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Android TV now supports audio streaming in the background for Chromecast apps
Tags: Android Tv, Chromecast, Streaming, Android, How To

Android TV now supports audio streaming in the background for Chromecast apps Globebusinesscenter May 20, 2020·2 min read

One of the great advantages of an Android TV or TV set is that Google Chromecast functionality is built into the system.

Now, this functionality is a little improved, as Android TV can now keep Chromecast audio streaming in the background.

Android TV

Recently activated, perhaps thanks to the update of the built-in Chromecast app, Android TV can now still broadcast audio to Chromecast apps, even if it’s not on top.

what does it mean? If you are streaming music from a source like Spotify or YouTube Music, you can press the Home button and navigate the Android TV UI without stopping the sound.

For Spotify users, this has always been possible with the Spotify app for Android TV, but it extends functionality to other services.

In a short test of this feature, it appears to work with any music service. Video apps will be cut off as soon as you press the Home button.

You will see a notification on the home screen indicating the music playing with the album art, song title, and artist name.

Android TV now supports audio streaming

There is also an “Open” button to return to the Chromecast user interface. If the music is playing, it will continue playing until the other media starts from another application on Android TV.

However, this varies from application to application. Play Movies and Disney + let the music play, but Hulu cuts them right away.

Where can it be useful? This can be useful if you want to continue listening to your music while finding something to watch or if you want to download an app.

These are definitely specialist use cases, but they are definitely a welcome quality for a life update.

We don’t know exactly when this feature was launched, but it probably arrived at the same time as the last update that allowed, and shortly thereafter, to cut off Android TV speaker groups. You may need to update Chromecast Beta to get the update.
SeekBar — Volume — Google Cast. If you are developing media playback…
By: Dmitry Khasanov
Tags: Android App Development, Chromecast, Kotlin, Android, AndroidDev

If you are developing media playback application with Google Cast (Chromecast) support you maybe want to implement volume change slider to adjust volume on receiver device (TV, for example) during casting as well as media volume on android phone.

I ran into this issue and in this article I’ll show the solution using Kotlin, Strategy pattern and Lifecycle-aware components. As you may have already guessed SeekBar will be used as a slider.

First of all let’s briefly outline the approach. There is one main user class which purpose is to glue SeekBar with volume controlling. It responsible for handling cast session events and switching between appropriate implementations.

So, we need two volume control implementations: one for AudioManager.STREAM_MUSIC and another one for cast session. According to the Strategy pattern, write abstract class with common interface. Call it Volumizer :

start() and stop() methods used to subscribe and unsubscribe listeners to external volume changes. The rest is obvious.

Then write implementation to adjust music stream on a device. Essentially, it’s a well-known way that used AudioManager to get/set volume and ContentObserver for monitoring volume changing.

Next implement managing the volume of cast receiver. For this we need an instance of CastSession to get/set volume and Cast.Listener for monitoring volume changing. Note that the volume in CastSession is in the range [0.0, 1.0] , so we have to adapt it to the base class interface where volume values are integers (like Seekbar has too). For this reason we use VOLUME_STEP and VOLUME_MAX constants — 20 steps with 0.05 weight.

Now let’s write central class of the solution — SeekBarCastAwareVolumizer :

The main points of this class are:

Check SessionManager.currentCastSession to instantiate proper Volumizer implementation in the constructor. Using SessionManagerListener to handle starting and ending casting session to change behavior by using different Volumizers . In onStop method of activity we must remove all listeners. Otherwise there will be an activity leak. LifecycleObserver allows this class to achieve that and be self-sufficient. seekBar.isSaveEnabled = false — to disable saving state of the view, because we synсhronizing Seekbar with current volume in onStart .

Wrapping up

Finally, usage of the class looks that way:

Just write one line of code and get the magic — now your SeekBar can change the volume simply playing media on the phone and while streaming to a TV or sound system as well.

Full code you may find here.
My journey for the perfect stream
By: Roman Dreyer
Tags: Dac, Chromecast, Music, Streaming, Spotify

Google Chromecast Audio

Google Chromecast Audio. This is a very interesting device. Most of you familiar with the “usual” Google Chromecast, that one with the HDMI cable, meant for your TV. The Audio version as you guessed, is the same, just for your speaker connection. It has a 3.5mm socket for any 3.5mm cable. It can be your headphones or a cable to any Audio System. It uses the quite nice AKM AK4430 DAC. This DAC is quite enough for the casual listener.

Of course the idea of Chromecast is that instead of streaming your music from your phone, PC or any device, like with Bluetooth, you just command it what to play and it plays it by itself from the network. This way your device is free, doesn’t waste its battery and provides you the freedom you need.

