Chromecast vs. Built-in Chromecast- What’s the Difference?

Chromecast is used to Stream or Send your mobile Display to large Displays like TV and other devices. You can send many data types like photos, videos, and Music. A piece of hardware is used to do this. You have to connect this device to your TV. You should download the Google Home app from Playstore on your mobile and follow the steps below. But nowadays, most Android TVs and Bluetooth speakers have Chromecast as a built-in option. You can easily send audio files to your speakers. You can also control the device using Google Assistant within Google Home Operations. Below, we will learn the difference between Hardware Chromecast and the built-in Chromecast that comes with most new media-related devices.

Chromecast Devices

It is a tech device that you have to attach to your TV or home audio system to stream digital content on the TV or audio system using your smartphone as a remote. However, Chromecast can only work on systems or HDTVs with Google Cast support. Over the years, since the 1^st generation was launched in 2013, the technology has experienced several innovations; thus, we have 1^st gen., 2^nd gen., Audio, 3^rd gen., and Ultra. All these generations of Chromecast are available as hardware devices that you must connect to a system or TV before it can function.

However, almost all digital technologies we know are experiencing radical innovations, and Google Cast isn’t missing in action. Instead of buying Chromecast as an external device to use on your TV with Google Cast support, the technology is now integrated into TVs and audio systems, so you don’t need to spend $35 – $50 buying Chromecast.

How to connect Chromecast with TV

• Linking your Chromecast HDMI Cable with your TV HDMI Port would be best.

• There will be a Micro USB Cable on the bottom of the device. Connect the cable, and Other should have a Type-A Cable; you can connect this cable with a Separate Adapter.

• If you can’t make arrangements for an Electric Socket, You can connect this USB cable to your TV USB Port. The Power will be enough to work with the device.

• Download the Google Home app from the Play Store. It is better to use one of the Google Home devices. They will work together very well.

• Open the app and enable Location and Wi-Fi. The app will discover all available devices. Select Chromecast when it detects.

• It will ask for the code to verify the device. Type the code on your mobile. It will ask for further details like Home or office to give you a unique experience.

• After the Setup, you can stream and send media files. Videos can be streamed up to 4K UHD Using Chromecast Ultra. The regular device can stream up to 1080p 60Fps.

Features

• streaming apps like YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Netflix can be used.

• Google officially announced Stadia Games could be streamed at its full potential using the Chromecast Ultra. Other devices can also stream Stadia but with some limitations.

• It Supports all devices from the Platforms- Android, Windows, Mac OS, and iOS.

Built-in Chromecast

Unlike Chromecast Hardware devices, Built-in technology is inside your Media Device. Previously, your TV or audio system had to have this technology as a built-in feature before you could connect Chromecast to it and stream digital content. However, Google has rebranded Google Cast and called it Chromecast built-in.

This technology is a bit of firmware that powers mobile devices and PCs to connect and control the playback of online digital content on a compatible device, e.g., HDTVs or audio systems. Also, for better understanding, Chromecast built-in is a technology that lets you stream apps or content you love from your smartphone, tablet, or PC to a compatible TV or speaker. Currently, You’ll see Chromecast built-in only in TVs and speakers.

TVs with Chromecast built-in

You will see this hint When you purchase TVs. You can find this in your Android TV Settings. The built-in is not available in all HDTVs or smart TVs; it is instead integrated into some selected TVs and displays. Virtually all features you’ll get from the previous generations of Chromecast are available on Chromecast built-in, but sadly, it doesn’t still play 4K HDR; you need CCU (Chromecast Ultra). Nevertheless, you can stream and watch HD and UHD videos, accompanied by high-quality sound, on compatible TVs with Chromecast built-in.

As you already know, so many apps with Chromecast support make it easier to stream any interesting digital content to your television screen with Chromecast’s built-in support.

Speakers with Chromecast built-in

Also, there are home audio systems with speakers that support built-in. With such speakers, you can stream your favorite songs, radio, or podcasts directly from your mobile phone without needing external hardware. More interestingly, unlike Bluetooth, this tech connects over WiFi, and you can connect multiple devices to your compatible speakers. You can stream most Music apps like Google Music, YouTube Music, and Spotify.

How to connect with Built-in Chromecast

• The Setup is straightforward. Your mobile and other devices should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

• You will see the cast option in your mobile apps. You can also cast your Mobile (Screen Mirror).

Features

• It doesn’t require separate hardware. So, This tech saves you $30-50.

• Effortless Setup.

• It is integrated with your TVs and Speakers. When you have an Android TV, with the help of Google Assistant, you can control more options than with the separate Chromecast hardware.

The significant differences between Chromecast vs. Built-in Chromecast

• Chromecast uses external hardware to connect your device to your TV via the Google Cast protocol. But Chromecast’s built-in lets the cloud platform stream your content to a compatible TV.

• Chromecast Ultra lets you stream 4K HDR videos, but you won’t get such quality on Chromecast built-in.

• Not all of the features are available in Built-in devices.

FAQ

I already have a Built-In Chromecast device; I want to Buy a Separate Device.

No, that is unnecessary unless you plan to stream 4K.

Is there any Limitation on the Built-In Device?

Yes. Unlike Google Home app configuration, You have no separate control in Built-in Devices.

Does Chromecast have Android Box Features?

No. Android Box is an Android Device that changes the Non-Android TV to Android TV. Chromecast is used to stream media files.

Wrap Up

If you already have HDTV, It is better to buy Chromecast. I know some third-party apps can stream the same features. But, they are not stable and secure. You will stream your photos and videos. So, It is better to stay secure with Google hardware. If you plan to buy an Android TV, Buy a Built-in Chromecast device. Recently, Mi TV Rolled out a Pie Update with this feature. Buy the Ultra version of Chromecast when you want to stream Stadia games. So that you can stream 4K Games, Google has not yet confirmed the Stadia games feature on Android TV. You can stream using your mobile app. But, there is no confirmation of a separate app for Android TV. If you have any questions regarding the article, comment below.

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Selva Ganesh

Selva Ganesh is the Chief Editor of this Blog. He is a Computer Science Engineer, An experienced Android Developer, Professional Blogger with 8+ years in the field. He completed courses about Google News Initiative. He runs Android Infotech which offers Problem Solving Articles around the globe.