Chromecast with Google TV: First 10 Things To Do | ChromeWiki
Chromecast with Google TV is an amazing device. Using a Chromecast with Google TV is more like putting your ordinary TV on steroids. You can make your already amazing Chromecast device even better with the things that you will find in this ongoing piece. Take a look at the first 10 things to do with your brand-new Chromecast with Google TV.
Chromecast with Google TV: What’s so special?
The Chromecast with Google TV was launched back in September 2020. The original Chromecast has been around for a while, but this refresh of Chromecast with Google TV was one of the biggest upgrades in the history of Chromecast. At first, Google launched its new software; the Google TV replaced the Android TV OS and the CCWGTV also brought a remote control, a concept that was unheard of before this happened.
Google TV sounds a little different, but the core is still Android. So anything that you could previously do on Android 12, you can still do on the Chromecast powered by the Google TV.
When we talk about Android, it certainly becomes evident that we are about to run into a lot of customization. And why not? That’s what Android enables users to do so.
On the Chromecast with Google TV, you can install a plethora of applications to watch your favorite movies and TV Shows. A large number of customization apps will allow you to change the UI of the casting device. You can speed up the device with certain applications. To sum it up, you can completely manipulate the functionality of the Chromecast with Google TV to better suit your needs.
First 10 Things to do on your Chromecast with Google TV
So, these are the very first 10 things you must do to enhance the overall user experience of CCWGTV.
Install a third-party launcher i.e. FLauncher
The Google TV brings a very good-looking UI. But the UI is still not liked by some users. If you are one of those users, you can leverage Chromecast’s ability to run a custom or third-party launcher.
The best launcher that organizes Chromecast’s apps in a really good manner is the It’s a free launcher available in the Google Play Store.
To install FLaunhcer, all you have to do is to search for it in the Play Store and install it. Learn here how to install FLauncher and disable Google TV Home launcher.
Remap those buttons of CCWGTV
The remote of Chromecast with Google TV has only a few buttons so you can’t leave the buttons with their default configuration. It is highly recommended to remap the buttons to perform the actions of your choice. The default buttons are easily remappable.
You can set the Netflix and YouTube buttons to launch other apps like Hulu, Peacock TV, Disney+, etc. Other keys of the CCWGTV can be remapped as well. Here is a complete Chromecast remote button remapping guide.
If your Chromecast is running fine and smooth out of the box, do not update it. There is a complete history of Chromecast devices breaking down after OS updates.
Recently, the Chromecast with Google TV started after the Android 12 update. The device started stuttering and was hit with a lot of performance issues with made the users regret their decision of upgrading the device right away.
Now, this doesn’t mean you should never update the Chromecast with Google TV. All you have to do is to wait for a stable update that running well and you may update the device then.
Get an Ethernet Adapter
In case you don’t already know, you can hook your Chromecast with Google TV to an Ethernet Connector. This allows the Chromecast to cut down the wireless connection in favor of a better-wired connection. Google makes an official Ethernet Connector.
You can also get a third-party Ethernet Connector. With the help of a wired connection, you can get rid of all the internet lags. The video streaming apps will work better this way.
Wireless connections are prone to latency issues at times.
Ethernet Adapter comes with a USB-C and an Ethernet Port. The USB-C Port connects to the Chromecast with Google TV while the LAN cable goes into the Ethernet Port.
The adapter then goes into the wall plug and that’s how you set it up. The Chromecast will automatically pick up the Ethernet connection once this is done.
Set-up Google Assistant
The Chromecast with Google TV’s remote can listen to you making it much easier to do anything on your Chromecast-enabled TV. Yes, you heard that right.
There is a little mic on the remote of Chromecast with Google TV. To make use of that mic, you must enable and set up Google Assistant.
You can do this by long-pressing the Assistant button on the remote of your CCWGTV. This can be done via the Google Home app running on your phone as well.
Change Picture Settings on TV
Chromecast with Google TV brings the 4K 60Hz and FHD configurations. The resolution, colors, and contrast of the picture out of the box look good. But if you want to improve it further, you can tweak the picture settings of your TV.
Remember I am talking about the picture settings of the TV and not the casting device. Play around with the brightness, gamma settings, contrast, and brightness to achieve your desired look.
RetroArch & TV File commander
Get the RetroArch and TV File Commander apps on your Chromecast with Google TV. RetroArch will let you emulate the consoles on your Chromecast with Google TV.
The TV File Commander will let you set up a web server on your Chromecast device adding the ability to wirelessly send files to the Chromecast. You can add some custom ROMs to the CCWGTV taking customization to a whole new level.
Get a Gaming Controller and Pair it with your CCWGTV
If you want to play some games on your CCWGTV, you are better off with an external controller. If you have set up Stadia on your Chromecast device, get the Stadia controller.
Otherwise, you can get an Xbox or PS4 control. The 8Bit Pro 2 is a good choice as well. With the help of a controller, you can enjoy the games even more.
In fact, you can actually only play games with the help of such controllers.
Customize Ambient Display Time
The Ambient Mode of the Chromecast by default takes about 10 minutes to trigger. You can customize this time to any other time limit i.e. 1,2,3 minute of inactivity.
It does require a little bit of tinkering with Android ADB, but with the help of this guide on our site, you can easily do it.
Hook it to your TV
You have gone through the entire list of the first 10 things to do on your Chromecast with Google TV, but have you even connected it?
Well, to do any of the aforementioned things, you must connect and set up your Chromecast device first. Go ahead, do it, and start enjoying a whole new world on your TV.
Conclusion
And that is all with the first things that you should try on your brand new CCWGTV. If you have anything to add to this list, make sure to mention it in the comments below.
Originally published at https://chromewiki.com on November 18, 2022.
