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Opera for Android finally gets casting support, but probably not the way you want it
Hope all of your favorite videos are hosted on Facebook
It's not easy trying to compete with Chrome. Not only is Google's browser the most popular way to access the web worldwide, but it's also included by default on any Android device running the Play Store. Of course, there are plenty of third-party options if you're interested in finding an alternative, complete with improved privacy features and extension support. While Opera's mobile browser isn't the hottest app around these days, it's still getting new functions to help improve the overall experience. With its latest update, users can finally stream videos to any Chromecast device.
Google Files started out as a Go app and has since been promoted and shrugged off that denomination. It's still a lightweight application aimed primarily markets with low-bandwidth internet, so most of its features don't rely on the internet, such as device cleaning and peer-to-peer file sharing. The app has now also gained support for local media casting, finally bringing it on par with many third-party apps that have supported this for almost as long as the Chromecast protocol has existed.
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- People labeling and Chromecast support are now available in Google Photos version 1.6. As for album sharing, that feature is coming later this year.
Last week Cody tore down Google Photos 1.5 and saw what was on the way. We then got confirmation yesterday. Now Google has shown the features off for the world to see.
Reports about the plans for the next major release of VLC Media Player indicate that support for Chromecast output is on the roadmap. This is scheduled for the v3.0 release of the popular desktop client, but it is unclear in which version to expect it to appear on Android - the beta in the Play Store is at 1.0.0.
There are a lot of cloud storage apps out there, but StreamNation is one that has a very particular focus. As you might guess, it's all about the stream: the app and service are designed around remotely accessing video, audio, and photo content on top of everything else. The new Android app was just released in the Play Store, and it's surprisingly complete for a new service. You'll need a free account, or link it to Facebook (but not Google+).
Update: the developers of Primecast have confirmed to Android Police that they were "locked out" of the app's streaming functionality.
Update: ...aaaaand it's gone.
A couple of weeks back the Slingplayer app for phones was updated to include the long-overdue Chromecast streaming feature. And because Sling Media still seems loathe to make a single app that works across both phones and tablets (hang on a second... yup, it's still 2014), the tablet app is getting that feature today. Slingbox owners with compatible hardware can download it now for the hefty additional price of $15.
In addition to a handful of new Chromecast-supported apps announced by Google, Sling Media is getting in on the action. According to this blog post, the Slingplayer app for Android smartphones now has Chromecasting capability. Though the latest update for the app itself was way back in July, Chromecast support is often enabled via a server-side switch, so it should be working now. Compatible Sling hardware includes the Slingbox M1, 350, 500, and SlingTV.
The stable of apps that support Google's Chromecast device just seems to keep growing. In addition to NPR One and Watch ABC last month, Google just announced a handful of new apps that have been enabled today. The biggest additions for our readers are probably Twitch, the online game stream broadcasting service, and iHeartRadio, the radio streaming service from ClearChannel iHeartMedia. Both of them should be ready to stream content to your TV now.
Aside from Windows Media Player, there is probably no single video player more widely installed on computers than VLC. It may not have the prettiest interface (or icon), but everybody eventually turns to that huge orange traffic cone, especially for file types that simply can't play in anything else. While VLC provides a mostly full compliment of features, there is one request that has gone unanswered for a while: Chromecast support. It looks like we finally have confirmation, it's happening!
Take note, video app developers: your Android app should have Chromecast support by now. It just makes things so much better for everybody. Video site Dailymotion knows where it's at, because the latest version of the beta app in the Play Store can now stream to the Chromecast. Better late than never, huh?
So, Aereo's streaming TV service is pretty cool. It re-broadcasts standard over-the-air television signals to your mobile device, assuming you live in one of the coverage areas. If you want to enjoy your incredibly convenient TV Xzibit-style, and put your TV in your TV (set), you'll soon be able to. According to a new press release, the Aereo app will add support for Google Chromecast on May 29th. Hooray!
Chromecast support is becoming something of a fashion item: all the cool kids (or at least the cool media-focused Android apps) have it. The latest app to add support for Google's tiny streamer is Flixster, known for its up to date selection of movie trailers and tight integration with sister service Rotten Tomatoes. Notably, Flixster also supports the UltraViolet system, giving users an alternative to VUDU for their digital copy collection.