7 ways to use the Elgato Stream Deck beyond livestreaming

The Elgato Stream Deck: Beyond Livestreaming, Into Daily Life

While famously used for livestreaming, the Elgato Stream Deck's utility extends far beyond broadcasting. Whether you're a streamer or not, its potential to streamline your daily computing tasks is undeniable. This versatile hardware panel of customizable buttons offers rapid access to a wide range of functions. Let's explore some practical applications:

1. Effortless Music Control: The Stream Deck's built-in Multimedia actions (found under the System section in the software) provide instant control over your audio playback. Start, stop, skip tracks—all with a single touch. Volume adjustments are also readily available, making it a comprehensive music command center.

2. Precision Timers: Forget fumbling with phone apps or typing "timer" into Google. The Stream Deck's integrated Timer function (under the Stream Deck heading) lets you set custom timers with ease. Watch the countdown on the Stream Deck's LED display and select a notification sound for when time's up.

3. Seamless Audio Switching: Switching between headphones and speakers shouldn't be a hassle. The Audio Switcher plugin (available in the Stream Deck App Store) simplifies this process, letting you instantly toggle between audio devices with a single button press.

4. Universal Task Automation: Assign any keyboard shortcut to a Stream Deck button. Use existing shortcuts or create custom ones using the Hotkey action (under System). For more complex actions like image resizing or folder opening, the Super Macro plugin expands your possibilities.

[Related: Mastering Essential Windows Keyboard Shortcuts]

5. Elevate Your Video Meetings: The MuteDeck plugin (Stream Deck App Store) transforms your video conferencing experience. Instantly mute/unmute your microphone, leave meetings, share your screen, and switch between cameras (if you have multiple webcams) with dedicated buttons. Compatible with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Webex.

6. Streamlined App and Website Launch: Open websites and applications effortlessly using the Stream Deck's Website and Open actions (under System). Combine this with the Windows Mover & Resizer plugin (Stream Deck App Store) to precisely position opened windows on your screen(s). The Multi Action function allows you to launch multiple applications simultaneously with a single button press, perfectly arranging them on your desktop.

[Related: Livestreaming Events: A Guide for Friends and Family]

7. Smart Home Illumination Control: Control your smart lights (Philips Hue, Nanoleaf, Eve, etc.) directly from your Stream Deck. Turn lights on/off, set scenes, adjust colors and brightness—all without reaching for your phone. Download the appropriate plugins from the Stream Deck App Store to integrate your lighting system.

The Elgato Stream Deck proves its value extends far beyond its initial livestreaming purpose. Its adaptability makes it a powerful tool for enhancing productivity and simplifying everyday computing tasks.

The above is the detailed content of 7 ways to use the Elgato Stream Deck beyond livestreaming. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!