[TIP] Set up a user profile to act as a 'Chromecast remote'

[zkSharks]

So you have a Nexus 7 and a Chromecast. Right? Right. Well, I've been running this setup for a few weeks now and felt like sharing it. Want the TL;DR? Set up a second user profile on the Nexus 7 as a sort of 'Chromecast Remote'. It's a great experience, especially in situations where multiple people will be using it. Sure, most phones and tablets are capable of controlling the Chromecast ? that's obviously one of its strengths ? but I've found the Nexus 7 to serve the purpose of a dedicated Chromecast controller very well when set up the right way.


STEP 1
OBTAIN NEXUS 7 AND CHROMECAST

STEP 2
ADD A USER PROFILE


I'll assume you already have an account on the Nexus 7 (in other words, that you've gone through the setup process). If not, do that. Also, I'd recommend putting a basic form of lockscreen security, such as a pattern lock, on your primary profile. You can share the tablet around freely with a group of people (we're assuming you trust your friends, of course), without having to worry about anyone modifying your settings or homescreens or looking through your stuff. Now, go into Settings > Users and select the "Add user or profile" option.



You have two options at this point. With a restricted profile, you will be given the option to easily switch apps and account access on and off in an interface that is much more elegant than manually disabling the apps in question. However, be aware that Play Store access is restricted on restricted profiles, and so you may run into problems in that regard. For example, you can't add Play Library widgets to your homescreen, as you receive an error message when selecting which library's content to display (Music, Books, etc.). With a full profile, you'll have to manually disable unwanted apps, but can't simply disable the Play Store without causing issues. Standard user profiles do have access to the device's settings, but do not have the ability to manage the tablet's users.


STEP 3
CUSTOMIZE


Set up your homescreen. I used Nova Launcher, removed all but one homescreen, and really just kept things simple. I've added shortcuts to the apps I commonly use when there's a Chromecast around, and a large Play Library widget set to display my Google Music content.



[TIP]Try using Google Keep on the second profile as a quick and easy way to make note of things you want to watch or listen to in the future (a list of movies, for example).[/TIP]

STEP 4
CAST ALL THE THINGS​

 

[anon(847090)]

Re: Nexus 7: the Chromecast remote.

awesome guide!! i will try this on my N10.
btw, I use Keep to keep track of theTV shows i watch.

here is another tip for reminder. search for the TV shows on Google now, when the Show's info card comes up touch remind me.
Now, every time a new episode is released, Google now will remind you.

 

[zkSharks]

Re: Nexus 7: the Chromecast remote.

here is another tip for reminder. search for the TV shows on Google now, when the Show's info card comes up touch remind me.
Now, every time a new episode is released, Google now will remind you.

Definitely a good idea. Glad this could be of some help, I'll try to keep it updated as I make changes to the profile and how I have it set up.

 

[Still Mostly Harmless]

Re: Nexus 7: the Chromecast remote.

Seriously this is an awesome idea. I really like the idea of keeping it simple so if you have a party you can pass it around without too much worry.

 

[zkSharks]

Re: Nexus 7: the Chromecast remote.

Seriously this is an awesome idea. I really like the idea of keeping it simple so if you have a party you can pass it around without too much worry.

Definitely. It has the advantage of providing a very media-focused experience but also a somewhat simplified streamlined user experience. I've noticed it tends to be used more often by iOS/WP/BB users when set up this way than when it had been left on my personal profile in the past, which to me signaled a good balance of functionality and simplicity. I changed things, listened to their feedback, and ended up with something like what I posted above.

So, yeah, this is more or less a direct result of the release of the Chromecast. Everybody liked the Chromecast, which encouraged heavy and shared entertainment use. I was thinking about it and the first thing that came to mind was the new 4.3 settings. Restricted Profiles are perfect.. with the exception of the apparent lack of control over Play Store restriction levels (in other words, no Play Store usage).

 

[zkSharks]

Re: Nexus 7: the Chromecast remote.

Still using this all the time. The 2013 Nexus 7 is an awesome Chromecast remote.