When we talk about streaming content from your mobile to your TV, you’ve surely heard terms like Chromecast or Google Cast. Nowadays, sharing content from our mobile phone to a Smart TV is very simple, and it will not only help us to play multimedia content, but we can also make presentations, demonstrations or whatever we want to show on the screen. Although they sound similar, they are not exactly the same. In this article I explain how they differ and how they work so that you can choose the best option for your connected home.
If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between Chromecast and Google Cast, you’re not alone. At first glance, they look the same, but there are key details that can make your streaming experience much more comfortable. We are going to explain very easily what each one does, and how you can get the most out of them to enjoy your favorite content. Get ready, because what’s coming is going to save you time and possibly headaches when deciding what technology to use in your home.
How are they different?
Although Chromecast and Google Cast are related, they have important differences. Chromecast is the physical device that connects to your TV, to transmit content from your mobile or computer, this device will connect via HDMI to your TV that is not a Smart TV so that we can see everything that we send to the device on the TV. Google Cast, on the other hand, is the technology that makes other devices (such as speakers or sound bars) receive the signals sent from your mobile.
If you’ve seen the “Chromecast built-in” label on other products, it’s because those devices have the ability to receive streams using Google Cast, but they are not a Chromecast as such. So, although both terms are connected, they refer to different concepts.
How do they work?
When you use Chromecast or any Google Cast compatible device, what you’re actually doing is “sending” a signal from your phone or tablet so that the receiving device can access the content directly. And the receiving device does not need the mobile phone to be playing the video constantly; you only use it to receive the instruction of what content to display.
This is very important, because we will not need to be with the screen on playing the content, but rather it will do so in the background, but always through the smartphone. For example, if you launch a YouTube video from your phone to the TV, the TV takes control and starts playing the video directly from YouTube. This way, you can continue using your phone without interrupting what you are watching.
Which one to choose?
If you already have “Chromecast built-in” devices, such as a smart TV, you won’t need a physical Chromecast device. But if you don’t have them and want to take advantage of all the advantages of wireless streaming, a Chromecast can be the easiest and cheapest option to enjoy your favorite content on TV without complications. This device integrates perfectly with any Android device, so anyone is compatible. In addition, the latest Chromecast with Google TV not only allows you to stream content, it also has a remote control and a complete interface, giving you more flexibility when browsing your series and movies.
Samsung’s Smart TVs and their phones have the “Smart View” functionality, which is basically the same as Chromecast, but from the Samsung brand, and it works exactly as well. This does not mean that Samsung smartphones are not compatible with other TVs such as Sony or LG, they are compatible without any problem.
Chromecast and Google Cast may seem the same at first glance, but their differences are key to deciding which is the best option for you. If you are looking for something more complete and easy to use, the Chromecast with Google TV is an excellent alternative. And if you already have devices compatible with Google Cast, you can enjoy streaming without having to buy a new device.
