Google is infamous for killing off initiatives in each its {hardware} and companies divisions. And, certainly, the announcement of the Google TV streaming field was successfully seen as an epitaph for the extra reasonably priced Chromecast model that Google had constructed up within the earlier decade. However right here's the bizarre factor: Months after being pronounced useless, the $30 Chromecast is shambling alongside at Google's on-line retailer. Possibly it should finally exit of inventory, however within the meantime, you should buy three for the worth of a single Google TV.
A lot the higher, as a result of each Google streaming platforms are nonetheless robust contenders, with simple interfaces that present entry to the entire finest streaming companies in a single centralized location. On the identical time, a rising variety of modestly priced good TVs have Google TV built-in. However irrespective of which Google viewing choice you employ, you may entry much more video content material, because of their robust help for VPNs (digital personal networks). Right here’s the best way to arrange a VPN on Google TV or a Chromecast and why it’s possible you’ll need to use one.
Why use a VPN on Google TV or Chromecast?
For streaming functions, VPNs have one clear profit: spoofing your IP tackle to that of a special nation in an effort to entry geo-restricted content material. If you happen to use a VPN and hook up with a special nation’s server, you may entry its content material library on any streaming platform.
Let’s say you reside within the US however need to watch some award-winning BBC documentaries on the BBC iPlayer streaming service. All BBC iPlayer content material is free if you happen to stay within the UK, however blocked in all places else. Utilizing a VPN, you may hook up with a UK VPN server and stream to your coronary heart’s content material.
VPNs even have appreciable safety advantages if you happen to use them in your smartphone or PC. Buying a single subscription means you need to use your VPN on any supported system, so we advocate you store for a versatile one which helps a number of concurrent logins.
What VPNs can be found on Google TV?
Google TV doesn’t have as many VPN apps to put in in comparison with different good TV programs like Amazon’s Hearth TV OS. Though this will likely appear to be an obstacle, it’s truly a blessing in disguise.
With VPNs, you need to make sure you put money into a high quality and reliable product. There are a lot of untested or free VPNs obtainable that promote your knowledge or falsify their encryption claims. Though this may not be an enormous situation for streaming functions alone, it usually poses large safety and privateness dangers.
When putting in a VPN on Google TV or Chromecast, we advocate the next VPN companies:
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ProtonVPN
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ExpressVPN
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Surfshark
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CyberGhost
We even have a information to one of the best VPNs the place we clarify why we advocate them.
The way to arrange a VPN in your Google TV or Chromecast
It’s simple to make use of a VPN in your Google TV (and maybe even simpler on a Chromecast). Right here’s a step-by-step information on the best way to set up one:
Google TV
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Navigate to the Google Play Retailer in your Google TV.
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Seek for the VPN you need to set up (alternatively, seek for the key phrase “VPN” to view your choices).
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Set up the VPN.
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Join (or login if you have already got an account).
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Navigate the nation server record and join.
Notice that you need to use your VPN on as many gadgets because it helps. So, when you’ve bought a subscription, it’s clever to obtain it on as many platforms and gadgets you may to maximise your funding.
Chromecast
If in case you have a Chromecast, you may nonetheless get pleasure from the advantages of a VPN — you simply want to make use of your smartphone or laptop computer in tandem with the streaming system. Right here’s the best way to do it:
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Set up a VPN in your smartphone or laptop computer.
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Be sure your Wi-Fi is enabled.
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Activate the VPN in your smartphone/laptop computer.
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Join your smartphone or laptop computer to your TV through Chromecast.
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Start streaming your content material.
Extra tip: VPNs additionally work with screencasting. So long as your good TV is below the identical Wi-Fi because the system you’re screencasting from, you need to use the VPN securely.
VPN choices for different streaming platforms
Don't have Google TV? Excellent news: Sturdy VPN choices (or options) exist for the opposite main streaming platforms, too.
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The way to use a VPN in your Apple TV
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The way to stream through a VPN on Roku
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The way to use a VPN to stream with Hearth TV
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/how-to-use-your-google-tv-or-chromecast-to-stream-via-a-vpn-140619571.html?src=rss