Chromecast built-in - Stream to TV

Google Cast is a groundbreaking technology that facilitates multi-screen interactions, allowing users to transmit and manage content such as videos from a compact device like a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to a larger display like a television. This application incorporates Chromecast built-in functionality specifically designed for Android TV. 

What is Chromecast built-in?

In a nutshell, it’s a technology built by Google that works over Wi-Fi to let you send or ‘cast’ media – whether that be streaming movies, TV shows, music, podcast or radio – from your phone, tablet or computer to compatible speakers and TVs.

The most well known Cast-enabled device range, though, is probably still those nifty Chromecast dongles that plug into your TV’s HDMI port to upgrade its smarts, including the all-new Chromecast with Google TV.

There used to be an equivalent for audio – the Chromecast Audio – an affordable add-on which plugged into your existing speakers via the aux in to get them connected. It was great, and we’re disappointed Google killed it – but you can still pick one up if you dig around online.

The Cast controller can be an iPhone, iPad, Android smartphone or tablet, Mac, Windows laptop or Chromebook. Essentially, it turns your phone into your remote control.

Should I choose Chromecast or Chromecast built-in?

Chromecast is a small device that connects to the HDMI of a TV, as shown in the image below.

If you buy a Chromecast at this price, you will be able to watch videos from video streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, dTV, U-NEXT, and d Anime Store on your TV.

You can also enjoy music, photos, and videos on your TV, and mirror your smartphone screen.

Chromecast is recommended for those who already have a TV and want to expand the functions of their TV without a big expense.

Chromecast built-in is built into the TV or speaker, so to use Chromecast built-in, you will need to buy a TV or speaker.

Since the Chromecast function is built in from the beginning, there are no cables to wire, it looks neat, and it is easier to use.

Instead of buying Chromecast built-in, you will have to buy a TV or speaker with Chromecast built-in, so it will cost more than Chromecast.

Chromecast built-in is recommended for those who are buying a new TV or who want to tidy up the area around their TV without using Chromecast.

What you need to use Chromecast built-in

To use Chromecast built-in to enjoy apps such as videos and music on a TV or speaker, you will need the following:

    - A TV or speaker with Chromecast built-in

    - Wi-Fi environment

    - A smartphone or tablet (iOS, Android)

To use Chromecast built-in, you need the TV or speaker itself.

You need Wi-Fi to use Chromecast built-in.

This is because by connecting to the same Wi-Fi as your smartphone or tablet, you can use Chromecast built-in to use apps such as videos and music.

Even if you have a TV or speaker with Chromecast built-in, it does not mean that you can play videos or music. (Android TV is an exception.)

Chromecast built-in is for playing apps on your smartphone or tablet on your TV or speaker.

If you can use Chromecast built-in to cast the Amazon Prime Video app on your smartphone to your TV.

You'll also need a smartphone or tablet to set up Chromecast built-in.

If you have an iPhone or Android smartphone, you'll be fine.

The best Chromecast built-in TVs

If you get a TV running Android TV, then it comes with the Chromecast standard built in, and you don’t have to pay for an extra Chromecast dongle or plug it into the back of your set. Of course you also get a host of extra Android TV features too.

Sony has been one of the most committed backers of Android TV, and most of its models over the last few years are running the platform. The Sony XG83, for example, gets you a top-quality 4K picture plus all the benefits of Android TV, including Chromecasting capabilities. From colours to sharpness to sound, it’s an excellent television set.

If you want to add Android TV to an existing set, consider the Nvidia Shield TV or the Nvidia Shield TV Pro —both plug into a spare HDMI port on the back of your TV and give you all the goodness of Android TV, as well as doubling up as Chromecasts and giving you access to the GeForce Now game streaming service being developed by Nvidia.

Philips is another manufacturer that’s on board the Android TV train, and one of our favourite Philips TV sets is the Philips 43PUS: you get 43 inches of 4K goodness, a sharp and vibrant picture, and integrated LED backlights that reflect what’s on screen. Voice control for both Google Assistant and Alexa is supported as well.

Plenty of other TV makers offer Android TV sets too, including Vizio, Sharp, Toshiba, Skyworth, Polaroid, Soniq and TCL.

Chromecast Built-In: Devices

Google's Chromecast dongle may serve as an introduction to Google's smart home technology, but there are several other devices that also offer Chromecast functionality.

For instance, Android TVs—television sets operating on Google's TV platform—often come with Chromecast built-in. This feature is incorporated into many models from manufacturers such as Sony, Philips, and Sharp, among others. Additionally, televisions from brands like Toshiba, Vizio, and Skyworth, as well as some recent models from LG and Hisense, include Chromecast functionality.

Regarding audio, users can cast music from compatible apps or streaming websites (via the Chrome browser) to speakers equipped with Chromecast support over Wi-Fi. This allows for simultaneous control of music from multiple devices and eliminates the need to be in the same room, unlike Bluetooth. Chromecast also supports multi-room audio setups, where the music streams directly from the cloud to the speaker. Consequently, your phone or tablet functions solely as a controller, enabling you to answer calls or conserve battery life without disrupting the music.

Chromecast functionality is integrated into Google Nest Hub and Google Nest Hub Max smart displays. These devices appear as Chromecast units on your network, allowing you to cast both audio and video to them. While not all video applications recognize Nest Hubs as display options, many do.

It is exclusively accessible on Android TV devices endorsed by Google and comes pre-installed on them.