The Chromecast is one of the best gadgets of recent years. What is possible with a Chromecast in combination with an iPhone or iPad? We highlight the functionality and the best Chromecast apps for you!
Buy Chromecast in the Netherlands
Via the Google Store is to purchase the Chromecast. It costs 39 euros and is shipped for free. Every Chromecast ordered will be delivered to you within one to two business days. Now this may take a little longer due to restrictions due to the coronavirus.
Do you want the Buy Chromecast, check the prices on sister site Android Planet. There you will also find an extensive Chromecast review.
The best Chromecast apps at a glance
With the HDMI dongle you can turn any ‘dumb television’ into a Smart TV by adding a WiFi connection to the TV. You plug the device into the HDMI port of your television and then you can stream content from your iPhone or iPad to the television.
Since the original Chromecast, several versions of the dongle have appeared. The second-generation Chromecast, which you see in the image below, has a new design and can handle 5GHz networks. They are generally faster and more stable than 2.4GHz networks. With the Chromecast Audio bring an old set of speakers back to life. You plug in the HDMI dongle with the headphone jack and can then use various music apps and services to stream songs. Finally, there is the Chromecast Ultra, which can also handle 4K content.
Via apps (that support Chromecast) the possibilities of the media device are enriched and more possible with video, audio and photo. To set up the Chromecast, you need the Google Home app. you can install for free from the App Store. Below we list some popular Chromecast apps that you can use to stream multimedia to your TV.
1. Netflix
Netflix is ​​a great app to use with the Chromecast. Moreover, the service is extremely popular in the Netherlands and Belgium. The video streaming service is used via various channels, including via the iOS app. When you start the app, you can choose the HDMI dongle as the video source at the top. Netflix then sends all the information to the television, after which you can watch a movie or series on your TV in full HD quality. With the buttons on the screen of your iOS device, you can pause the movie or series, or change the volume.
→ Download Netflix from the App Store (free)
2. Plex
Plex is a media center service primarily used to organize movies and series and make them available on other devices. For example, you can stream local content on your PC, laptop or network drive to the Chromecast using this iOS app. The nice thing about Plex is the clear design, the large amount of functions and the Chromecast support. Just like with Netflix, you will see various buttons on the screen to control your media.
→ Download Plex on the App Store (free)
3. YouTube
Recognizable in every group of friends. Someone has found a nice video on YouTube and wants to share it with others during a pleasant evening. As a result, everyone has to stare at a small screen. With the Chromecast you can also forward videos to your television. The use is simple: you press the video source button, choose the Chromecast and all videos are automatically played on your television. Probably one of the main reasons to get a Chromecast, since YouTube is the largest free video service in the world.
→ Download YouTube from the App Store (free)
4. Spotify
The biggest and most popular music service is undoubtedly Spotify. This app is especially nice with the Chromecast Audio, because you can easily send music to a set of speakers. Once you have connected your Chromecast, you need to make sure that the dongle and your iOS device are on the same WiFi network. According to you can choose music and at the bottom under ‘Available devices’ select the Chromecast. Simple and fast.
→ Download Spotify from the App Store (free)
5. NPO
With the NPO app you can watch the programs of the Public Broadcasting for free on your iPhone or iPad, but there is also Chromecast support. When you open the app for the first time, you will immediately receive a notification that you can start streaming. Unfortunately – with the free version at least – the image quality is nothing to write home about. If you have a paid NPO Plus subscription, you can stream your favorite programs in full HD to your television.
→ Download NPO in the App Store (free)
6. RealTimes: Video Maker
RealTimes: Video Maker picks the best photos and videos on your iOS device, then turns them into a collage or video story. You can then easily stream it to the Chromecast. Because the app is free, RealTimes contains fewer functions than the competition.
→ Download Realtimes from the App Store (free)
7. Google Photos
Google Photos is a handy app that’s a bit smarter and more comprehensive than Apple’s default Photos app. A nice feature is that the application also has Chromecast support, so that you can conjure up pictures on the big screen. Ideal if you want to show your holiday photos to the visitors on a birthday. By swiping you switch from photo or video, where it is logically necessary that you back up images to Google Photos.
→ Download Google Photos from the App Store (free)
8. TuneIn Radio
With TuneIn Radio you get access to a huge range of radio stations, which you can listen to via a WiFi or mobile internet connection. In the app you will also find a lot of podcasts, which you can subscribe to and follow in this way. The app also lets you listen to local radio stations and works with both the regular Chromecast and Chromecast Audio. Please note that advertisements are present, although you can remove them through an in-app purchase.
→ Download TuneIn Radio on the App Store (free)
The Chromecast specifications at a glance
- HDMI stick with wifi
- Chrome OS
- Gets power via micro USB port
- Can be used with your smartphone, tablet or laptop
- Weight: 39 grams
- Release date: September 2015 (second generation)