In addition, this tiny “hockey puck” has an optical TosLink output, physically located inside the 3.5mm analog socket. This is really neat. You get two outputs in one physical place. I switched to the optical out, when I added the Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus to my Audio System. You can find in a price of a penny at eBay an adaptor from 3.5mm to JIS F05 optical connector.

Optical 3.5mm to JIS F05 adaptor

Since Google made a really good job in spreading the Chromecast standard, it is available in any Android device and many applications support it. Even if your app does not support it, you can cast the audio from your device with a built-in caster in the Android OS (but this option needs your casting device, like with Bluetooth). Of course it includes main music services like Spotify, Soundcloud, TuneIn, Tidal, Deezer, recently Amazon apps too and many more. You can monitor and control it with Google’s Home app. Controls like volume, treble and bass are available. Chromecast Audio can be powered by any USB socket available near it. It connects to your Wi-Fi but also can be used with any USB cable with Ethernet socket for improved network stability and response.

Chromecast power adaptor with Ethernet socket

Last thing, it is SUPER cheap! at this point, with all the features it presents, I had to finish my article and say how happy I am. But, unfortunately I’ll have to disappoint you with one cardinal disadvantage. Something like each fifth time I tried to command it to play something, my Spotify app or even Google’s native Home app could not see the device. I verified I’m in my Wi-Fi network, so this is not a network setup issue. My router told me it has it. All looks right, except that I can’t command it. It was very frustrating. I even researched on the web and found people complaining about the same issue. Investing so much in your Audio System by buying Studio monitors, Hi-Fi DAC, Premium Spotify account and in the end of day, you just want to relax with some music and you can’t. I had to restart the Chromecast or do some other tricks to bring it back alive. At this point I said “enough” and began to look for a better solution.
Is it possible to watch/cast video using Google ChromeCast via iPhone/iPad ?(CnX player)
Tags: iPad, Chromecast, Cast, iPhone, Casting

Yes ! CnX Player comes with an exciting feature through which you can easily enjoy your favorite videos in your iPhone/iPad on a bigger screen like a TV by using Google ChromeCast casting.

Make sure you have subscribed for the Video casting feature from Navigation menu → Upgrade feature.

Please note, the subscription fund supports the cost of our amazing development team and keeps us motivated. We thank you for your support.

Follow the below steps to make video work on big screen using ChromeCast device:

Make sure you have switch on the ChromeCast device and made it connect to your TV.

You will notice ChromeCast icon on top right side of player screen. Tap on that icon and select the device on to which you want to cast video.

As soon as application gets connected to ChromeCast device, splash screen will appear on application and the video will get cast on to your TV.

You can control the playback from the application.

Please check the link below to see all the video codecs supported by Google Chromecast device :

https://developers.google.com/cast/docs/media

Facing trouble in casting videos to TV via Chromecast ?
Is it possible to watch videos in my iPhone on TV — Cast all videos in iPhone to TV via Fire TV stick?(CnX player )
Tags: Chromecast, VLC, Cast, Fire Tv Stick, Casting

Is it possible to watch videos in my iPhone on TV — Cast all videos in iPhone to TV via Fire TV stick?(CnX player ) Cnxplayerapp Jun 21, 2019·2 min read

Yes ! CnX Player is the ONLY video player that comes with an exciting feature with which you can easily enjoy your favorite videos in your iPhone/iPad on a bigger screen like a TV by using Amazon Fire TV casting with remote control access.

Make sure you have subscribed for the Video casting feature from Navigation menu → Upgrade feature.

Please note, the subscription fund supports the cost of our amazing development team and keeps us motivated. We thank you for your support.

Follow the below steps to make video work on big screen using Amazon Fire TV device :

Make sure you have switch on the Amazon Fire TV device and made it connect to your TV.

You will notice Amazon Fire TV icon on top right side of player screen. Tap on that icon and select the device on to which you want to cast video.

As soon as application gets connected to Amazon Fire TV device, splash screen will appear on application and the video will get cast on to your TV.

You can control the playback from the application and can also do same from Amazon Fire TV device remote.

If you have any queries please write to us at support@cnxplayer.com . You will hear back within 24 hours
Designing a 2 ways crossover with MiniDSP 2x4HD — Part 1
By: Julien Pardo
Tags: Speaker, Chromecast, Minidsp, Crossover, Raspberry Pi

MiniDSP 2x4HD

Learn to use the MiniDSP 2x4HD and free tools to design a 2 ways crossover dedicated to a bookshelf speaker.

