant. It even lets you adjust the volume of your media.
It works with smart home solutions
If you’re using any of the Google Home smart speakers, or are planning on using one, they work well with the Google Chromecast as well. You can very well tell Google Home to play your favourite movie or play your favourite music or podcast on the Chromecast. If you plan on buying a second Chromecast for your bedroom TV, you can even use voice commands to tell Google Home to play different tracks to different rooms.
Excited? Where can I buy a Google Chromecast?
We bet you are. You can purchase the Google Chromecast 2 online. It is also on display at Reliance Digital stores across the country, if you’re interested to see a demo of it.
* Prices are subject to change. Please refer to the product page or stores for latest prices and availability.
