Hotel mode or Limit functionality in Chromecast Gen 4

[Invit]

We are in the hospitality business working with system integration and infotainment solutions.

I’m looking for a way to use the Google-TV w Chromecast in the same way as the previous Gen 3 model. So basically  limit it to a streaming receiver, always running in Ambient mode with no other user interaction to be made. This includes accesses to settings, accounts, operate it by native or virtual remote, prevent it to go to sleep mode and so on.

Are you working on a “Hotel mode” or similar functionality that can limit the usage so the device can be installed tamper safe in public environments?

If not, do you think the above could be feasible by developing our own application? Are the system open to control/limit such features from an apk? Any related information or suggestion would be highly appreciated.

Looking forward to a positive reply

[David_K]

Chromecast with Google TV is a personal device, designed for use in the home. I've certainly not seen Google make any announcements similar to what you're suggesting I'm afraid. And no, not feasible to alter the way the device works using an APK as those system level settings are not accessible to installed apps.

With that said, I’d encourage you to also send this feedback directly to Google. You will not receive a response, unless Google need more details from you, however the team are still reading the feedback.

[Invit]

Dear David,

Thanks for your kind and detailed answer. I suspected this to be the case but hoped some of the low-level settings could still be accessible or perhaps possible to conditionally block by a customised APK. 

Anyway, I will do as you suggest and send the feedback directly to Google. If you or someone else have anything additional info or suggestions, these would be much appreciated.

[Byteguy]

One suggestion based on how a local bar uses Chromecasts...

Set what you want to display in a Google Photos Albums (still pictures only, NO video).  Then set your Chromecast device to play that album in Ambient mode:

https://support.google.com/chromecast/answer/6080931

Guest Mode was recently retired so that isn't a problem anymore:

https://support.google.com/chromecast/answer/6109286

Depending on your exact model, there are settings to keep it from going to sleep.

And, here is the KEY to protecting it.  Set your Chromecast devices on their own private and secured network; NOT the public network.  The bar has multiple networks.  Check with your internet provider.  Most modern routers can make multiple independent networks at the same time.

As David pointed out, this is not exactly what you want but it gives you most of that (as long as your employees that know that network's password behave themselves).

[Invit]

Dear Byteguy,

Thanks for your suggestions. I've been playing around with the Ambinet mode during the years and this can do the trick with hiding the homescreen. Tks. 

However, I don't quite follow on your suggestion with putting the device on a separate (hidden) lan.. Will this really isolate access to settings while allow the possibility to cast? Please elaborate.

Best!

[Byteguy]

People can only cast to a Chromecast device if they are logged in on the same WiFi as the Chromecast (especially since Guest Mode was removed recently).

As long as you have your device all setup and connected to a network, it won't let anyone not on that network talk to it and change its settings.   Though, in theory, if they could actually get to the device itself they could hold down the reset button and erase all your settings.

But, as David pointed out, this is designed for the home so, if that is actually something you have to worry about you may want to get a real Digital Signage solution.  I'm sorry, I don't have any ones to suggest to you.

[Invit]

Dear Byteguy,

Right, this is the problem I'm trying to find a workaround to..

If the device is installed in a public area such as a hotelroom and intended for guest usage, the guest will be on the same network, hence have access to the settings just by open the Google Home apk in the smartphone. I know there are some gateway solutions out there which conditionally separates guest wifi from the wifi Chromecast is connected to but I am not sure these blocks access to the settings..

[Byteguy]

If your Guest is on WiFi-A and your Chromecast is setup and running on WiFi-B, the guest will not be able to open their Home app and see your Chromecast to change the settings.

(That's assuming that your two networks are NOT connected, of course).

But, they could reach around the TV, press and hold the reset button on the Chromecast device, and that would erase the Chromecast and the device would then show up in their Home app asking to be setup again.

This wouldn't be a big risk in a common-area where you would hope someone would notice them digging around behind the display, there is nothing stopping them from doing this in a room.