He Chromecast with Google TV is one of our favorite devices for getting audio and video content on a big screen equipped with HDMI, but yesCapabilities can be further expanded with the right accessory, specifically a USB-C hub.
Whenever you buy a hub that can stream power to your Chromecast with Google TV, you instantly have many more ports to play with. From what we have seen other people who has experienced it, you need at least a 45 W charger, which is what we used for our tests.
Some of these settings require access to the file Development options menu below System in Settings. To turn it on, go to Settings and choose System, so Aboutand then select Android TV operating system version seven times (you will see a message when you have done it correctly). This reveals several low-level device options that you might not be able to reach.
Hardware configuration
As long as you have a USB-C hub with power supply that can be streamed to your Chromecast and an upgraded power adapter that supplies enough power, the tests we’ve outlined here should work as advertised. For reference, this hub Aukey it was what we picked up for the job.
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The more devices you connect to the hub, the more power you will need. Sthere may be some trial and error – wWith this functionality only semi-officially supported, everything may not work perfectly for the first time.
Local video playback
Once you’ve connected the USB-C hub and Chromecast to Google TV, you can also connect a USB drive, as long as it’s in FAT32 format (which you can do on Windows or macOS). Storage should be automatically visible and accessible to any Chromecast application that can search for files.
Install an application such as the VLC media player, and then you can open images, audio, and video from your USB drive. Any file management tool you install will be able to view external storage, also, and you can also start files this way.
Fixing peripherals
Another way to use a file The USB-C hub connected to the Chromecast with Google TV allows you to connect a keyboard and a mouse. Does entering text much easier and allows you to better control applications that you have loaded side-by-side that weren’t intended for your device (such as a web browser, for example).
There’s not much in the settings here, as once you connect a keyboard and mouse on the hub should be recognized and working immediately. You may find some errors in some applications, but based on our tests, you should be able to type and click wherever you want.
Make video calls
Google Duo appears as an available app when you search for it on your Chromecast with Google TV, so once installed, all you need is a webcam. Insert a webcam into a spare USB-C hub port and you’ll be up and running, as long as you use a brick with enough power to keep everything on.
Duo should automatically recognize your webcam, so you can make your audio and video calls as needed (note that the Duo app must be open on your Chromecast for incoming calls to appear). You can also make audio-only calls without a webcam, using the Chromecast remote control microphone.
Expanding storage
We managed to play files off of USB drives connected, and these USB drives can also be used by Chromecast to save applications and other files, if necessary. Again, connected drives must be in FAT32 format for the Chromecast dongle to recognize them, which can be done from Windows or macOS.
With the unit connected, open Settings and select System, Development options, i Allows forcing external applications. Then go to System, so Storageand choose your USB drive. Select Delete and format as device storage and the Chromecast will be able to use it later (this means you will not be able to play local files from anymore, however).
You will be asked to transfer your data and applications immediately, but you can also do so later. Under Settings, choose Applications, so See all applicationsand choose the application you want to move. Select the application to access its options and select Storage used to move it.
Increase Internet Speed
Some users have complained about the lack of an Ethernet adapter for the Chromecast with Google TV: adapters are available previous Chromecast models—But this is another problem that can be solved by adding a USB-C hub. If you buy a hub that includes an Ethernet port, you can connect it directly to your router.
This means an internet connection that should be faster and more stable, perhaps significantly, depending on the status of your wifi, and that will make a difference when watching movies, games, etc. The Chromecast should automatically recognize the cable connection once everything is connected, but you can check by going to Network and Internet in Settings.