Chromecast Apps Discussion - READ FIRST POST!!!

The Corinthian

There's a lot of demand and interest in Chromecast compatable apps in the Boards Android community and so in the interests of that community I'm setting this thread up so that people may inform on and discuss some of these apps.

Unfortunately, as we discovered in this earlier thread on the subject, it is a technology that can be used towards illegal ends; particularly the casting of copyrighted materials, and as a result that thread needed to be closed.

So this thread is here so that the community can get what it seeks, but I'm starting it afresh so that one thing is clear; any discussion on apps or methods, directly or indirectly, that result in any illegal activity will result in an immediate and permanent banning from this forum. Pleading ignorance will not be accepted as a defense. Hiding behind the use of code words to discuss such apps and warez will not be accepted as a defense.

How do you know if something can be discussed or not? Simple; if it has no real purpose other than to blatantly stream/cast copyrighted material, then it can't. If it has legitimate, legal and demonstrable, uses, then it can.

Please try to make this thread a positive one for the community. Thank you.

corkie

Lets get the ball rolling!

You can find all supported chromecast apps for android here


Also a selection of apps available for android, iOS and Chrome extensions here <<< (reddit link, as far as I'm aware no illegal apps on the link - List gets updated regularly).

For playing local content use the chrome extension, I can recommend VideoStream which also has an android remote.

I paid for the premium version which has playlist support.

For android you have a choice of 3 apps for local content: -

• localcast
• allcast --- Paid for app to get full benifit.
• avia --- Requires in app purchase

For casting Music I recommend Shuttle+


Mirror Enabler: For android screen mirroring on selected rooted KitKat devices.


Regards
John

Dudda

For anyone wanting to purchasing the Chromecast you can get it officially online at:

• Google Play Store
• Amazon (using Parcel Motel)

and can pick it up in

• Most Tesco Stores
• Currys / PC World
• Argos

RichT

Just recently got this handy little gizmo and am having great fun with it. I'll be watching this thread intently to pick up some tips!

Unfortunately I'm no tech wiz, so I'll be leaching information rather than offering any.

Cheers OP.

Dozen Wicked Words

The Cast Store app on Google Play Store shows new apps that are compatible with Chromecast.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=goko.gcs

Downside is some of the apps aren't available in Ireland.

irishpancake

For streaming web video content:

Vidcast

irishpancake

Dozen Wicked Words wrote: »

The Cast Store app on Google Play Store shows new apps that are compatible with Chromecast.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=goko.gcs

Downside is some of the apps aren't available in Ireland.

Not really a downside, you can download most apps from any of the alternative App Stores, like:

1 Mobile

Aptoide

and many others.

you could also try this: (It works for me....)

apk downloader

daytob

Flipps is a good one too

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bianor.amspremium&hl=en

its a bit like some of the now tv / roku channels

GBX

Not sure if this is the right place but its Chromecast related ..
I just changed my dns settings on the laptop to access US content on Netflix. Any show/Movie I now try to stream to my tv wont load ... I keep getting the message "Sorry that title is not available to watch instantly"
Any ideas on how to get around this?

corkie

GBX wrote: »

Not sure if this is the right place but its Chromecast related ..
I just changed my dns settings on the laptop to access US content on Netflix. Any show/Movie I now try to stream to my tv wont load ... I keep getting the message "Sorry that title is not available to watch instantly"
Any ideas on how to get around this?

You need to have the chromecast and device your casting from on the same configured network. To achieve what your trying you have to configure your rooter (if possible).

Google it because instructions on how to achieve it are against boards rules.

GBX

corkie wrote: »

You need to have the chromecast and device your casting from on the same configured network. To achieve what your trying you have to configure your rooter (if possible).

Google it because instructions on how to achieve it are against boards rules.

Oh ok .. cheers. Didnt think it was against the rules

_Whimsical_

daytob wrote: »

Flipps is a good one too

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bianor.amspremium&hl=en

its a bit like some of the now tv / roku channels

Does it have 4od do you know?

irishpancake

_Whimsical_ wrote: »

Does it have 4od do you know?

No, but 4od is available on Play.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.channel4.ondemand

There is no native CC support, but screen mirroring might help, you need pretty hispeed home network....I tried it but its unwatchable.

The Corinthian

The Corinthian wrote: »

Pleading ignorance will not be accepted as a defense.

GBX wrote: »

Oh ok .. cheers. Didnt think it was against the rules

Sigh... Seeking to circumvent copyright restrictions based on territory, is still seeking to circumvent copyright restrictions. Banned.

gerrybbadd

Awesome little device, the Chromecast. I use mine every single day.

I realise that there is not cast function in 4OD. However, on some devices, it's possible to cast the entire screen from your phone or tablet (mostly Samsung and official Google devices at the moment).