Since 1 year, for my main speaker, I use a digital crossover based on a MiniDSP 2x4HD.

Moreover, this device is my main DAC for my 2 digital sources: a ChromeCast and a Raspberry Pi associated with the Volumio distribution.

Finally, for the a future day I will buy a turntable, there is a analog entry !

The MiniDSP 2x4HD is well known, and you’ll find interesting reviews here and here. So I won’t add anything about it. I’m rather going detailing a crossover designing based on this device, dedicated to a 2 ways speaker.

You need some hardware:

- a MiniDSP 2x4HD

- a calibrated microphone (I use a MiniDSP UMIK-1)

- a multi channels amplifier (I use a Rotel 976)

- a computer used for measurements and configuration

- a speaker without crossover, with cables to each tweeter & woofer. (I use a DIY one)

You should download and install theses softwares too:

- REW

- Rephase

- MiniDSP 2x4HD plugin

- Edge

Getting connect !

Connections

Tips:

- You should add an capacitor for the tweeter in order to protect him !

- Microphone must be held by a stand and adjusted right in front of the tweeter.

- Loudspeaker must be high placed, without anything around in a sphere of 1,25 meter in order to limit interference in measurements. (See gated measurements)

- During the design of one speaker, place the other one close to the microphone. It will be used as an acoustic reference for measurements.

Preparing some stuff

EDGE:

We will have to correct the baffle step effect, so we need to visualize and export a simulation. Start edge software.

Edge baffle step simulation

Fill enclosure dimensions and woofer diameter in the smallest windows.

Then click & move woofer position (The circle) and the microphone (The red point)

In the graphical window, save your configuration (File -> Save as) and export a frd file that we will use later. (File -> Export response)

Edge export detail

Use the configuration described in this illustration and click on ‘Export!’ button.

REW:

Configure REW to use your microphone calibration file in the dedicated preference tab. Mine was downloaded from the MiniDSP website.

Microphone calibration

And then control and adjust if necessary microphone level. It must be 0,53.

Volumes levels:

In order to optimize sound levels all along the sound chain against digital noises, check all yours sound level controllers.

Windows 10 levels

REW levels

MiniDSP 2x4HD levels

In this way, final adjustments will be done on the multi channel amplifier.

What next ?

In next stories, I will describe:

Bass measurements and corrections

Crossover design and levels adjustments

Phase correction

These three steps will have to be done on each speakers, left and right.
How to reset Chromecast (Factory Data Reset, FDR)?
By: Megan Martin
Tags: Chromecast, Chromecast Setup, Chromacast

When do you need to reset Chromecast (factory data reset)?

Most of the time, it is not necessary to factory reset Chromecast (factory data reset). The device updates itself when connected to the internet. It seldom gives a problem.

Call us 1–315–750–1694 Chromecast Setup Helpline number

Chromecast Setup Online Help

But in the following two scenarios, you probably have to reset Chromecast: You change your wireless router. Chromecast can only remember one network. If you changed your router, you can either re-do the setup (you may follow this Chromecast setup guide) if the old network is not in range, or simply reset Chromecast.

Chromecast hangs or freezes. You can try to plug out the USB power cable, then check whether Chromecast works after plugging the cable back. But if this doe not work or Chromecast hangs frequently, it is good idea to reset Chromecast (factory data reset) before calling Google support or returning the unit.

How to reset Chromecast (factory data reset)?

It is quite simple to factory reset Chromecast. There are two ways to factory reset Chromecast.

Method 1: Use the button on Chromecast to reset Chromecast

Hold down the button (next to the micro USB port) on your Chromecast for at least 25 seconds or until the solid light begins flashing. Then disconnect the USB power cable. Wait a few seconds. Connect the USB cable again. This will factory reset Chromecast (factory data reset).

Because there is only one button on Chromecast, you surely will not miss it.

Method 2: Using Chromecast App in your devices to reset Chromecast

This method is only applicable when you still can connect to Chromecast from your device (e.g., an Android phone or tablet).

Sometimes, if Chromecast simply freezes and you cannot connect to it from your device, you then have to use method 1 mentioned above to reset Chromecast.

To reset Chromecast, you need start the Chromecast App on your device, find and connect to it. Once connected, tap the menu button, you will see the information on this Chromecast dongle, and a popup window (as shown below):
Sonos announces new artists contributing to its Sonos Radio services
Tags: Chromecast, Entertainment, Streaming, Home Theater

Sonos announces new artists contributing to its Sonos Radio services Elizabeth Jan 16·1 min read

Sonos has announced new offerings in its Sonos Radio music-streaming services. The ad-free Sonos Sound System will launch three new shows: Object of Sound, a weekly music and culture podcast; Black is Black, a monthly radio show “examining the black diaspora’s impact on modern music;” and Unsung, a biweekly show hosted by the independent British music publication Crack Magazine.



