Google’s Chromecast line is now five years old, and marked the company’s first success in the hardware market. The easy-to-use streaming device has been a real hit with users, allowing users to stream music, video and more to TVs, speakers and more.
Going forward, though, users will need an Android or iOS device to set up a new Chromecast. The computer setup option will soon be a thing of the past.
The “Set up your Chromecast device” page has recently been changed. Spotted by 9to5Google, a new notice confirms that setting up using a computer is no longer an option:
We no longer support Chromecast setup on a computer. To set up your Chromecast, please use a mobile device.
Instead, users will be required to download and install the Google Home app on a compatible Android or iOS device to complete the setup.
That said, I don’t think I’ve personally used a computer to set up a Chromecast device, and chances are most users haven’t either. The workflow is much, much easier on a mobile device (which includes phones, tablets, and even Chromebooks running Android apps).
The change is for setup only; there is no change to how users can cast content from a web browser to a Chromecast device.
If you’re giving the gift of Chromecast to any friends or family, make sure they’ve got a compatible smartphone. If not, you might have to pop round to visit to help them set up the new device with your smartphone.
I have just seen Steven W comment my chrome cast broke I was just about to purchase another I have no internet at all and I’m unable too can someone confirm it would work or not using mobile data? Many thanks !
Pretty much wont do anything without internet.
What annoyed me was Google killing the local cast without internet in the most recent update
Now if you have content on your phone you can’t stream it unless you have a internet connection at startup. Used to be great for traveling
I’m not sure I knew that setup by computer was an option! I have 3 of them and set them all up from my tablet I guess. I have a 4th on the way to work with Kayo Sports (the older ones work but the video (frame rate?) gets downscaled.
Kayo definitely recommends, if not requires, Chromecast Ultra; on lesser models, performance isn’t guaranteed.
Seems like I need BlueStacks now