This works perfectly for the likes of 4OD, Spotify etc that don't currently have a native cast function:)

Mimikyu

This post has been deleted.

Dudda

The Corinthian wrote: »

Sigh... Seeking to circumvent copyright restrictions based on territory, is still seeking to circumvent copyright restrictions. Banned.

Not all the time. It's a gray area and varies from country to country due to outdated or vague laws relating to geo location of digital material. Entering a fake address when signing up is the only sure thing that's illegal as you are providing fraudulent information. However if you also rent a PO Box along with a VPS you could be in the clear.

For example in Australia, which doesn't currently have Netflix, a spokesperson for Attorney-General Robert McClelland told The Australian: “In relation to the use of VPNs by Australians to access services such as Hulu and Netflix, on the limited information provided there does not appear to be an infringement of copyright law in Australia.”

The reason why the content is geographically restricted is due to agreements between companies like Hulu and Netflix and the media industry.
You will break Netflix terms of service but there is no binding government law.

It's the same thing with Parcel Motel and they have support threads here on Boards. You are using it to purchase products not currently available in a country or territory.

It's a gray area.

Tow

Dudda wrote: »

For anyone wanting to purchasing the Chromecast you can get it officially online at:

• Google Play Store
• Amazon (using Parcel Motel)

I had no problems ordering one direct from Amazon UK with free shipping a few months back. Have they changed this?

ThisRegard

gerrybbadd wrote: »

Spotify etc that don't currently have a native cast function:)

Spoticast is supposed to be a great app for casting Spotify.

The Corinthian

Captain Morgan & Dudda: You've both received warnings for back-seat moderation. I already stated in the first post that this thread would be zero tolerance, and so I'm really not interested in legal discussions on what constitutes 'grey areas', not least of all because it would drag the thread off topic and make it moot. If it ain't snow white, it's black here. If someone is unsure, they can PM me to check.

Any more backseat moderation will result in escalated action.

corkie

Google pushed a design-focused update to the Google Plus app last week, but there was a hidden treat inside – support for casting to the Chromecast. The feature is quite simple – there is a new casting icon on the right-hand side of the circle selector dropdown. Clicking on it will launch a brief...

Chromecast support appears to be enabled on a per-user basis from Google’s servers. In other words, you may not see the new feature yet, even if you’re running the latest version. To try out your luck, get the latest version of the Google Plus app from Gapps Early.

Quotes from AndroidAuthority

Virtual

Some apps that I've tried and that haven't been mentioned so far in this thread:

Udemy - online video community for tutorials and courses
Pocket Casts - cast your favourite podcasts to the TV (video or audio)
Coursera - App connected to the online free course platform
Lynda.com - online video community for tutorials and courses
Umano - Great app to play news articles read by professional articles on your TV

Virtual

corkie wrote: »

Quotes from AndroidAuthority

I have a new version of Gapps and have tried Google+ now and I do get the Chromecast icon when looking at a photo or video.

jozi

Ive been using toaster cast instead of allcast which seems to do much the samw but imo looks better https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.n7mobile.simpleupnpplayer

blinkey 101

when it comes to Tec I may as ell be looking up a donkeys ass .

if I get one of these can i browse the net on it and watch movies etc ?

Virtual

You can cast any Chrome tab to it, so the answer to both of your questions is yes.

jozi

Answer might be yes bit its npt its own standalone device like a tabket or smart phone. You need either to cast stuff to the tv and you still use the device your casting from to control it.

blinkey 101

so i just plug it in then pair with my phone search for movies off the net and watch on my tv via phone ?

jozi

Sort of. There are apps which you can download for movies, the app then uses something like allcast or toaster cast to play it on the tv. Orbyou can cast music or movies stored on the phone

corkie

Users of the Mozilla’s Firefox for Android should head over to Firefox’s nightly page and grab the newest update which brings Chromecast support to the popular third-party browser. With the update users can navigate to tools > mirror screen in the browser’s settings to cast tabs and videos to Google’s handy streaming stick. As previously mentioned, this is a nightly build and therefore an experimental feature. Head over to Firefox’s download page to grab the update.

Quoted from here

tharmor

Anyone able to watch BBC iplayer on chromecast using the app ?

Dozen Wicked Words

tharmor wrote: »

Anyone able to watch BBC iplayer on chromecast using the app ?

I'm not anyway, you need to mess around with your router which I can't be bothered to do.

Theres a good explanation of why you can't easily watch via Chromecast HERE on Reddit. Discussion of bypassing regional blocking isn't allowed here either unfortunately.

irishpancake

jozi wrote: »

Sort of. There are apps which you can download for movies, the app then uses something like allcast or toaster cast to play it on the tv. Orbyou can cast music or movies stored on the phone

or on any local Laptop or Server with media files, using Allcast (needs paid version) or Bubble UPnP, the free version of this is adaquate........and you can also cast stuff from Google+ and Google Drive.

irishpancake

tharmor wrote: »

Anyone able to watch BBC iplayer on chromecast using the app ?

