Chrome now makes it possible to Cast to devices without needing a separate extension installed on the browser.
It was two months ago that Chrome had released a beta build of their browser which allowed people to test the new casting feature on their Chromecast enabled devices – speakers, television sets and even over a local network. This feature has now left the beta stage and is active for public use.
Google Cast is now built-in to Google Chrome (photo credit: Google)
All that one needs to do in order to access the feature is to go to the Chrome menu to find the cast option. Through the cast option, one can access the list of available Chromecast enabled devices to stream through, as well as adjust the volume.
Previously, this would have only been possible thanks to extensions added to Chrome. But now, the official entry of this feature will be a welcome addition. Cast will also allow mirroring of screens for presentations as well as Hangout calls for offices and meetings. There’s also a special Cast for education app that allows teachers and students to share screens.
A function like Cast can be extremely useful, since today a lot of devices are required to be synced to each other. With Cast, all one needs to do is mirror the content onto any other device and let Google’s software do the rest. Strategically for Google, this comes at a time when Chrome had announced that it will be shutting down its apps for PC, Linux and Mac. By making Chrome have features like Cast built-in, it should provide a more functional experience to users.
Hopefully, there should be more new features and options baked into Chrome to make it a complete suite to rival its competitors. Other browsers such as Opera have gone ahead to offer VPN services completely free for its users, adding more security and privacy to its already well-built platform. Chrome is learning however, and is making its browser a lot more than just that, by making it as integrated and flexible as possible.
Developers will also be given the opportunity to integrate Cast into their websites and Web apps, allowing to directly stream content through users’ devices without them having the need to pull up the menu. They can do this by adding the Cast option right into their product interface.