Google Cast: More Than Just Screen Mirroring

Google Cast is a casting service available on Android mobile devices and the Chrome browser. While many assume it is solely for screen mirroring, its functionality extends beyond that. Instead of simply sharing your screen, Google Cast interacts with apps on compatible TVs.

For example, if you have YouTube installed on your smart TV, you can use Google Cast from your PC or mobile device to directly open and play a video on the TV, rather than just mirroring your screen. However, this major advantage primarily works on Android TV and Google TV devices.

The good news is that Google Cast is a built-in feature on Android devices and the Chrome browser on PC/Mac, making it widely accessible. However, if you need true screen mirroring—where your entire screen is replicated in real-time—you may want to consider alternative solutions such as:

• Miracast/WiDi – A wireless display standard that allows direct screen mirroring without requiring an internet connection.
• Apple AirPlay – A seamless mirroring solution for Apple devices, offering high-quality streaming and screen sharing.

VIZIO SmartCast support Google Cast

Understanding how Google Cast works can be confusing. It is primarily available on Android TV and Google TV devices. Some newer VIZIO TVs also support SmartCast, which integrates with Google Cast, even though it is not fully developed by Google.

Read More

Microsoft recently announced that it is deprecating the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) on Windows 11. This decision means that support for installing and running Android apps on Windows 11 will no longer be available after March 5, 2025.

Why the Change?

Google’s Departure

The primary reason behind this move is Google’s decision to withdraw support for WSA. Without Google Play services, Android apps on Windows 11 faced limitations, making the feature less appealing to users.

Revenue Challenges

Microsoft struggled to generate significant revenue from the Microsoft Store for Android apps. The lack of financial viability contributed to the decision to deprecate WSA.

Impact on Users

If you’ve been using Android apps on Windows 11, it’s essential to be aware of this change. After March 5, 2025, you won’t be able to install or run Android apps natively on your PC.

Read More

Solving Browser Compatibility and get chrome

Encountering browser compatibility issues while trying to access extensions on the updated version of the Google Chrome Web Store? Fear not, as the solution lies in revisiting the classic version.
Here's how:

1. Open Your Browser:

Launch your preferred web browser Brave, Opera, Edge, or any other.

2. Copy and Paste the Link:

Copy and paste the following link into your browser's address bar:
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/old

3. Hit Enter:

Press Enter and be whisked away to the classic version of the Chrome Web Store.

This method works seamlessly in Chrome, but you can also give it a shot in other browsers like Opera and Edge. While results may vary, it's worth exploring the nostalgic interface of the old Chrome Web Store. Whether you're looking to revisit old extensions or simply indulge in a bit of nostalgia, take a trip back in time with just a few clicks.

Read More

Dailymotion: End of support

As of 2023, Dailymotion will no longer provide or update Smart TV apps for the following platforms: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV, PlayStation, Samsung TV, Xbox (Windows).

If you have already installed Dailymotion TV-App, you can still use it. However, there's no technical support or updates for it. It's not available for new downloads on official TV AppStores.

To keep enjoying Dailymotion content on your TV, Dailymotion recommend using Chromecast or AirPlay as alternatives.

Reference: https://faq.dailymotion.com/hc/en-us/articles/9277376018578-Release-Note-Q4-2022
Download: Dailymotion TV App from Here

Read More

It’s hard to build rival app stores in the EU because Apple has imposed several restrictions and fees that make it unattractive for developers and users to use alternative app stores. Some of these are:

Developers who use third-party app stores have to pay Apple 0.50 euro for each annual app install after 1 million downloads.
This means that popular apps like Meta would have to pay millions of euros to Apple every year just to reach their users. Developers who use third-party payment processors have to pay Apple a 17 per cent commission on their transactions.
This is higher than the 15 per cent commission that Apple charges for apps that use its own payment system.

Users who want to install apps from third-party app stores have to go through a complicated and risky process of sideloading, which involves downloading an app installer from a website, granting it permission to access the device, and trusting that it won’t harm the device or steal data3. Apple warns users that sideloading can expose them to malware, privacy violations, and data loss...

Users who sideload apps from third-party app stores will not receive automatic updates, security patches, or customer support from Apple. They will also lose access to some features and services that are exclusive to the App Store, such as iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple Pay.

*These factors make it very difficult for anyone, including Meta, to build rival app stores in the EU that can compete with Apple’s App Store. Apple’s App Store remains the dominant and preferred platform for iOS users and developers in the region.

Read More

Apple has announced that it will comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) by allowing third-party app stores and payment options on iOS devices in the EU. The changes will take effect in March 2024 with the release of iOS 17.4, which will also introduce new features and APIs for developers and users.

The DMA is a regulation that aims to prevent unfair practices by online platforms that act as gatekeepers in the digital economy. Apple, along with other tech giants such as Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft, was designated as a gatekeeper by the European Commission in September 2023, and was required to follow a set of obligations and prohibitions.

One of the main obligations for Apple was to allow users to download and install apps from third-party app stores, and to allow developers to use their own payment service providers within their apps. This means that users and developers will no longer be restricted to Apple’s App Store and its 15-30% commission fee for in-app purchases.

Apple said that it will introduce more than 600 new APIs, expanded app analytics, and new capabilities for alternative browser engines to enable developers to take advantage of the new options. However, Apple also warned that the new options will create new risks for users and their devices, such as malware, fraud, scams, illicit and harmful content, and privacy and security threats.

To mitigate these risks, Apple said that it will introduce new safeguards, such as notarization for iOS apps, authorization for marketplace developers, disclosures on alternative payments, and controls for contactless payments and default browser selection. Apple also said that it will provide new resources and guidance for users to help them navigate the changes and protect themselves from potential harm.

Apple said that the changes will only apply to the 27 EU countries, and that developers can choose to remain on the same business terms as before if they prefer. Apple also said that it will continue to deliver the best, most secure experience possible for its users in the EU and around the world.

Read More

What is a URI Scheme?

A URI scheme is a prefix with a symbol used to identify a resource or an action on the internet. It can include a specific component following the symbol, such as a domain name or an email address. Certain URI schemes are standardized and registered, like "http:" for web pages, "mailto:" for emails, or "tel:" for phone calls.

Additionally, there are custom URI schemes that are less widely known, like "whatsapp:" for WhatsApp, "fb:" for Facebook, or "youtube:" for YouTube. These are designed for specific applications or platforms, enabling them to launch or interact with these applications.

VLC Media Player Supports URI Scheme

VLC Media Player is a widely-used open-source, cross-platform multimedia player developed by the VideoLAN project. It has extensive support for various multimedia file formats, including audio and video, as well as streaming protocols. The "vlc://" URI scheme is employed to open video files or HLS streams directly with the VLC media player.

How Using the URI Scheme Helps:

• Ensure you have the latest VLC version installed from the app store:
  • VLC on Amazon Appstore
  • VLC on Google Play
• Utilize the VLC URI scheme within your bookmark account for video or streaming URLs.

How To Use?

Instead of saving links like:
https://live-par-2-cdn-alt.livepush.io/live/bigbuckbunnyclip/index.m3u8

You can enhance your bookmarking by incorporating the VLC scheme:
vlc://https://live-par-2-cdn-alt.livepush.io/live/bigbuckbunnyclip/index.m3u8

Reference: VLC Android Manifest

Read More