Chromecast with Google TV is Google’s latest proposition to enjoy Android TV (now Google TV) at a relatively reasonable price. It has a Chromecast format, but the Google operating system is included, we can therefore install applications and take advantage of its interface, as in a television with integrated Android TV or any TV Box.
We will give you 7 tips to get the most out of your Chromecast with Google TV, because there are some little-known functions that can help you configure it in the most optimal way.
Make the Chromecast always controllable
Although it is a Chromecast, Chromecast with Google TV does not act like a normal Chromecast by default and does not allow other users to send content. By default, we can only control our Chromecast from other devices connected to our WiFi when the content is playing
To change this setting, just follow these steps:
- Enter the device settings.
- Now go to the System section.
- Inside, in Send.
- Here you can put always the option to allow others to control your content.
Your Chromecast works like a TV remote
In addition to controlling the functions of Android TV, your Chromecast can replace the TV’s own. So you won’t have to walk using two commands, while controlling from the Chromecast remote. Of course, the Chromecast control is small and limited, so we may find ourselves a bit stuck in its use, but for the options that are not left out.
- Enter the Chromecast settings.
- Go to the Controls and Accessories section.
- In it, click Configure Remote Buttons.
- Here you can decide which are the different buttons on your remote and whether it’s just the Chromecast or the TV.
Keep a controller to play video games
If we want to play on Android TV or Google TV, we will need a remote control connected via Bluetooth. The process is pretty straightforward.
- Open Android TV settings
- Go to the Controls and Accessories section
- Click on the link controller or accessory
- Pair your controller
Take screenshots on Google TV
Taking screenshots on Google TV is more tedious than on Android, but not impossible for it. We will need an app to be able to complete this process. In our case, we used Button Mapper.
- Download the app
- Enter Google TV settings
- Go to System – Accessibility and in the Services section, activate Button Mapper.
- Open the Button Mapper app.
- Remap the button you want to use for captures. We recommend the TV input, which is one of the least used.
- Now click on Add buttons and click on this button.
- Choose the shortcut to capture, for example double tap.
Use your mobile as a remote control
If you lose control or it’s just Chromecast it’s too small for you, you can use your mobile as a remote control. All you have to do is download the Android TV Remote app from Google, with which you can manage many of its functions (but not all). It is compatible with iOS and Android and is completely free.
Android TV remote control
Stream files from Chromecast to any device
If, for example, you want to send a screenshot from the Chromecast to your mobile, you will need to do so via the cloud. A good option may be the TV File Commander app for Android TV, although you can explore more. This app allows you to share files in Dropbox or Google Drive, so just download them with the television and download them from the mobile.
Set the ambient display
Like a good Chromecast, the alternative with Google TV has a full ambient display that can show us photos from the Google Photos gallery, art galleries, and even experimental content. To settle this you need to follow the following steps:
- Enter Chromecast settings
- Click on the system section
- Press in ambient mode
- Configure as you wish
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