Google has quietly rolled out a Chromecast update that allows the $35 dongle to take commands from your TV remote using HDMI-CEC technology. Users can now play, pause, skip, and more without pulling out their smartphone.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Chromecast has always had HDMI-CEC technology built-in; it\u2019s what allows the device to switch on your TV when you begin beaming video from your smartphone. But until now, that\u2019s all it has been used for \u2014 and it can do so much more.<\/p>\n
HDMI-CEC, or\u00a0HDMI Consumer Electronics Control, enables devices like the Chromecast to communicate with your TV through its HDMI port. So when you send IR commands to your TV, they can be routed through HDMI to control the device you\u2019re currently using.<\/p>\n
Instead of having to pull out for your phone when you want to play, pause, stop, or fast forward a video, then, you can do it with the TV remote that\u2019s already on the arm of the couch right next to you. So long as you have a compatible TV, of course.<\/p>\n
Most modern TVs support HDMI-CEC technology, but for some reason, a lot ship with it disabled by default. If your remote doesn\u2019t communicate with Chromecast automatically, then, you may have to play around with your TV\u2019s settings.<\/p>\n
Before you do that, be sure you\u2019re running the latest firmware (version\u00a027946) on your Chromecast. Also bear in mind that the feature currently seems to be a little buggy; while\u00a0HBO Go, WatchESPN, Allcast, BBC iPlayer, Google Play Music and more seem to work just fine with, Hulu currently ignores commands from a TV remote altogether.<\/p>\n