Yes....not sure how much more can be said, perhaps check out Smart DNS providers.

There will be instructions, your router will be involved if possible.

gzoladz

Or watch it using the screen mirroring functionality.

jozi

Does anyone find that the conenction to the router can be a bit iffy? I also sometimes cant connect.

Xantia

I have found that I have to turn up the power on the WiFi (Mikrotik) to get it to work but that could be a local problem, however the other devices on the WiFi work fine.

_Whimsical_

I find the wifi connection definitely iffy, mine won't play ball at all reliably unless I have my wifi extender plugged in.

_Whimsical_

You can root your chromecast now too if you're so inclined. It would allow some messing around with settings.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/hardware-hacking/chromecast/root-hubcap-chromecast-root-release-t2855893

Pyro boy posted about it in another thread and said he'd report back if successful!

gerrybbadd

What advantage is there to rooting the chromecast?

_Whimsical_

gerrybbadd wrote: »

What advantage is there to rooting the chromecast?

Changing the dns on it if you can't change it on your router.

BionicRasher

Casting XBMC to Chromecast looks like just what the doctor ordered! - This may entice me to go and get one (and the current price of €29 helps too!!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci0e5guw71A

SteelyDanJalapeno

Quick question,

Can I use Chromecast to extend my desktop display? as in use my TV as a second monitor when I'm on my Laptop?

droidman123

TiltedBrain wrote: »

Quick question,

Can I use Chromecast to extend my desktop display? as in use my TV as a second monitor when I'm on my Laptop?

Yes you can,but you must be on chrome browser and get the cast extension.it works perfectly.

SteelyDanJalapeno

droidman123 wrote: »

Yes you can,but you must be on chrome browser and get the cast extension.it works perfectly.

Awesome, I've been looking for this feature in any device for years

SteelyDanJalapeno

"You can also cast any of your tabs in Chrome to your TV, letting you enjoy sites, photos, or even video from the best screen in your home. Note that this feature is still in beta, and requires a fast computer and Wi-Fi network."

I will be purchasing Chromecast later for this

gerrybbadd

TiltedBrain wrote: »

"You can also cast any of your tabs in Chrome to your TV, letting you enjoy sites, photos, or even video from the best screen in your home. Note that this feature is still in beta, and requires a fast computer and Wi-Fi network."

I will be purchasing Chromecast later for this

It is a bit hit and miss currently. My laptop is reasonably fast (4gb ram), and the cast tab feature is far from the smooth experience that casting from a phone or tablet is.

However, it being Beta and all, this is bound to improve in time

SteelyDanJalapeno

gerrybbadd wrote: »

It is a bit hit and miss currently. My laptop is reasonably fast (4gb ram), and the cast tab feature is far from the smooth experience that casting from a phone or tablet is.

However, it being Beta and all, this is bound to improve in time

Thanks, I'd have a pretty powerful laptop, I7, 8 GB ram so I'd hope I'd have no problems in that regard.

Hopefully any issues will be sorted past beta versions

Ludo

I have chromecasts on 3 tvs in my house now. Those in conjunction with Plex means I can now watch/listen to all of my media anywhere I want to and control it all from my phone...bloody brilliant.

BionicRasher

Ludo wrote: »

I have chromecasts on 3 tvs in my house now. Those in conjunction with Plex means I can now watch/listen to all of my media anywhere I want to and control it all from my phone...bloody brilliant.

Can you expand on how to set these up to play music/movies from a central location (such as NAS) or have you some other type of set up? If I could play files from a NAS to one of these it would be great

Ludo

BionicRasher wrote: »

Can you expand on how to set these up to play music/movies from a central location (such as NAS) or have you some other type of set up? If I could play files from a NAS to one of these it would be great

Well I just store everything on a laptop (big enough hard drive for now) and it acts as the plex media server. I don't have a NAS but list of Plex supported ones here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MfYoJkiwSqCXg8cm5-Ac4oOLPRtCkgUxU0jdj3tmMPc/edit

I can play from the laptop itself via a web browser or the Plex app on android devices also connects to this server and can play on the device itself or cast it to any chromecast it sees It was trivial to set up to be honest and I got the app for 50p in a sale on amazon (3 quid normally).

Only minor issue is having to have the laptop on but that is really minor as it is on nearly all the time anyway. The kids (6 years old) are even using it now to watch their cartoons on instead of the media player I used to use. The interface very nice looking yet simple to use.

It was very cheap to set up with one chromecast initially and see if it is worthwhile. I was considering getting a new media player at the time and chanced this instead...very happy with it obviously as I got 2 more chromecasts and the old media player hasnt been switched on since.