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Since its release in 2008, Google Chrome has gradually come to dominate the web browser market, even on platforms with pre-installed competition. The reasons for that are complex, but one of them is that Google constantly iterates to make Chrome better. At the same time, Mozilla has changed the landscape with its Firefox Quantum overhaul. Let's see if Chrome is still the king of the hill.
Pros
Media-heavy pages load and scroll smoothly: Compared to Mozilla Firefox, Chrome has always fared better when it comes to streaming HD video or just loading a lot of images at once. Microsoft's Edge browser has stolen some thunder here lately, but Edge isn't available for Windows 7 (and it's only available on Android and iOS in beta testing form), which puts a serious dent in its audience reach, and its add-on library is relatively tiny. Firefox Quantum has narrowed the gap, but Chrome remains better for video above 1080p and faster than 30 frames per second, unless your PC has recent internal components that can take the load off your central processor -- a system called hardware acceleration. If you have that, then Firefox and Chrome are pretty even in our real-world usage testing.
Google cloud services are tightly integrated: The browser itself has a Google account log-in dialog. When you log in, not only can you sync your bookmarks, browsing history and settings from other devices that you run this browser on, but you'll also get logged into Docs, Maps, Gmail, and other Google services. At the same time, you can opt not to sign in to Chrome and just log in to those services on their respective websites. You can sync with Firefox and Safari, but doing so doesn't connect you to anything that resembles Google's cornucopia of cloud services.
Cons
Privacy settings could be enhanced: While Google constantly works on Chrome's security, its privacy settings could use better organization. Take Firefox's permissions settings, for example. These are located right off the intuitively labeled 'Privacy & Security' section of the settings tab. You can isolate specific websites that are asking for webcam and microphone access, location data, and the ability to send you in-browser notifications. In each of these four categories, you can delete specific sites, delete all sites in one click, and toggle 'Block' or 'Allow' for each site. Firefox's system is straightforward.
In Chrome's settings, you must scroll down to the bottom, click on 'Advanced,' scroll down to the ambiguously labeled 'Content Settings,' click on that, then click on the permissions category that you want to adjust. While Firefox has a prominent Settings button next to each permission category to help guide the user, Chrome's breadcrumb is a tiny arrow.
When you enter Chrome's notifications permissions section, you'll see websites listed in sections labeled 'Block' and 'Allow.' To move a site from one section to the other, you have to click on the three little dots to the right to open a menu that contains a 'Block' option. In Firefox, you get a list of sites that you can sort alphabetically or by block/allow status, the ability to search for a site within this section, and a submenu labeled 'Block' or 'Allow' that you can clearly click on to toggle your preference. Firefox's dialog is also in a compact but expandable window, while Chrome's dialog is in a new browser tab with a lot of wasted space.
Elsewhere in Firefox's privacy settings, you can toggle whether or not you want the browser to use your history to generate search suggestions as you type. You can make Firefox dump your browser history every time you close it, independently from browsing in its version of incognito mode. You can put your browser notifications in a 'do not disturb' mode if you want to stream a movie, for example.
Overall, Firefox organizes your browser settings in a much friendlier and more granular way.
Search engine settings could be expanded: By default, the address bar uses Google Search when you type a few words and hit the Enter key. You can choose from a list of alternatives in your settings, but manually adding an additional engine is tedious. In the Search Engine section of your settings menu, you'll have to click on 'Manage Search Engines' and click on the word 'Add.' This word doesn't look like a button because it has no border or colored background, and its positioning is ambiguous enough that you can tell if it's related to the list of defaults above, or the 'Other Search Engines' section below.
When you click on Add, you get three entry fields to fill in. The most important one, where you tell Chrome the actual Internet address of the search engine, is labeled 'URL with %s in place of query.' Not intuitive phrasing for most people. In our testing, we had to enter the full URL of the search engine, then add '%s' (without the quotes) to the end.
And unlike Firefox, there is no function to restore the default list of search engines, so if you accidentally delete one, you'll have to go through this process to get it back. Plus, if your default is Google, for example, but you want to do a specific search on Wikipedia from the address bar, there is no quick way to do so. In Firefox, you can just start typing and click on the Wikipedia icon at the bottom of your search suggestions. If you want to remove a default search engine, you have to switch to another one for the removal option to show up.
Chrome's search engine management settings feel downright clunky compared to what Firefox offers.
Bottom Line
The more we dug into Chrome's settings, the more impressed we were with Mozilla Firefox. And if your computer has hardware acceleration for HD video, then Chrome's historical performance advantage with media handling is more or less eliminated. Chrome's remaining major feature advantage, at least on the desktop, is a single sign-on for its cloud services. If Mozilla's imminent overhaul to the mobile version of Firefox is as comprehensive as what they've done with the desktop version, then Google may find itself playing catch-up like it did nearly a decade ago.
What do you need to know about free software?
Google Chrome is a fast, easy to use, and secure web browser. Designed for Android, Chrome brings you personalized news articles, quick links to your favorite sites, downloads, and Google Search and Google Translate built-in. Download now to enjoy the same Chrome web browser experience you love across all your devices.