[ Further reading: The best smart speakers and digital assistants ]Subscribers to Sonos Radio HD ($7.99 per month) will gain access to new stations curated by Icelandic singer Björk, British electronica duo The Chemical Brothers, American singer and producer, D’Angelo, and English singer/songwriter FKA Twigs. These same artists will contribute one-hour segments to the Sonos Radio Hour on the free version of Sonos Radio.



Back on the paid side, subscribers will also gain a new hip-hop and R&B station, Blacksmith Radio, hosted by artist manager Corey Smyth.



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Your Lenovo laptop will soon double as an Amazon Echo Show
Tags: Cutting, Cord, Chromecast, Streaming

Your Lenovo laptop will soon double as an Amazon Echo Show Rob Jan 16·2 min read

Have an idle laptop sitting on your desk on a kitchen counter? Lenovo has a novel idea: Turn it into an Amazon Echo Show, complete with Alexa.



Mentioned in this article Amazon Echo Show 5 Read TechHive's reviewMSRP $89.99See it Slated to debut on various Lenovo Yoga and IdeaPad laptops later this year, Lenovo’s Show Mode brings the Echo Show interface to a Lenovo PC, complete with support for voice commands and smart home control.



With Show Mode enabled, a Lenovo laptop or desktop system would essentially act as an Echo Show smart display. Just as with a standard Echo Show, you could ask Alexa questions, command her to turn your lights on and off, get weather reports, play music, read your schedule, or make calls to other Echo speakers.



[ Further reading: The best smart speakers and digital assistants ]Lenovo released images showing the familiar Echo Show display on a Lenovo laptop, complete with a clock, an upcoming event, and hourly weather conditions. Lenovo says you can also set the Show Mode interface to cycle through news headlines, Alexa tips, and upcoming agenda items, just like on a regular Echo Show.



Of course, you won’t be able to use Show Mode on any Windows system. Initially, Show Mode will only work on “select” Lenovo PCs, including laptops from the Yoga Slim 9i, Yoga 9i, Yoga 7i, Yoga AIO 7, and IdeaPad 5 lines.



Also, while typical Echo Show displays are intended to be left on all the time, a laptop would (of course) need to be open, booted up, and active (i.e., not in sleep mode) for Show Mode to work.



Still, Show Mode makes for an interesting way to make the most of your PC when you’re not actively using it. We’ll be eager to try it once the feature debuts in the second quarter of the year.



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TCL’s latest soundbar connects wirelessly to Roku TVs
Tags: Deals, Music, Chromecast

TCL teamed up with Roku at CES 2020 to release a soundbar that eased the TV setup process with on-screen instructions and settings courtesy of the “Roku TV-Ready” program. The two companies are doing it again at this year’s CES with a new soundbar that connects wirelessly to Roku TVs.



Related product TCL 8-series 4K UHD LCD TV (65-inch class, model 65Q825) Read TechHive's review$999.00MSRP $1,999.00See iton Best Buy (Price when reviewed) Slated to arrive later this year, the Alto R1 is an all-in-one, 2.0-channel soundbar that marks TCL’s first truly wireless soundbar—well, wireless save for the power cord.



The Alto R1 manages its wireless audio trick with help from a reference design from Roku that allows for a point-to-point Wi-Fi connection between a soundbar and a Roku-powered TV, meaning there’s no need for HDMI or optical cables. Roku announced its new reference design late last week.



[ Further reading: The best soundbars ]As with the Alto 9+, the 3.1-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar that TCL unveiled a year ago at CES, the Alto R1 will be a Roku TV-Ready model, which means Roku TV users will be guided through the setup process with on-screen instructions and settings.



TCL TCL’s wireless Alto R1 soundbar is Roku TV-ready, which means it will support on-screen setup instructions and configuration settings when connected to a compatible Roku TV.



Unlike the Alto 9+, the R1 won’t support Dolby Atmos, nor will it offer virtualized 3D audio via DTS Virtual:X. Instead, the soundbar will come with straight-up Dolby Audio support, similar to many budget soundbars. Also missing will be support for Alexa and Google Assistant, although you will be able to stream audio to the Alto R1 from your phone via Bluetooth.



TCL also announced a few higher-end, HDMI-enabled soundbars for 2021, including its first models with built-in AirPlay 2, plus support for Alexa, and Google Assistant.



