Google’s Chromecast dongle has proven to be a very popular streaming stick. At $35 it is one of the cheapest ways in the market to get apps and streaming services running on a TV that just needs one HDMI port. The only caveat with this device was that it didn’t come with a remote of its own like the Amazon Fire TV Stick so users either controlled it using a PC or mobile device. Now Google has released a new firmware update which lets users control the Chromecast using their TV remote.
Google is believed to be leaning on HDMI-CEC for this purpose which routes signals from a TV remote to the Chromecast. The feature will not work with older TVs and only the play/pause buttons will be supported.
Even though the Chromecast doesn’t have a built-in infrared receiver this shows that it is capable of interpreting infrared signals routed its way through HDMI-CEC.
According to users at the r/Chromecast subreddit this feature has actually been available for a couple of days now. It is reported to be working with apps like Netflix, YouTube, Play Music, BBC iPlayer, HBO Go and more.
It is unclear at this point in time if the second-generation Chromecast will come with its own remote control to make things easier for users. Those who want to do more than just play/pause will still need to rely upon their computer or mobile device.
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