Google’s Chromecasts have revolutionized the way we cast content to other devices, often from our smartphones, but it turns out our phones can also be used as a Chromecast.
One of the main arguments of the Pixel Tablet, Google’s first tablet, was its ability to be transformed into a real Google Nest Hub, but also its integrated Chromecast which allows users to easily stream content to its large screen. While we thought that this feature was reserved for him, it turns out that all Android smartphones can be turned into a Chromecast.
On X, formerly Twitter, journalist Mishaal Rahman, an Android specialist, brought to light a hitherto unknown application. Named CastReceiver, the latter does exactly what its name suggests, i.e. allow the smartphone to receive a video stream from another device.
Also read – Google fined $338 million over Chromecast, here’s why
How to stream content to your smartphone from another device?
The CastReceiver app, available on the Google Play Store, is quite easy to use. Once downloaded is started, an alert will open and ask you to allow the app to display content on top of other apps. You will then have to click on “Setting”, then activate the switch in question next to the name of the application.
CastReceiver will then warn you that this is a trial version, and that you cannot broadcast only 5 minutes of content per session. To override this limitation, you will have to either relaunch the application, or buy the Premium version at 4.59 euros.
Once on the home screen, the name of your device will be displayed at the top of the screen, and it will then be possible to select it as a Chromecast when watching a video. However, note that you will not be able to stream DRM-protected content, so neither Netflix nor Amazon Prime Video will work. Moreover, your device must be unlocked for streaming to begin.
This application could be very useful if you have an old tablet that you want to turn into a smart display, or even turn an old phone with a 3.5mm jack into Chromecast Audio. It would even be possible toinstall the application via WSA on a Windows PCand therefore to allow it to also receive a video stream.
This app turns any Android device into a Chromecast.
When Google released the Pixel Tablet, the first Android tablet with Google Cast built-in, many people asked me if it’s possible to bring this functionality to other devices.
Turns out you can (with some caveats!)
The app… pic.twitter.com/2U7eha8Sqt
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) August 14, 2023