Ever since the release of Chromecast back in 2013, Google has been using the Google Cast protocol to power all the devices and the ones that are similar to it. Google Cast or Chromecast simply turns your source device into a remote that lets you mirror content without actually needing an entire display. However, it isn't possible to cast content from an Android device to another Android phone, tablet, or Windows device. Or at least it wasn't possible, but now thanks to CastReceiver, you can do just that, and it is one of the most convenient things that I have gotten my hands on.
CastReceiver is an excellent app for turning your old Android phone or tablet into smart display or casting device
Android aficionado Mishaal Rahman discovered the CastReceiver app, and it can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and installed on all supported Android phones and tablets. Once the app is installed and ready, your device becomes a Cast target and lets you cast content on any Cast-supported apps from the source phone (your device). At the time of writing, the app is free to use. However, there are a few features that are locked behind a paywall.
Now, the CastReciever does sound like a really good app, but there are some shortcomings, and obvious ones, to be honest. For instance, Rhaman pointed out that you cannot cast any content that is DRM-protected. This means Netflix and Amazon Prime content will not work since they need valid cast keys. Another downside is that you will need to have your device unlocked so you can cast because the app itself cannot launch the browser on top of the lock screen.
If you are interested in giving CastReceiver a try, you can get your hands on the app from Google Play Store. As mentioned before, at the time of writing, it is free to use but does have some paid features. In addition to that, if you want to use it on your Windows-powered PC, you can make that happen by using Windows Subsystem for Android.
Honestly, I never really felt the need for a separate casting device. Chromecast has worked perfectly fine, but if you do have an old device that you want to repurpose, then CastReceiver seems to be the right app that you can use because it will work with great convenience and that too, without any hassle that might otherwise come in the way. The small caveats aside, it does look like a pretty solid deal.
News Source: Mishaal Rahman
About the author: I have been tinkering with Android devices ever since the early days of the HTC Desire. Over time, I have grown a fondness for the ecosystem and now I cannot live without it. Although some might believe that I have sold my soul to Android, but I believe it is not the case. You can find me writing tutorials and posting guides on a number of different smartphones. When I am not writing here, I am wasting myself away in books, journals, or on Steam.
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