They say, “don’t judge a book by its cover.”
And that’s especially true for my old TV.
Sure, it has thick bezels and can only play up to 720p…
Hell, it’s not even a smart one.
But, do you know what makes this old, clunky TV so special?
Google Chromecast.
Let me show you why…
Keep reading to discover:
- How Chromecast can control any smart device in your home.
- Why you might want a Chromecast device with your smart TV.
- 5 cool things you deserve to know about smart TVs and Chromecast.
- Smart TVs and privacy: why Chromecast is better at protecting your data.
- And so much more…
Do you need a smart TV to use Chromecast?
You don’t need a smart TV to use a Chromecast. You can connect any TV to a Chromecast as long as it has an HDMI port. If not, you can buy an RCA-to-HDMI adapter. This will allow your old TVs to connect to any HDMI input.
5 Things you need to know about Chromecast and Smart TVs
#1: Chromecast can prolong your smart TV’s lifespan
Here’s an industry secret that you deserve to know:
Manufacturers ensure that your TV won’t last more than a few years.
This is called “planned obsolescence.”
You see, manufacturers want you to buy as many devices of them as you can.
And, at a certain point, they realized that consumers buy their product more because of:
- Display.
- Features.
- Price tag.
People rarely look for reliability anymore…
So, manufacturers capitalized on that by allowing their TVs to have a shelf-life.
How are they doing that?
By making sure that the hardware on their TVs can’t support newer updates.
However, there’s a way to avoid this issue:
And that’s to use a streaming device instead of your TV’s smart platform.
My recommendation? Get a Chromecast.
Google frequently provides updates on Chromecasts that only serves to make it better.
Not only that, but Chromecasts aren’t dependent on the TV’s hardware…
That means you can plug a Chromecast into an old TV, which can suddenly perform better.
#2: You have more privacy when you’re using Chromecast
Chances are, your smart TV is spying on you.
Don’t believe me? Let me give you an example.
Last 2017, the Federal Trade Commission fined Vizio TV $2.2 million for tracking their users.
What do they do with the info they have on you?
Sell it to the highest bidder.
You see, user data and history are valuable commodities.
Companies want your data so they’d know how to advertise their clients more pervasively.
It doesn’t stop there—Roku TV and Tizen OS by Samsung also track your data.
These aren’t a problem with Chromecast.
In fact, the said streaming device doesn’t even save your history on its device.
They’ll only get your history and data if you send a crash report. And, if you want to get rid of that as well, all you need to do is:
- Open Google Home on your phone. (Available on Android and iOS).
- Head to Devices.
- Select your Chromecast device.
- Press the More (3 vertical dots) button.
- Go to Settings.
- Disable “Send Chromecast device usage data and crash reports to Google.”
#3: Chromecast and the Google Home app make your life easier
Do you own a lot of smart appliances in your home? These are devices like the:
- Nanoleaf Shapes.
- Ecobee Thermostat.
- Any Chromecast device.
- Wemo Wi-Fi Smart Plug.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock.
- Philips Hue White Starter Kit.
- Google Nest and all of its variants.
Well, I’ve got some good news.
Using a Chromecast device on your TV makes your life easier and more intuitive.
How so?
By allowing you to control them all with the Google Home app.
Moreover, once every device is set up correctly and connected to Google Home…
You can use the Google Voice Assistant on your Chromecast remote to use them all.
Want to do something, but you’re too lazy to stand up? Simply say: “Hey, Google.”
You can now control your smart appliances with just your voice.
You may also be interested in: Ecobee Smart Sensor vs Room Sensor
#4: Chromecast allows your smart TV to have more Voice Commands
Speaking of telling your appliances what to do…
You can also do many other things with a Chromecast on your TV using Voice Commands.
Voice-controlled bootup
First, have you tried turning on your TV with just your voice?
Don’t try now. It probably won’t work…
Unless you already have a Chromecast device on it.
Chromecast, if it’s connected to a power source, always listens. Therefore, it’ll power your TV on if you ask it to.
Voice Match
One more cool thing about Google’s Voice Assistant is a feature called Voice Match.
When this is turned on, your Chromecast will try to identify who’s watching using their voice.
Once it matches a voice they recognize, they’ll show the person’s personalized content.
Instant access to your security feed
Lastly, do you have a smart security camera in your home?
Once you hear someone knocking, you can just tell your TV to show you the front door. Your TV will automatically display the footage captured by your camera.
This is a convenient tool for whenever someone’s knocking, and you don’t feel like standing up.
#5: You can bring a Chromecast with you everywhere
Ever get tired of going to a hotel and finding out that it doesn’t have a smart TV?
Don’t worry. As long as your room has internet access, Chromecast comes in clutch.
Do you know why?
Because Chromecasts only weigh about:
- Chromecast Ultra: 47 grams (1.6 ounces).
- Chromecast with Google TV: 56.7 grams (2 ounces.)
- Chromecast (2nd Gen and 3rd Gen): 40 grams (1.41 ounces).
This means that they easily fit into any bag of yours.
What’s more, is that it’s already set up…
So you already have access to all your Netflix or other streaming app accounts.
Differences between Chromecast and Smart TVs
The difference between Chromecast and smart TVs is that the former is a streaming device.
They might seem similar on the surface…
After all, they both have these features in common:
- Streaming apps.
- Voice assistants.
- Accessibility features like Voice Guide.
However, Chromecast has a better smart platform than smart TVs.
Not only are they more reliable in terms of longevity, but Chromecast also has:
- Better casting capability.
- Screensaver customizability.
- Wireless headphone connectivity.
- Virtual remote control with Google Home.
- Built-in ethernet ports, which other TVs lack.
If you’re interested, I highly recommend this 40-minute video.
It’s an intensive dive into what Chromecasts can do:
Does Chromecast on a Smart TV make sense?
Chromecast on a smart TV makes sense, as long as you’re okay with spending a few bucks.
You see, Chromecast devices cost money…
Not a lot, but enough to make you think twice. This is how much:
- Chromecast: $28.99.
- Chromecast Ultra: $70.00.
- Chromecast with Google TV: $70.00.
Some people would say that Chromecast on a smart TV is redundant.
I beg to differ.
With Chromecast, you guarantee that your smart TV will last a long time.