Due later this year, the 3.1.2-channel Alto 8e boasts a wireless subwoofer and upfiring drivers for Dolby Atmos, it will also come with AirPlay 2, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Spotify Connect support.



Meanwhile, the Alto 82i will be yet another Dolby Atmos soundbar (no word on the exact channel configuration) with AirPlay 2, Alexa, and Google Assistant support, although it will swap out the wireless subwoofer for a pair of built-in subwoofers. Rounding out TCL’s 2021 soundbar lineup will be a fourth, “premium” model with Dolby Atmos support, TCL said.



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The Owl Wired could be the ultimate smoke detector
Tags: Home Tech, Mobile, Connected Home, Chromecast

The Owl Wired could be the ultimate smoke detector Fabian Jan 16·2 min read

There hasn’t been much activity on the smart smoke detector front lately. We still consider the Google Nest Protect to be best in class, but it could soon face a challenger: The Owl Wired.



Mentioned in this article Nest Labs Nest Protect Read TechHive's reviewMSRP $119.00Learn moreon Google Store Designed to replace not just an ordinary smoke detector, this home safety device can also be used for general home security. In addition to detecting the presence of smoke with its photo-electric sensor, the Owl Wired can also sniff out carbon monoxide using an electromechanical sensor, track temperature and humidity levels in your home, detect motion with a microwave radar sensor, and it has an onboard microphone that can analyze noise levels.



[ Further reading:The best smart smoke detectors ]The motion detector can send you an alert if motion is detected when you think your everyone in your home should be at rest, and you can program its microphone to send you an alert when noises exceed a defined threshold.



Owl Home The Owl Wired can report on a host of conditions inside your home.



The Owl Wired is outfitted with a Bluetooth radio, so you can set it up with your smartphone, and there’s a Wi-Fi 4 wireless adapter onboard, so that it can send alerts to your smartphone. Multiple Owl sensors connect with each other over Wi-Fi, so that if one detects an emergency condition, the multi-color light rings and sirens in all of them will sound off at once.



The Owl Wired depends on AC power to operate, although it has an onboard backup battery that can keep it running for up to three months in the event of a power outage. An Owl Wireless model that runs solely on battery power is in the works. The company says its smoke detectors will be HomeKit compatible and that they will also work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.



The manufacturer is taking preorders now at discounted prices: $139 for the white model and $149 for the black model. Regular prices will be $169 and $179 respectively. The Owl Wired is expected to ship in October.



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Moen completes its whole-home water security portfolio with the Flo by Moen Smart Sump Pump Monitor
Tags: Cutting, Cord, Services, Chromecast

Moen completes its whole-home water security portfolio with the Flo by Moen Smart Sump Pump Monitor Beth Jan 16·2 min read

Moen acquired a majority stake in smart water valve startup Flo in in 2020. With its recently announced Flo by Moen Smart Sump Pump Monitor, the company now offers a full range of smart home products designed to detect and prevent water damage, one of the most common—and most costly—calamities a homeowner can suffer.



Mentioned in this article Flo by Moen Smart Water Detector Read TechHive's reviewSee it The sump pump monitor analyzes your sump pump’s operation for signs of potential issues, continuously measuring water levels, temperature, and humidity, and watching for power loss, leaks, and performance issues. It can be used in conjunction with the Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff and/or the Flo by Moen Smart Water Detector, or it can be deployed on its own.



[ Further reading: The best home water leak detectors ]A sump pump is a submersible device typically installed in the lowest area of a home, such as its basement. If you live in an area subject to excessive rain or snow, water from the oversaturated soil surrounding it could collect in that low spot and eventually cause a flood. A float mechanism connected to the sump pump will trigger it to turn on and evacuate that water.



Michael Brown / IDG The sump pump monitor comes with a Flo by Moen Smart Water Detector that can be placed near the pump, but outside the crock to detect leaks. This one is set the drain pan of a water heater.



Moen’s device is equipped with two sensors to ensure your sump pump is operating correctly. A water-level sensor placed in the sump pump crock—a perforated metal or plastic basket set in the floor to collect groundwater seepage—monitors the water level in real time and will alert the homeowner if the pump is not working efficiently or if there’s a danger of flooding.



A stand-alone leak-sensing disc gets placed near the pump in an area where water should never be, possibly from a leaky water heater, washing machine, or other appliance. This second sensor will also send an alert if water is detected in that area, and it will alert you to freezing conditions that could lead to frozen pipes and high humidity levels that could promote mold growth.



The sump pump itself gets plugged into a Wi-Fi-enabled smart outlet. This device will monitor the pump’s performance over time, and it will send an alert if your power goes out. An onboard alarm will sound if the Monitor loses its connection to your Wi-Fi network.



