Google has made it easier to cast Chrome content onto supported devices, like TVs and speakers, with the announcement of full Google Cast integration with Chrome. The integration ensures that no user configuration or installation is required, unlike previously when users had to download additional software.  

Since launching two years ago, Google Cast (which was rebranded in March from Google Chromecast) is now available on a variety of third-party hardware, including TVs and speakers in addition to Google’s own Chromecast and Chromecast Audio dongles.

It has also proved incredibly popular with users. According to the company, users have cast more than 38 million times from Chrome in the past month, which equates to watching and listening to more than 50 million hours of content.   

To have access to the built-in Cast functionality, you will need to have the latest version of Chrome installed.

Note: Chrome updates will normally happen in the background, but if you click on the Chrome menu and see the menu option to ‘Update Google Chrome’ then the version is out-of-date. Click Update Google Chrome > click Relaunch.

Now when you visit a site integrated with Cast you will see a Cast icon, provided you are on the same network as a Cast device. A few clicks later and you will be able to view the content on your TV or listen to music via your speakers.

For a site that isn’t integrated with Cast, you can still view the content on your TV by clicking ‘Cast’ in the Chrome menu.

Google Cast is also integrated with Google Hangouts, allowing you to share your presentation with other video participants. Simply click the ‘Cast’ option in the Chrome menu.

It also works with the Cast for Education app, a free Chrome app recently launched by Google that allows teachers and students to share their screens wirelessly in the classroom.

Image credit: Ron Mader; Flickr