Chromecast, Chromecast built-in, and Google Cast. Are they the same thing? And if not, what are the differences between them? We have the answers.
In 2013, Google debuted a small gadget called Chromecast . The device let you stream audio and video from your smartphone, tablet, or computer to your TV. At the time, when smart TVs were still a rarity, it was a far more affordable way to do TV streaming than dedicated streaming media devices like Roku and Apple TV.
This has led to some confusion around Google’s technology, and more importantly, the words we use to describe what it does and how it works. But don’t worry — we’re going to break it all down — and you’ll be a Chromecast/Google Cast expert in just a few minutes.Let’s start by explaining the most important concept when it comes to Google’s streaming devices and technology: the difference between hardware and software.
In 2016, when Google wanted to make it clear that you could also cast to select third-party devices, it created the label “Chromecast built-in.” At the time, this made sense. If your smart TV had Chromecast built-in, it meant it could do the same things as a Chromecast Ultra and if your soundbar has Chromecast built-in, it meant it could the same things as a Chromecast Audio.
Google Chromecast with Google TV proved to be a very compelling product that kept all of the casting capabilities of the older Chromecast devices, but could also be used independently as a standalone streaming platform. Today, there are two versions: one that handles 4K/HDR, and a less expensive model that is limited to 1080p/HDR.
Ultimately, however, Chromecast built-in and Google Cast mean the same thing: a product bearing one of these labels can receive casted audio and/or video, depending on whether it has a screen or just a speaker. If you want to cast music stored on your computer or phone or mirror the entire contents of your phone’s screen or perhaps a tab in the Chrome browser, that content must be physically streamed over your home network from one device to another.
Android TV Chromecast Explainers Streaming Audio Streaming Video
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