Moen hasn’t released pricing or availability information, but we’ll update this story when we get it. You can also stay tuned for an in-depth hands-on review.



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Sennheiser debuts two new headphones for the U.S. market: The IE 300 IEH in-ear and the HD 250BT over-ear
Tags: Entertainment, Chromecast

Sennheiser debuts two new headphones for the U.S. market: The IE 300 IEH in-ear and the HD 250BT over-ear Jessica Jan 16·2 min read

World-renowned headphone maker Sennheiser has announced two new models for CES 2021. First, let’s take a look at the IE 300, a new in-ear headphone (IEH), featuring a refined version of the company’s 7mm Extra Wide Band (XWB) transducer, with an optimized membrane foil that minimizes natural resonances and total harmonic distortion, which is specified to be less than 0.08% at 1 kHz/94 dB.



[ Further reading: The best headphones you can buy ]In addition, the space behind the transducer is designed to minimize reflections within the housing, and a resonator chamber in front of the transducer removes masking resonances in the ear canal. The end result is a promised frequency response from 6Hz to 20kHz (no tolerance given). According to Sennheiser, the IE 300 “delivers clear high frequencies with a subtle and warm musicality that brings greater intimacy to vocals.”



Of course, durability and comfort have not been overlooked. The IE 300 comes with several sizes of silicone and memory-foam eartips, because using the right size for your ears is crucial for getting the best sound out of any IEH as well as maximizing noise isolation. Each earpiece features an individually adjustable ear hook for stability, and the included cable is reinforced with para-aramid that can withstand thousands of bend cycles.



The cable is detachable from each earpiece thanks to its gold-plated Fidelity+ MMCX connector that’s seated in a recessed socket for additional strain relief. In addition, you can use an alternate cable, including balanced cables with 2.5- or 4.4mm connectors that are available as optional accessories.



The IE 300 will be available by the end of January for an MSRP of $299.95.



Sennheiser’s latest addition to its wireless-headphone stable is the entry-level HD 250BT, which has been available in Europe since last year but is now coming to the U.S. market. Touted as offering “club sound for everyday life,” the HD 250BT offers 25-hour battery life and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity with support for high-quality codecs such as AAC and aptX. In addition, you can tailor the sound to your individual tastes with an intuitive equalizer offered by Sennheiser’s Smart Control app.



Sennheiser says this This over-the ear, closed-back headphone offers rugged construction, soft earpads that provide surprisingly effective noise isolation, and intuitive onboard controls. Even better, it’s highly affordable with an MSRP of only $69.95. Like the IE 300, it will be available in the US at the end of January.



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Sonos introduces a replacement battery kit for its Move portable smart speaker
Tags: Internet, Consumer Electronics, Connected Home, Chromecast

Sonos introduces a replacement battery kit for its Move portable smart speaker Alhaji Feb 2·2 min read

When the battery in the typical Bluetooth speaker fails after several hundred charging cycles, you’re left with a useless brick in need of e-cycling. But that won’t be a problem with the Sonos Move, because the manufacturer just announced the availability of a $69 battery-replacement kit.



Mentioned in this article Sonos Move Read TechHive's review$399.00MSRP $399.00See iton Sonos When we reviewed the Move in September, 2019 Sonos declined to answer how many charging cycles buyers should expect its battery to last. They did, however, tell us the speaker was designed to resist memory problems stemming from leaving it on its charging dock even after short periods of use.



[ Further reading: The best smart speakers and digital assistants ]A firmware update released in July 2020 promises to increase run time to 11 hours on a full charge. The company now says you should expect the Move’s battery’s lifespan to “last around three years or 900 charges,” depending on usage.



The DIY battery kit, available in black or “lunar” white to match your speaker, includes the battery itself plus replacement screws and the tools needed to accomplish the task.



Sonos also announced a limited-time partnership with Convoy Network, an independent platform for Spanish-language audio content (podcasts and live audio) in Latin America. Beginning January 12, Sonos users will have access to Convoy Network’s full range of content once they add they add the service in the Sonos app. The company has not said how long Convoy Network will be available to Sonos users.



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Remembering More Networks
By: Leor Grebler
Tags: Chromecast, Internet of Things, Google Home, Amazon Echo, Wifi

Given how much Google and Amazon know about me, I’m OK with them sharing my WiFi passwords with other devices that I own from them. This evening, in cleaning up the office, I connected two devices that had been connected to different networks awhile.

