Here are 10 things that you can do with your Chromecast

Google’s Chromecast might look small, but it packs a punch. In the past few years, Chromecast has brought plenty of TV shows, movies, and more to millions of homes. Theirs is also a Chromecast Ultra, which lets you stream up to 4K, and you can talk to your Google Assistant and Google Nest speakers to put something on the screen. But, what if I tell you that you can do a lot more with your Chromecast than you know.

Watch Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is now a streaming partner, so if you have Chromecast and Prime, you can access the Amazon Originals you know and love, like “The Marvelous Mrs Maisel” and “The Boys.”

Make it personal

Change your Chromecast’s name using the Google Home app. For instance, “Hey Google, turn on binge box.” And if you have a preferred TV in your home, you can set it as your default in the Google Home app.

Plan as a group

Browsing restaurant menus or flight prices (or anything really) on your phone and want to let the whole room chime in? Mirror your Android phone or tablet’s screen.

Binge-watch without lifting a finger

With a voice-activated device such as Google Home Mini connected to Chromecast, you can ask the Google Assistant to cast your favourite shows and movies from apps you love, like Netflix, HBO NOW, YouTube TV and thousands more compatible apps to your TV (a subscription may be required).

Conquer your stage fright

Practice your presentation skills at home by casting through Google Slides. Just click the "Present" option in the top-right corner of your presentation, select "Present on another screen," and pick your Chromecast.

Watch Home Movies

Watch videos and slideshows you’ve made in Google Photos. Either cast directly from the Google Photos app, or using a Google Nest speaker you can ask Google for specific content. For example, say “Hey Google, show my 2018 summer vacation video on my TV.”

Try Ambient Mode

When you’re not using your Chromecast, it can still keep you entertained. Your TV can display content from your favourite albums in Google Photos, social networks, and other services and apps, or enjoy the art gallery while your device is idle.

Start a dance party

Group together Google Nest and Chromecast devices and speakers to listen to music throughout your home. Your favourite music from Chromecast-enabled apps like Google Play Music, Spotify, and Tidal are instantly available to stream. (Subscriptions may be required.)

Supercharge your connection

If your Wi-Fi signal isn’t strong near your TV, use a Chromecast ethernet adapter to connect your Chromecast directly to your router, creating a fast and reliable connection.

Set up a custom routine for your next premiere party

In the Google Home app, you can create a custom routine incorporating a movie or TV show and compatible smart home products, like lights. Just last weekend I said, “Hey Google, let’s go to Monterey” to dim the lights and put on the season finale of “Big Little Lies.