Here’s a clever web site that lets you know how much time you should set aside to binge a series. (Spoiler alert: It’s a lot more than you think!)
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Google Chromecast: Set up, how to cast and hidden tricks
Most of the televisions on the market today are smart TVs with built-in apps for streaming and entertainment. But what do you do if you don’t have a smart TV and want to watch your favorite series on Netflix? That is where Google’s Chromecast comes in.
Chromecast, now in its third generation, plugs into your television through the HDMI port. Pair it with your mobile device, and you will have streaming apps at your fingertips. Tap or click here to check out streaming services offering free trials.
There is one big difference between Google’s Chromecast and smart TVs. While smart TVs have streaming apps built into their operating software, Chromecast mirrors your mobile device’s content to your television. Keep reading to find out how to set it up and a few more handy tips.
How to set it up your Chromecast
Whether you have the standard Chromecast or the new Chromecast with Google TV, the setup process is all the same.
- After unboxing the Chromecast, plug it into an available HDMI port on your television. If it comes with a power cable, plug that in too.
- Ensure that you have a phone or tablet ready, have a Google account and access to a Wi-Fi network.
- On your television, cycle to the correct HDMI channel.
- Make a note of the Chromecast device number. You will need that later.
- If you haven’t already, download the Google Home app to your phone or tablet.
- Open the Google Home app and sign in to your account. You might need to set up a Home if you haven’t already.
- Turn on Bluetooth on your device.
- The app will start looking for devices and should recognize the Chromecast.
- Once detected, follow the on-screen prompts and look for the Chromecast device number from earlier.
- Connect the Chromecast and your mobile device to the same Wi-Fi network.
- If set up correctly, you should see a background image, the time and your device’s name on the screen.
Casting video or music from your device
As everything is set up and ready to go, you are probably itching to start viewing your favorite content. You can cast video content from Chromecast-enabled apps to your TV through your Android or iOS device.
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How to cast content:
- Connect the Chromecast and your mobile device to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the desired Chromecast-enabled app.
- To view content, tap on the Cast button and select Chromecast.
- When connected to the Chromecast, the Cast button will turn blue.
- Note: the Cast button on supported apps isn’t in the same location on all.
To cast from apps like Netflix, Hulu or Spotify, open each app individually when you want to view the content. For a comprehensive list of all supported apps, look at Google’s informational website.
Free alternatives to Netflix to stream TV shows and movies
Well, 182 million people can’t be wrong. That’s how many people subscribe to streaming video service Netflix each month.
If you are one of them, you’re using a streaming media player, smart TV, phone, or computer to watch a lot of good content. Stuff like “Stranger Things” and “Ozark” are super popular. Tap or click here for ways to make binge-watching Netflix even easier.
8 Roku pro tips you need to try right now
If you own an older Roku, you know it can no longer support the Netflix app. It’s finally time to upgrade, and newer generations are waiting to wow you with upgraded features.
A lot has changed since Roku was first introduced in 2008, renowned as the first Netflix streaming box. Tap or click here for a Netflix hack you’ll wish you knew sooner.
How to watch ‘Die Hard’ and all your other favorite Christmas movies this season
It’s time to revive an important annual debate: Is “Die Hard” a Christmas movie? We could argue about this all day — but if you go to Netflix, you’ll discover a shocking lack of “Die Hard” to use as evidence. ‘Tis the season to be thankful, though: If you use ExpressVPN, you can access a Netflix library where “Die Hard” is actually available.
You can stream 22 James Bond movies for free - here's how
Its “No Time To Die,” as YouTube and NBC’s Peacock network have made 22 James Bond films available to stream — completely free.
The YouTube playlist features all but five of the films, stretching as far back as 1962 with the late Sean Connery as the titular character in “Dr. No.”
Why you should buy a Wi-Fi 6 router
If internet connections are decent, most people don’t give their Wi-Fi routers a second thought. There’s no reason to worry about a working router, right?
Wrong. An old router can slow down your internet speeds or have trouble handling multiple devices. Slow internet can be extremely frustrating — especially if you’re trying to get work or schoolwork done from home. There are ways to speed up your internet signal, so you can start by trying those tricks.
Where to stream all our favorite holiday movies
The Thanksgiving feast is over. You’ve just finished scavaging all of those great Black Friday deals online. Still need to pick up some stocking stuffers that won’t break the bank? Tap or click here for 15 great gift ideas.
Stream like a pro: 7 Netflix hacks you'll use all the time
No doubt since the coronavirus pandemic hit, you’ve spent more time than you’d care to admit watching Netflix. The streaming service has great hits like “Stranger Things,” “Ozark,” and “The Crown.” Before you sign up for another service, tap or click here for 15 streaming sites that offer free trials.
My prediction came true
Two years ago, I predicted that cutting the cable would become nothing more than an exercise in futility; that streaming was becoming just as expensive — maybe even more so. That day is here.
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The best free news streaming app you're not using yet
Following the latest election news can be frustrating for cord cutters without a cable streaming plan. There aren’t too many free outlets to watch the news online, and when they do pop up, they’re taken down just as fast as they appeared.
How to choose the right Amazon streaming gadget: Fire TV Stick vs. Cube vs. Stick 4K
Do you stream content from your phone or TV? Of course you do — everyone does these days.
Technology has advanced to the point where streaming videos, shows and other forms of media is a common way to consume content. And as technology advances, so do the streaming gadgets we use to watch this type of media. Tap or click here for streaming services offering free trials.
Working from home or streaming more? You may be facing a huge internet bill soon
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many of us go to work every day. Millions of Americans are still working from home, which means they’re relying on their internet connection more than ever before.
More internet activity means increased data usage and potentially higher bills. That’s why many internet service providers took it upon themselves to remove data caps during the early stages of the pandemic. Tap or click here to see how this worked.
10 secret Fire TV tips only the pros know
Once you cut the cord, it’s hard to go back and leave all that streaming content behind. There are many ways to stream your favorite movies and TV shows and one of the easiest and most convenient is through a smart TV.
How to handle unsubscribing after your free trial
It seems like wherever you turn, some streaming service, app or site is trying to sell you a monthly subscription. Here’s the free trial and if you don’t unsubscribe, you’re billed automatically. Today, how to handle it.
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How to watch Netflix for free
If you’ve already binge-watched as much as you possibly could over the course of the pandemic, you’re probably bored out of your skull. Even though we technically have more content to watch than ever before, the sheer amount of exclusives combined with expensive subscription fees can make it difficult to actually see everything you want.
Use this trick to find anything you want to watch on Apple TV
When it comes to Apple’s own digital ecosystem it can be tough to find out how to access the content you want: Is it on the App Store? The iTunes Store? Through Apple TV+? We’re here to cut through the confusion and explain how Apple TVs work.
A quick and easy way to find live sports games and TV shows
Remember when you used to need a TV Guide to know when your favorite shows were airing? Thanks to digital cable and the rise of streaming, it’s much easier to know when our shows are on air. But not everyone subscribes to the same set of channels or services, which can easily lead to confusion.
Disney's new movie is skipping theaters - will this change things for good?
The 2020 movie season has been a surreal, strange test in how to navigate releasing new blockbusters in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. This is the first time studios have had to contend with self-distancing rules, quarantine closings and theater shutdowns across the nation.
For $20, you can soon watch brand new movies at home
One of the most depressing parts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the lack of entertainment and recreational options for those of us stuck at home. Sure, we have Netflix to binge and video games to play, but there haven’t been very many “new” releases — especially when it comes to movies.