While the network setup was easy on both the Echo Dot and the Chromecast, it seemed a little redundant. First, I didn’t have to enter my network password on either setup. Either my credentials were saved on some other device to be shared during setup or Android was able to share this information.

However, I still had to go through a network setup in the first place. What would have been the idea scenario? It would have been that I plug in the device and it just connects. How? Maybe a list of networks and passwords could be pushed to all of my devices so that if they are ever moved around, they just need to power up and look for the network name. Alternatively, their could be a separate hidden SSID broadcast by devices that are online (like another Echo or Google Home) that the newly connected device could search for and have credentials passed.

It’s 2019 and we’re still dealing with 2012 WiFi setup issues. We should be beyond this!
3D Print a Hardware Volume Control Knob for Your Chromecast
By: Cameron Coward
Tags: Chromecast, IoT, 3D Printing, Makers, Technology

Chromecast audio devices are a great way to stream internet music. Just connect the device to a stereo or amplified speakers, and you can stream music from your phone or Google Play Music library. The small device sits unobtrusively behind your stereo, and doesn’t add yet another eyesore to your entertainment center. The downside is that you don’t get any hardware volume control, but Ákos Melczer’s 3D-printed CastVolumeKnob will let you add that.

You can, of course, just adjust the Chromecast volume using your smartphone. But that’s pretty inconvenient for simple volume changes — particularly if you want other people to be able to control the volume, too. The CastVolumeKnob is small enough to sit comfortably in the palm of your hand, and gives you an easy way to quickly change the volume. Melczer’s design is a simple circular setup, with the control knob on top and a NeoPixel LED ring for the indicator. But, you could easily adapt this to suit your decor.

The control hardware is a simple and inexpensive ESP8266 microcontroller development board, which Melczer programmed in MicroPython. To build this, you’ll need a WeMos D1 Mini ESP8266, an ATtiny85 microcontroller, a clickable rotary encoder, an Adafruit NeoPixel ring, an 18650 LiPo battery, and a handful of miscellaneous discrete components. Just 3D print the case, configure the code for your setup, flash it, and follow Melczer’s instructions to assemble the device!
Android Chromecast Custom Message Channel
By: Ajay Raghothama
Tags: Android, Android App Development, Chromecast, AndroidDev

Chromecast Application framework in Android allows us to send custom messages to the receiver application.

These messages are sent over a unique namespace and the receiver application should be listening to the same namespace.

In this blog, I will explain on how to send/receive custom messages from the receiver application.

Sending custom message:

We will be using sendMessage API from CastSession to send custom messages to the receiver application.

Below is the example:

mCastSession.sendMessage(“urn:x-cast:mynamespace”, “payload”);

Please note that the namespace must always be prefixed with “urn:x-cast:”.

The payload can be a stringified json as well.

Receive custom message:

For receiving custom message, we need to,

Implement Cast.MessageReceivedCallback Register for callback when a cast session starts or resumes Unregister for callback when the cast session is closed or suspend.

Implement Cast.MessageReceivedCallback:

This is an interface provided by CAF to receive messages from receiver.

This can imported from com.google.android.gms.cast.Cast

class SenderChannel implements Cast.MessageReceivedCallback {

/*

* Receive message from the receiver app

*/

@ Override

public synchronized void onMessageReceived(CastDevice castDevice, String namespace, String message) {

if (namespace.equals(“urn:x-cast:mynamespace”) {

Log.d(TAG, “Message received “+message);

}

}

In this callback, you can act upon the receiver messages.

Register for callback when a cast session starts or resumes:

public void registerCustomChannel() {

channel = new SenderChannel(“urn:x-cast:mynamespace”);

try {

mCastSession.setMessageReceivedCallbacks(“urn:x-cast:mynamespace”,

channel);

Log.d(TAG, “Message channel started”);

} catch (IOException e) {

Log.d(TAG, “Error starting message channel”, e);

}

The above method must be called on SessionManagerListener callbacks onSessionStarted and/or onSessionResumed

Unregister for callback when the cast session is closed or suspend.

public void registerCustomChannel() {

try {

mCastSession.removeMessageReceivedCallbacks(“urn:x-cast:mynamespace”);

Log.d(TAG, “Message channel closed”);

} catch (IOException e) {

Log.d(TAG, “Error closing message channel”, e);

} finally {

channel = null;

}

}

You can implement your own payload for sending and receiving messages. JSON is a good option since it’s easy to parse at both sender and receiver.