Browse fast and type less. Choose from personalized search results that instantly appear as you type and quickly browse previously visited web pages. Fill in forms quickly with Autofill.
Incognito Browsing. Use Incognito mode to browse the internet without saving your history. Browse privately across all your devices.
Sync Chrome Across Devices. When you sign into Chrome, your bookmarks, passwords, and settings will be automatically synced across all your devices. You can seamlessly access all your information from your phone, tablet, or laptop.
All your favorite content, one tap away. Chrome is not just fast for Google Search, but designed so you are one tap away from all your favorite content. You can tap on your favorite news sites or social media directly from the new tab page. Chrome also has the “Tap to Search”- feature on most webpages. You can tap on any word or phrase to start a Google search while still in the page you are enjoying.
Protect your phone with Google Safe Browsing. Chrome has Google Safe Browsing built-in. It keeps your phone safe by showing warnings to you when you attempt to navigate to dangerous sites or download dangerous files.
Fast downloads and view web pages and videos offline Chrome has a dedicated download button, so you can easily download videos, pictures, and entire webpages with just one tap. Chrome also has downloads home right inside Chrome, where you can access all the content you downloaded, even when you are offline.
Google Voice Search. Chrome gives you an actual web browser you can talk to. Use your voice to find answers on-the-go without typing and go hands free. You can browse and navigate quicker using your voice anywhere, anytime.
Google Translate built-in: Quickly translate entire web pages. Chrome has Google Translate built in to help you to translate entire web to your own language with one tap.
Use less mobile data and speed up the web. Turn on Lite mode and use up to 60% less data. Chrome can compress text, images, videos, and websites without lowering the quality.
Smart personalized recommendations. Chrome creates an experience that is tailored to your interests. On the new tab page, you will find articles that Chrome selected based on your previous browsing history.
Browse fast and type less. Choose from personalized search results that instantly appear as you type and quickly browse previously visited web pages. Fill in forms quickly with Autofill.
Incognito Browsing. Use Incognito mode to browse the internet without saving your history. Browse privately across all your devices.
Sync Chrome Across Devices. When you sign into Chrome, your bookmarks, passwords, and settings will be automatically synced across all your devices. You can seamlessly access all your information from your phone, tablet, or laptop.
All your favorite content, one tap away. Chrome is not just fast for Google Search, but designed so you are one tap away from all your favorite content. You can tap on your favorite news sites or social media directly from the new tab page. Chrome also has the “Tap to Search”- feature on most webpages. You can tap on any word or phrase to start a Google search while still in the page you are enjoying.
Protect your phone with Google Safe Browsing. Chrome has Google Safe Browsing built-in. It keeps your phone safe by showing warnings to you when you attempt to navigate to dangerous sites or download dangerous files.
Fast downloads and view web pages and videos offline Chrome has a dedicated download button, so you can easily download videos, pictures, and entire webpages with just one tap. Chrome also has downloads home right inside Chrome, where you can access all the content you downloaded, even when you are offline.
Google Voice Search. Chrome gives you an actual web browser you can talk to. Use your voice to find answers on-the-go without typing and go hands free. You can browse and navigate quicker using your voice anywhere, anytime.
Google Translate built-in: Quickly translate entire web pages. Chrome has Google Translate built in to help you to translate entire web to your own language with one tap.
Use less mobile data and speed up the web. Turn on Lite mode and use up to 60% less data. Chrome can compress text, images, videos, and websites without lowering the quality.
Smart personalized recommendations. Chrome creates an experience that is tailored to your interests. On the new tab page, you will find articles that Chrome selected based on your previous browsing history.
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Perhaps the area Google invested most of its development time to differentiate from other web browsers. Google Chrome launches extremely quickly from your desktop, runs applications at speed thanks to a powerful JavaScript engine and loads pages rapidly using the WebKit open source rendering engine. Add to this quicker search and navigation options from the simplified UI and you have a web browser that is pretty hard to beat on speed, especially if gaming is your thing.
Clean, simple UI
Google Chrome’s most striking feature and a substantial factor in its popularity - the simple UI hasn’t changed much since the beta launch in 2008. Google focused on trimming down unnecessary toolbar space to maximise browsing real estate. The web browser is made up of 3 rows of tools, the top layer horizontally stacks automatically adjusting tabs, next to a simple new tabs icon and the standard minimize, expand & close windows controls. The middle row includes 3 navigation controls (Back, Forward & Stop/Refresh), a URL box which also allows direct Google web searching and a star bookmarking icon. Extensions and web browser settings icons line up to the right of the URL box. The third row is made up of bookmark folders and installed apps. Easily overlooked now, this clean UI was a breath of fresh air compared to the overcrowded toolbars of popular web browsers pre-2008.
Privacy
Another hugely popular feature, Incognito mode allows you to browse privately by disabling history recording, reducing traceable breadcrumbs and removing tracking cookies on shutdown. Google Chrome’s settings also allow you to customize regular browsing privacy preferences.
Security
Google Chrome’s Sandboxing prevents malware automatically installing on your computer or affecting other web browser tabs. Google Chrome also has Safe Browsing technology built in with malware and phishing protection that warns you if you encounter a website suspected of containing malicious software/activity. Regular automatic updates ensure security features are up to date and effective.
