Google's Chromecast has been the hot new gadget of the season, even going as far as to top Time Magazine's list of the best gadgets of the year. The low-cost $35 device allows users to stream their mobile audio and video content directly to their television screen by way of a WiFi connection. While most of the device's coverage centers around the apps that are available for it, the people at MakeUseOf have come up with a few creative ways to utilize the technology that goes beyond simply streaming your TV or movies.
Use your TV as a giant monitor: One of the most under publicized features of the Chromecast is its ability to mirror your computer's desktop monitor. While the feature is still labeled in the drop down menu of the Chromecast option on your Chrome browser. If you have a wireless keyboard and mouse lying around, you can basically play your games or browse the web on a giant screen.
Video Chatting With Multiple People: Video chatting person to person doesn't require much more than a laptop and a chair. However, for larger things like a video conference or sending a holiday greeting to your loved one who can't make it to dinner this year, mounting a web cam on your TV and running the video call through the Chromecast could be a great way to make those far away feel like they're a part of the party.
No Apps? No Problem: The Chromecast is working on getting more and more apps to work with the device in 2014. However, if you're able to mirror your Google Chrome browser, you're able to watch content on your TV from wherever you'd like online. Sure it will be nice when your favorite web series page gets a Chromecast app, but for now, the lack of one is not a determent to its ability to be played on your big screen via the Chromecast.
Play Local Files: This is a big one. You probably weren't aware that you could play local files on your Google Chrome browser. If you simply go to your saved files and drag and drop the file onto an open Google Chrome tab, that tab will begin to play your video on a built-in media player. Stream the tab playing your video and in two easy steps all of your local files can be streamed directly to your TV from your computer by way of the Chromecast.
A more complete list of these features and more can be found HERE via MakeUseOf
