Chromecast has grown from strength to strength over 2014. If you missed the figures, we recently reported on how Chromecast has risen to become the second most purchased streaming device. On its route to second, this included surpassing Apple TV, knocking them down into third place. A lot of this rise is due to how accessible the Chromecast stick is with the android ecosystem. However, in fairness, it is probably equally successfully due to its cheap $35 price tag, which makes it one of the cheapest streaming devices available. That said, regardless of its price, nothing should be taken away from the little stick that casts to big screens. And with Google behind the device, you can expect to see its function and purpose continually grow.
Speaking of which, if the current number of features available on Chromecast is not quite enough for you then don’t worry, as it looks like you have another new feature to play with today. In fact, today’s new feature is a rather sweet one and one which many users will identify with. Now, when you have friends over to your house and they are keen to show you the latest cat video they have found on YouTube then you no longer need to let them connect to your WiFi to connect to your Chromecast. With the latest update, unknown devices will be able to connect to your Chromecast via the new ‘Ultrasonic Pairing’ mode. This might sound a bit Sci-Fi but in short, it is simply a ‘Guest Mode’. Using this new feature, guest devices can simply hook up to your Chromecast without any WiFi passwords being given out. Sweet huh!
To connect in Guest Mode is simple. Open your Chromecast app on your android device, select ‘Devices’, choose the device you want to permit to cast and then click on ‘Guest Mode’. Following this, your friends will be able to cast without connecting. Although Google announced the update is beginning today, do not be surprised if it takes a day or two to reach your Chromecast app. If you want a quick example then check out the video below. Don’t forget, if you don’t already have a Chromecast, Amazon is still selling them with the bonus of getting $20 in Play Store credits for free with the purchase, up until December 21st.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vJC9p6bzQY