Google Chrome now comes with casting functionality baked in

The latest build of Google Chrome, version 51, now includes a built-in Cast option, meaning users will no longer be required to download a browser extension if they want to beam media from their devices to their TV. While you'll still need to physically plug a Chromecast device into your telly's receiver, it's now simply a matter of right-clicking a tab and selecting the "Cast" option to send it over.

What's more, Google has streamlined the delivery, allowing Chrome to control the parameters automatically, so users are no longer asked to tweak settings for the resolution, bitrate, or quality of the cast.

Chrome 52, which is already on the horizon in the beta channel, seems likely to allow users to cast a tab into a video Hangout. This will require a touch more involvement from the user; you'll have to check Enable Cloud Services in the menu, and use Google Calendar to book your Hangout in ahead of time. Says Google:

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