Tech & Auto
The Best 5 Hidden Features Of The Google Chromecast
By MARINEL SIGUE
Home Screen
While the Google Chromecast’s home screen recommendations can be helpful, they can make your TV look unorganized. Luckily, you can switch to Apps Only Mode to hide the suggestions.
You can do this by going into Settings, then “Accounts & sign-in” to select your account. Navigate to the bottom of the options until you find “Apps only mode.”
Phone As A Remote
If you misplace your remote, the Chromecast allows you to use your phone to navigate the settings instead. Begin by connecting your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV.
Set up your Chromecast with the Google Home app on your phone and tap the connected Chromecast device. Select “Open remote,” enter the pairing code on your TV, and tap on Pair.
Screensaver
Chromecast users can customize their screensavers with their personal photos. Launch the Google Home app, then go into devices, select the Chromecast, and tap the gear icon.
Under Device features, go to Ambient Mode, then Google Photos to choose an album. You can further edit the screensaver with Portrait Google Photos in Ambient Mode settings.
Smart Home Devices
The built-in Google Assistant on Chromecast allows users to give voice commands to their device, such as to play a movie, pause, or open an app.
Simply press and hold the Google Assistant button before saying your command. This not only works for your Chromecast but your other smart devices as well.
Multiple Profiles
Families that share the Chromecast may want to create separate profiles so their recommendations or watchlists don’t get mixed up.
To add a new profile, open Settings from the home screen and select Accounts & sign-in. Press Add an account and enter the needed information.