AutoCast - Control Chromecast & cast media

Automate Your TV with AutoCast.

******IMPORTANT NOTE*****

Please refrain from giving a 1-star rating to the app simply because it is not a standalone application. If you bought it under that impression, reach out for a refund.

AutoCast functions as a Tasker plugin. It’s essential to have Tasker installed to access most features, so please keep this in mind before proceeding.

A free trial of Tasker is available.

To recreate everything shown in the demo video, additional Tasker plugins are required. Make sure to read the video description thoroughly. Please do not rate the app poorly due to this limitation, as it was never intended to be a standalone application. Thanks for your understanding.

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This is a demo version of the app, which comes with specific limitations: you will only be able to cast predefined images, audio, and video. Any text cast using the lite version will be prefixed with "AutoCast Demo."

The full version can be accessed by purchasing the unlocker or through an in-app purchase.

AutoCast is a Tasker plugin that allows for comprehensive control of your Chromecast. It enables casting of images, audio, and video from Tasker while also allowing control over various other local or web content, including YouTube videos and playlists, notifications, voice, and web pages! Additionally, you can take charge of other apps that are being cast and manage their playback as well!

CUSTOM SCREENS

In AutoCast, anything you cast is considered a custom screen.

Built-in screens include:

- "Full Screen Media." Here, you can cast video, photos, and audio in full screen for optimal viewing. For instance, you can run a slideshow and simultaneously listen to the phone's system audio. Alternatively, you might watch a movie on AutoCast while still receiving all Android notifications on your TV. You can also enjoy a continuous slideshow of photos and videos.

- "Alternate Home Screen." This screen closely resembles the default Chromecast home screen but displays customized photos and allows added information, such as current weather conditions or the status of your heater. As with all screens, you can receive notifications or play background music.

You can cast any specific web page you wish, provided that the page permits it.

My aim with AutoCast is for users around the globe to create their own impressive custom screens that can be easily imported into AutoCast for use.

YOUTUBE INTEGRATION

With AutoCast, you can project a YouTube video or playlist onto any screen. Using AutoShare enables you to cast a YouTube video from your Android web browser, or with AutoRemote, you can cast a playlist sourced from the YouTube website.

MULTIPLE SOURCES

AutoCast supports media casting from an expanding array of websites and sources like Dropbox, Vimeo, Flickr, Gametrailers, and others! For example, you can display all the photos on the Flickr explore page in a slideshow format. Alternatively, you might cast a video from Gametrailers directly through your favorite RSS reader on Android.

MULTIPLE USERS

Since AutoCast can transmit messages from your Chromecast to your Android device, it opens up possibilities for collaborative casting applications, such as a photo editor where multiple users can work on the same image together.

CONTROL AND INFO

AutoCast allows you to manage the playback of media and some other applications, including YouTube, Google Play Music, or Plex. You can also obtain information about currently playing content, enabling you to design a remote Chromecast controller on your PC, for example. The opportunities are limitless!

Beyond Basic Casting: AutoCast’s Tasker-Powered Revolution

AutoCast didn’t just enhance my Chromecast—it completely redefined what a "smart" TV experience could be. While the initial setup demands Tasker (and patience), the payoff is breathtaking: this plugin transforms your living room screen into a hyper-personalized command center. I now greet mornings with an Alternate Home Screen displaying real-time weather, calendar alerts, and a rotating gallery of family photos—all overlaid on a live Google Maps traffic feed. At sunset, a "Movie Night" profile triggers automatically: it dims my smart lights via Tasker, launches Plex and overlays subtle snack-ordering buttons via a custom web page overlay. The magic? AutoCast’s granular control lets me layer apps, notifications, and interactive elements seamlessly, turning passive viewing into an orchestrated performance.

The Full Screen Media mode became my secret weapon. During a party, I cast a synchronized Flickr slideshow while streaming Spotify through TV speakers—something native casting struggles with. YouTube integration feels revolutionary: sharing videos from my browser to TV now takes one swipe (via AutoShare), and RSS-fed Gametrailers highlights auto-play during workouts. True power emerges when sending data back: I built a DIY Jeopardy! game using Tasker variables where players buzz in via phones, and scores update live on-screen. Yes, the demo limits sting initially (hence the PRO upgrade’s necessity), but the unlocked version justifies every cent. It’s not just casting—it’s composing with pixels.

FAQ

"I don’t own Tasker—is this useless?"

Unfortunately, yes. AutoCast is a Tasker plugin, not standalone. Use Tasker’s 7-day trial first. If you purchased accidentally, request refunds promptly (dev emphasizes this).

How steep is the learning curve?

Brutal for beginners, rewarding for tinkerers. Start with premade Tasker templates (GitHub/Reddit communities share these) before designing workflows. Budget 2–4 hours for initial setup.

Does PRO unlock justify the cost?

Absolutely. Demo’s "AutoCast Demo" text prefixes and limited media sources cripple utility. PRO enables YouTube playlists, web page casting, and dynamic data feeds (weather/stocks).

Can it control Netflix/Disney+?

Partially. AutoCast can pause/play/skip supported apps (YouTube, Plex, Spotify) but can’t launch encrypted DRM content like Netflix. Use for overlays on top of these apps.

Battery drain during casting?

Significant. Continuous interaction with Chromecast requires foreground services. Use with a charger or set automated screen-off triggers in Tasker during long casts.

Offline functionality?

Limited. While saved screens (e.g., photo slideshows) work offline, YouTube/web sources require Wi-Fi. Always pre-load media when remote.

Collaboration features stable?

Experimental but thrilling. Multi-user photo annotations sync impressively in real-time, but latency varies with network health. Ideal for LAN parties, not global teams.