Chromecast has already arrived in Spain, and it seems that its sales results in Europe are being quite positive. Its potential is enormous, but there's still much room for improvement on the entire platform. However, thanks to apps, these improvements can even come from other developers. This is what has happened with AutoCast, an application that allows us to use Chromecast in multitask.
One of the advantages of Chromecast over other devices like Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV is that, in addition to being a device for which applications can be developed, it has been on the market much longer than Amazon's latest release. This allows applications like AutoCast to have already been created. Basically, this application allows us to use Chromecast in multitasking. That is, we can not only send a video to the Google device, but we can also send a song, so that we can play both simultaneously. Basically, the real function of the application is to allow Chromecast to receive multiple communications simultaneously, which could come from the same smartphone or from several.
AutoCast is an application that is still in development, so it should be noted that although the idea is good, and despite the interest in it, launch in Europe, it is possible that not all applications will work perfectly with this system. However, it is a very clear demonstration that having a platform for which new applications can be developed allows developers themselves to add features that companies would not have launched, either because they were unable to create them, or because they had not conceived them, or simply because they did not see fit to integrate them into the device itself. AutoCast is an application Delivery to Italy takes one or two business days which is now available on Google Play and is a must-have for all Chromecast users.
What is AutoCast and how does it add real multitasking to Chromecast?
AutoCast is the work of Joao Dias and turn your Chromecast into a Smart TV Much more flexible. It allows you to overlay and combine content: for example, you can watch a movie while your photos appear on the screen. notifications Android or an incoming call notification in a discreet box. It is also possible to play a video while music plays in the background, or launch a photo slideshow mixed with video clips.
Additionally, AutoCast supports the voice control through Google Now, making it easy to perform web searches and quick actions without touching your phone. And it's not limited to local content: you can manage content from the website and take control of what is being broadcast to offer integrated controls.
- Local and web content: images, audio, video and pages supported.
- Notifications on TV: calls, messages and alerts while you continue viewing your content.
- Browser display: projects compatible websites in a single stream.
Installation, requirements and versions: it is not a standalone app
It is important to be clear that AutoCast is a Tasker plugin. To take advantage of most features you need to have bike Bags installed; AutoCast is not intended as a standalone app. There is a version of experiment (lite) with limitations and an option to unlocking to access all features. The demo version always sends predefined images, audio, and video, and the text includes the 'AutoCast Demo' prefix.
To replicate advanced configurations like those in the demonstration videos may require other plugins Tasker (e.g. AutoShare or AutoRemote). If you thought it was a standalone app, keep that in mind before you start evaluating its performance: it is designed to automation with Tasker.
Custom screens and integrated modes
AutoCast works with 'custom screens' that define the design of what you see on your TV. Among the built-in ones are:
- Full Screen Media: plays photos, videos and audio in full screen. It allows, for example, a slide show while listening to the phone system audio, or watching a movie receiving notifications On TV.
- Alternate Home Screen: a screen similar to the Chromecast home screen, but with your photos and dynamic data such as There or the status of home devices. You can keep background music and notifications active.
You can also issue a web page existing ones, as long as the page allows it. The idea is for the community to create and share designs, so you can import screens and adapt them to your needs.
Integrations: YouTube, Multiple Sources, and Control
AutoCast integrates with YouTube to launch videos or playlists on any custom screen. With AutoShare you can share a link from the navigator Android and broadcast it instantly; with AutoRemote it is possible to send a play list from the YouTube website.
Admits multiple sources like Dropbox, Vimeo, Flickr or Gametrailers, so you can put together photo slideshows from Flickr's 'Explore' section or play videos from a RSS on Android. Additionally, AutoCast can send messages from the Chromecast to the phone, enabling collaborative apps (for example, editing a photo between several people).
As for control, AutoCast offers playback management of its own player and can also control apps like YouTube, Google Play Music or plex. It is even possible to check what is playing and build a remote control for Chromecast from the PC using the information provided.
Useful automations with Tasker: default device and actions on broadcast
If you want Chromecast to be your default broadcast destination, there is no universal setting native to all apps. Alternatively, you can create flows with Tasker + AutoCast to always send content to a Chromecast chosen when you share links or start a specific automation, avoiding having to manually select the device each time.
You can also launch another app when you start a broadcast. For example, when you start casting a video, have Tasker open your remote control app or a second AutoCast screen with additional information. Please note that very old phones may have limitations with modern Tasker plugins; in that case, try lightweight configurations or previous versions if available.
Among the most useful scenarios: display notifications from Android while watching a live stream, overlay The music to a photo slideshow, or automatically pause playback when a photo comes in call and resume on hang-up.
Chromecast, Google TV, and Android Auto: Control and Differences
To control Chromecast or a Google TV device from your mobile, you can use Google Home or the app of Google TV as a virtual remote: write on the TV with your phone's keyboard, navigate apps with gestures, and manage playback with break, play or rollback. These are complementary utilities to AutoCast to control your experience from the comfort of your couch.
In the car, the approach is different. In Android Auto, there are alternatives such as Local Video Player (available via AAStore) to send videos, or solutions like AA Mirror Plus y Auto stop to mirror content. These options do not replace AutoCast and are not intended for the driver: they are recommended for use in blocked or by the passengers, always prioritizing safety.
AutoCast maintains the essence: bringing the multitask and Tasker automation for your Chromecast-powered TV, expanding on what Google offers at its core with custom screens, multiple sources, and smart integrations that turn your TV into a versatile entertainment and information hub.
Google Play - AutoCast.
