Google's Chromecast is one of the cheapest ways to make a TV smart. Unlike a television with Android TV, the functionality of the Chromecast is limited to duplicating the content that we have on the phone, in such a way that the device options depend entirely on the functionalities that each application can implement. From playing YouTube videos to watching Netflix or HBO series. Days ago we made a compilation of 10 games for Chromecast. This time we have compiled 10 of the best applications compatible with Chromecast to get the most out of your Google device.
Web Video Cast
In general, mirroring videos on Chromecast is limited to a few applications, such as YouTube or Netflix. With Web Video Cast we can broadcast any video through the integrated browser from which the app drinks. It also has a file explorer that allows us to reproduce the content stored in the phone's memory.
TV series, MP4 videos, IPTV content and a long etcetera. Web Video Cast is also compatible with subtitles, which are generally added automatically, although they can be added manually through a compatible file.
Kodi
Although the application itself is not compatible with Google Chromecast, it does allow screen mirroring through various methods that are detailed in forums and specialized pages in the app.
In terms of functionality, Kodi is an IPTV content manager, where playing series, television channels, movies, documentaries or radio stations from around the world is within the reach of a simple click. In the article that we have just linked we explain how the app works.
Plex
Application very similar to Kodi, with the difference that Plex does support Chromecast natively . Although the application is offered as free, it has a trial period that limits the playback time of the videos, although from Tuexperto.com we recommend opting for the paid version.
For the rest, the application is a whole multimedia center that, in addition to combining the Kodi functions mentioned above, adds others such as compatibility with third-party applications, content playback through a home server or the possibility of creating albums from photos and videos.
CastNES
As the name itself indicates, CastNES is a Nintendo NES emulator that brings the experience of the legendary console to Google Chromecast . By using the phone as a remote control, the application allows you to load game ROMs through the internal memory or through an online search.
With regard to input lag or signal delay, the emulator shows a more than satisfactory experience, at least that is what the comments of the app in the Google application store assure. It should be noted that it has a paid version of just over 3 euros , although most of its functions are free.
Musixmatch
Making the Chromecast all karaoke is possible with MusixMatch. The application acts as a complement to the main music applications , such as Spotify, Youtube, Pandora, Apple Music, SoundCloud or Google Play Music.
Once we start playing a certain song through some of the services mentioned above, MusixMatch will start to display the lyrics of the song in question on the screen in real time . It also features a Shazam-like song identifier to identify external tracks.
CastPDF
The name of the application already says it. CastPDF is a Google Chromecast compatible PDF reader . In fact, the app has specific options for the Google device, such as dual-screen playback or a dark mode that accommodates the image in dark environments.
Another function that CastPDF includes is the content manager with which we can open files directly from the phone's internal memory or through external hard drives or memory cards.
Solid Explorer File Manager
Speaking of content managers, Solid Explorer is one of the most complete applications. And it is that in addition to reading the content stored in the memory of the smartphone, on external devices or on a home server, the app is capable of broadcasting any type of file through Chromecast .
Videos, images, PDF documents, sound tracks ... Unfortunately, the application has a limited trial period of 14 days . The price of the paid version is 3 euros.
Chrome for Windows, Linux or Mac
If what we want is to duplicate the computer screen to the television, the Google browser is the gateway to make transmissions remotely. Ironically, the mobile version of Google Chrome is not compatible with Chromecast , so we are forced to move to a computer with a full desktop system.
The good news is that once we have connected through the browser, screen mirroring is done throughout the system : from the Desktop to third-party programs, including games.
TuneIn Radio
In addition to being one of the most popular radio applications, TuneIn Radio supports Chromecast playback , thus turning any television into a radio player.
It has more than 100,000 stations available throughout the world, and allows content to be filtered based on different parameters. Countries, music style, content type… Unfortunately, it has a paid version to unlock all its options.
VLC
VLC couldn't be missing from the equation. The philosophy of the famous player does not differ excessively from that of Kodi or Plex. Perhaps its greatest asset is the app's compatibility with lossless video and audio formats and the ability to add subtitles through the standard file manager. The app for Windows, Linux and Mac is also compatible with Chromecast.