Google has released three in-home virtual assistant speakers: the Google Home Mini, Google Home, and Google Home Max. To get the most out of the speakers, owners of one of these devices should also purchase a Google Home Chromecast device. The Google Chromecast is a small casting device that plugs into the HDMI port of the television, and can allow users to stream video and audio from numerous providers onto the TV. While independently, a Google Home device and a Google Chromecast have their own benefits, combined they can do even more for users.
What You Can Do With Chromecast On Google Home
Setting up Google Home Chromecast can make streaming entertainment, including music and movies, much more simple. Google actually makes three different Chromecast devices, so users will have to decide which they want to purchase. The Chromecast Audio device was made specifically to stream audio to any speaker in a home. Owners of the Google Home or Google Home Mini will find more use for the device compared to those who own a Google Home Max, since the Max is designed to be a top-notch speaker. To utilize Google Home Chromecast Audio, plug the device into the input jack for any speaker found in the home, including a television, Bose speaker system, or record player. Without a Google Home, users can still go onto their phone to select which music they want to play. However, with the addition of a Google Home, users can audibly say, “Okay Google, play My Mix station on Spotify.”
Purchasing a Chromecast or Chromecast Ultra will bring audio and video. The difference between the two devices is mainly that the Chromecast Ultra is designed to work with high quality 4K televisions. Unless you own a 4K TV, a regular Chromecast will work fine. A Google Home Chromecast setup will benefit users by allowing them to use their Google Home as a hub to send music or stream content to their Chromecast connected TV. Users can say, “Ok Google, play shuffle on Pandora on the living room TV” or “Okay Google, play Orange is the New Black on Netflix.” This saves users from having to scroll through content, although they will still be able to visually see menus on their television. By using commands through a Google Home device, users can direct any content or music to be played on any device that is cast-enabled. This would include any television or speaker a Chromecast device is connected to, or an Android television that has Chromecast already built in. Once content is being played (a movie, for instance), Google can be used to pause, resume, and stop the content, as well as increase or decrease the volume, all with simple voice commands.
How To Set Up Chromecast For Google Home
Connecting Chromecast and Google Home together first requires the correct installation of Google Home and Chromecast separately. Google Home Chromecast requires users to plug in the device to their television (or audio jack if installing the Chromecast audio) and follow instructions for setup. For more in-depth directions, click here. Google Home will need to be connected to a power source. More directions on installation can be found here. Both installations will require the user to download the Google Home app onto their phone or tablet.
Once everything is setup, turn on the TV, and then open the Google Home app and click the devices button in the upper right corner. From here, you can either click add a new device if the Chromecast has not been setup yet, or link devices if you have already installed both. Adding a new device will give instructions on how to setup the new device on the Wi-Fi network. Under the Wi-Fi networks menu (usually under settings on the phone), choose the Chromecast device, and then return to the Google Home app. Once the app recognizes the Chromecast device, it will have you confirm the four digit code matches what is shown on your TV. Then select your region on your phone. From here you can give the Chromecast a name. While you could name it Frank or Jane, choose a name that you will be using to talk to Google Home. For instance, if the Chromecast is connected to your bedroom TV, call the Chromecast ‘bedroom’.
From here, Google can give you a cast tutorial that will serve to help you navigate the Chromecast. Your Google Home should now recognize a command when you use the Chromecast name. You can say “Okay Google, play cat videos on Youtube in the Bedroom.”