Stream and mirror multimedia to compatible TVs and speakers, with playlist support and app integrations
Stream and mirror multimedia to compatible TVs and speakers, with playlist support and app integrations
Vote (12 votes)
Program license Free
Developer Developed with Google
Version 4.18.45.2
Works under Android
Vote
(12 votes)
Developer
Developed with Google
Works under
Android
Program license
Free
Version
4.18.45.2
Pros
- Wirelessly cast almost any multimedia
- Supports YouTube and many other apps
- Cue content in playlists
Cons
- Limited functionality without a Google device
Use the Chromecast app to stream multimedia from your Android device to speakers or a TV.
The Chromecast app lets you cast video or audio from your Android device to televisions, speakers and other supported consumer electronics. To cast means to stream or mirror the content, and this app works from Android smartphones, tablets. laptops and other devices.
When it comes to casting content, you have a number of options. You can cast from a file on your device, such as a movie or song. Chromecast also integrates with numerous apps, such as YouTube, so that you can stream from there as well.
If the app in question has playlist support, you can cast the entire playlist and do so on a loop. Otherwise, you can create your own playlists and cue your own content. You can’t mix local content and app content, however, or at least not with ease. What you can do is stream from your local network even over the Internet, which is handy, for instance, when giving a presentation at work. Simply access the videos and other content you need from your home computer.
Chromecast has its own protocols, and that approach has both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, this approach is what allows Chromecast to work consistently at such a high level. On the downside, the app can’t just stream to any device. It requires an integrated or connected Chromecast, Chromecast Audio or Google Home device. Without that, the feature set is limited.
Pros
- Wirelessly cast almost any multimedia
- Supports YouTube and many other apps
- Cue content in playlists
Cons
- Limited functionality without a Google device
This is a casting app and streaming device that can be used with your television through the Android.
Stream content from your mobile device or your computer to the television so that you have a clear visual appearance. This is an app that is ideal for those who don't like having excess leads when it comes to watching movies and other videos.
Pros
- Official app from Google Home for their product
- Is now supported by almost every major app
- Setup once and then never look at it again
Cons
- Lots of networking issues that can cause app to stall
- Requires an active WiFi connection for both devices (Android and Chromecast)
- App hangs at times
Chromecast (which is part of the Google Home lineup) is the app that goes along with the product called "Chromecast".
Essentially, the purpose of this app is to make it easier to broadcast content to the Chromecast, or Google Home. This app is interesting because it integrates into other apps. Many popular media apps, such as Netflix, have a Chromecast option within the app. If a user presses it, the Chromecast app is invoked, but the user doesn't actually see it open.
The configuration itself is fairly straightforward for most internet connections. However, because it requires some specific configuration options that everyone may not have on their routers, setup can be a hassle. Once it is set up, however, you won't have to even open the app again. Assuming your technology is in order, the interface is very simple.
Chromecast (Google Home) is the only component that costs money. The actual application is free. However, you can only use it with the official product. "Knockoff" products are not supported by the application. One major downside of this application is that it is prone to freezing during playtime. Unfortunately, backtracking options are limited, and you will most likely need to restart your phone in order to get it to work correctly. This can majorly hamper movie night, and even though Google claims to have fixed this, it still happens intermittently.
Pros
- Official app from Google Home for their product
- Is now supported by almost every major app
- Setup once and then never look at it again
Cons
- Lots of networking issues that can cause app to stall
- Requires an active WiFi connection for both devices (Android and Chromecast)
- App hangs at times