Customization
A vast selection of apps, extensions, themes and settings make your browsing experience unique to you. Improve productivity, security, navigation speed, pretty much anything you can think of with apps and extensions from the Google Chrome Store. Install themes created by top artists or make your own using mychrometheme.com. Sign in with your Google Account to back up your contacts, preferences, history as well as access all your Google tools with a single login.
The program provider has restricted distribution of older versions of this product. FileHippo apologises for any inconvenience caused.
Why not check out our guide to alternative web browsers if you are looking for something a little different.
If you’re among the people having a Chromecast, streaming content on your television isn’t any easier. Mostly, people use Chromecast to cast content from their Android or iOS device. But there are also users who prefer to cast from their PCs via Google Chrome.
In the past, we have already told about some great things related to Chromecast, like:
The popular media player VLC has always been the first choice of the users who have a great local collection of movies and TV shows living on their hard drive. In your free time, check out these websites to get some great movies and TV shows legally.
Sometimes, the not-so-big screen of a laptop fails to deliver the thrill the bigger display in your house could do. That’s where the media player comes to rescue. You can connect VLC to Chromecast and stream your favorite stuff.
VLC Chromecast support – What devices do you have?
Chromecast support for VLC is available on its apps for Windows, Linux, and macOS. You can also cast your content from VLC for Android.
How to stream from VLC to Chromecast?
The support for Chromecast on VLC arrived with the release of VLC 3.0. Just like it’s the case with regular usage, both your PC and Chromecast should be connected to the same WiFi network.
In case, you haven’t set up your Chromecast device, you can do it with your Android, iOS, or PC.
Apparently, using Chromecast with VLC is a slightly different process than what you do on Google Chrome.
Follow the steps mentioned below:
Google Chrome 3.0 Above Door
- Make sure you Chromecast is turned on and running fine.
- Open VLC on your Windows machine. Make sure you’re running VLC 3.0 or above.
- Click on Playback.
- Hover the mouse pointer on Renderer; it’ll show the list of Chromecast devices available.
- Choose your preferred device.
Now, play your favorite media file to cast it on your TV screen. Sage v25 data service. In order for the casting to work, you need to allow VLC through the Windows Firewall.
The playback experience is mixed. Some files work without any issue, but conversion happens for the ones not compatible with Chromecast. Also, users might get annoyed as subtitles don’t appear on the screen for some reason.
VLC Chromecast not working – no device showing
For some unknown reason, if your Chromecast device doesn’t appear in this list of renderers, you can go to Tools > Preferences and click on “Reset Preferences” button. It seems annoying when you do it multiple times, but does the job while you lose your preferences.
Keep an eye on your battery
![Google chrome 3.0 above tv Google chrome 3.0 above tv](/uploads/1/2/3/7/123732122/412289188.jpg)
There is one thing to keep in mind. VLC supports a wide variety of formats, but Chromecast doesn’t. So, your battery life may drain fast if you’re trying to play a file that requires conversion.
Change conversion quality
The conversion process may increase the loading time of the video on your TV screen. Go to Tools > Preferences. Select the All radio button at the bottom of the window. Then under Stream Output, expand Stout Stream. Select Chromecast and change the conversion quality. Hopefully, it might help.
How to stream from VLC to Chromecast on macOS and Linux?
As said above, VLC can cast to your Chromecast device from your Linux and macOS computer as well. You can connect to the device in Playback > Renderer.
VLC Chromecast support on Android
You can use VLC for Android app to stream locally stored files to your Chromecast device. All you need to do is tap on the Chromecast button in the VLC app.
While casting, you can add subtitles (they didn’t work in our case), change audio track. By tapping the three dots button, you can manage options like subtitle sync, jump to a chapter, change playback speed, etc.
The casting will stop when you press the back button and return to VLC’s main screen. If you play the same file again, it’ll resume from where you left.
Look for alternatives
The idea of having Chromecast support in VLC supports sounds satisfying. Although casting on my Android phone worked fine, the experience on PC (VLC on Windows 10) was equally disappointing. There is a scope of improvement in VLC’s Chromecast support.
So, you should consider some alternatives here.
Google Chrome
Streaming local files to Chromcast using Google Chrome is a no-brainer. Open the Cast option > click on Cast to > Cast file. Choose the desired file. However, you may not be able to do much as the file support is limited.
Videostream (Chrome, Android, iOS)
![Google Chrome 3.0 Above Google Chrome 3.0 Above](/uploads/1/2/3/7/123732122/625867541.jpg)
Videostream is a promising solution to consider when VLC’s Chromecast on PC support sucks because it sucks. You can install the extension from the Chrome Store and watch your movies, music, and images. It’s also available as an app for Android and iOS.
You can upload external subtitle files and change the streaming quality as well. A premium version of Videostream also exists which adds an extra set of features.
So, this was a brief piece on streaming content to a Chromecast device using VLC media player. If you have something to add, drop your thoughts in the comments.
Also Read: How To Stream Online Videos And Music Using VLC Media Player?