Chromecast: what is it and how does it work?

If there is an accessory that has made a name for itself in recent years, it is the accessory. Google Chromecastand for good reason: it has allowed many people to connect their not-the-newest televisions to the Internet and enjoy streaming.

However, the small, very inexpensive device may still appear. difficult to understand for novicesThat’s why we decided to explain to you what Chromecast is and how it works in the simplest way possible, so you can enjoy it too!

What is Chromecast?

Note that there are currently 3 versions of Chromecast: the first version is the classic “Chromecast”, which looks like a button (see photo above). More powerful “Chromecast 2” which replaces the original version. And Chromecast Audio dedicated to music use.

The principle of the device is simple: it is a very small format material, similar in principle to a future USB key. plug into an HDMI port your television (or a jack for the audio version).

It can be powered directly from this outlet or plugged into the mains like a conventional appliance. Once this is done, all you have to do is Connect to the Internet with Wi-Fi and you can enjoy videos from your phone, tablets and PC (YouTube, Dailymotion, Twitch and others) directly on your TV.

For the audio version, it will allow you to start the music from your favorite device to your device with the same principle of use. audio channel.

• To read: All the important facts about Google’s Chromecast

How does Chromecast work?

You should know that a Chromecast is not really standalone in itself: it is basically an “extension” for your television. It is still capable of many things, but it must be given. direct orders to make them.

This is where your smartphone or tablet matters: it’s the one who will be the “decision maker” and send their orders to the HDMI switch, which will execute them. Therefore, you will configure your device to connect. to the same WiFi network more than your phone.

It is through this network that your smartphone sends its orders to your television. Thus, when you start a video via a Chromecast compatible application, you will be able to watch it through your HDMI switch. If you accept by pressing icon dedicated to ityour phone will connect to your device and instruct it to “play this private video”.

The advantage of this solution is that the work is done with the key, not your phone. Thus, once the order is initiated, no need to keep your phone on or you can use it in the video in question and as you see fit.

But once the video is finished on your TV, Chromecast will wait for a new command. Your phone or tablet therefore serves as masters. far.

The biggest advantage of this solution is that it is extremely easy to set up and use (just use your phone normallybut to tell him to send it on TV), very cheap (39€) and available to everyone.

Indeed, if you receive guests, all you have to do is connect them to your Wifi network so they can have fun too. Your child wants to show you photos from his last trip at a family dinner? If it is connected to WiFi, it will be able to show them directly to everyone on the TV.

• Also read: Miracast, Chromecast, Android TV or Apple TV which one to choose

And it’s not limited to Android phones, as even some iPhone apps can take advantage of it! Therefore, there is nothing more accessible than connecting one of your old televisions to the Internet. Be careful though: you will need Must have HDMI portso make sure you have one on your TV.