Happy casting!
Secure Chromecast With These Essential Steps
By: Edward Lewis
Tags: Chromecast

When it comes to casting modern entertainment from your mobile devices to your TV screens, Chromecast helps out do the task very easily. But there can be a risk in doing that because other people might use your device to cast to your screen. There have been reports from a few people about this issue. So, to deal with this problem, we have mentioned below some steps that you can follow to secure Chromecast because securing your device is not as difficult as you think.

· Turn Off “Guest Mode”

You will have to open the Google Home application, and after opening it, you need to click on the “Devices” on the top right corner of the screen. After doing so, tap the card menu in the top right corner of the Chromecast and click on “Guest Mode” and turn it off. This function can be performed with ease.

· Use Secure Connections Only

Restrict using Chromecast on Public Networks, and you should only use your Chromecast on your home networks. It is because the Public Networks can be risky as there are more chances of getting your device monitored. And also, do make sure you turn off your Wi-Fi when you are not at home.

· Make Use of A VPN

With the use of a VPN, you can secure your Chromecast more perfectly. With the help of a Virtual Private Network, your Wi-Fi traffic will get encrypted, and there will be no one, who will be able to leak any information regarding your location as well as whatever you are watching. This way, your Chromecast will remain protected by the VPN whenever you connect it with the Wi-Fi. There are various VPN services available in the market, and you may choose any of them. Please make sure that you will have to set up VPN on your router as Chromecast is not having any direct support for VPN.

· Keep Your Router Updated

And while you are on your home network, make sure your device’s firmware is up-to-date. You should check for the updates and update your router firmware accordingly whenever new updates are available. It will keep your devices up-to-date with the latest security patches which come with the updates from time to time.

· Reset Login Credentials at Times

Change your password from time to time. It will help in keeping you secure. Make sure you are using strong passwords that are hard to decode. But we recommend that you should consider using the PIN if possible, instead of a password.

Edward Lewis is a creative person who has been writing blogs and articles about cybersecurity. He writes about the latest updates regarding mcafee.com/activate and how it can improve the work experience of users. His articles have been published in many popular e-magazines, blogs, and websites.

Source : Secure Chromecast With These Essential Steps
How to Chromecast from Chrome Android
By: A.R. Krishna
Tags: Chromecast Help, Chromecast

By casting Chrome to TV, you can replicate your Android smartphone screen onto the large screen of your residential TV.

Below are two ways described on how to Chromecast from Chrome Android.

Chromecast is based on the Google Casting algorithm, which allows you to display content straight from your Browser app to your TV or any Chromecast device.

Even when a portal or video service is not compatible with Chromecast, you can cast a single tab or your entire screen from within Chrome.

Once you Cast Google Chrome to television, you will see a visual representation of your Android Smartphone screen on your Home TV’s large monitor.

It effectively ensures that everything you watch on your mobile (movies, videos, and websites) will be shown on your personal television screen.

We have described two separate ways to cast Chrome to TV from an Android smartphone or tablet below.

How to Cast from Chrome Mobile?

You would also have a Chromecast connected to an HDMI port on their TV. If you wish to play videos on it, you need to have the Chromecast setup on your Android phones to view them.

Using Cast Feature Stream Android Phone To TV

The stock Cast feature in most Android devices is the best way to send your Android Chrome web browser to a TV or a Chromecast.

Step 1: Go to the Display in the Android device’s Settings.

Step 2: Click the Cast button.

Step 3: For the next step, hit the Chromecast, and your Android smartphone will start displaying the same content on your TV.

Step 4: The next step is to open the browser on your smartphone to see any webpage or watch a video clip. your Android device will replicate them and view them in their full-screen format

Using Google Home to Cast Android Chrome to TV

Step 1: Launch the Google Play Store app. Now, in the search box, type Google Home. Go to the search result and install the app.

Step 2: After the installation, open the app. Allow the necessary permission. Now, from the results of available Chromecast devices, select yours.

Step 3: In the next phase, select Cast My Screen. A confirmation window will appear then. To confirm, select Cast Screen.

Conclusion

We have shared how to Chromecast from Chrome Android. Undoubtedly, you can cast almost every webpage from your mobile phone browser to your TV.

The only thing you have to maintain is the supportive Android OS version and connecting both devices to the same network. So, grab some pizzas, and enjoy watching Netflix from your phone to TV.
Google Chromecast gets hacked by fans of PewDiePie, want users to Subscribe to his channel
By: Garima Bhaskar
Tags: YouTuber, Chromecast, Hacking, Google, YouTube

Google Chromecast gets hacked by fans of PewDiePie, want users to Subscribe to his channel Garima Bhaskar Jan 3, 2019·3 min read

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Hackers who claim to be loyal fans of PewDiePie have been hacking various media platforms to encourage people to subscribe to his YouTube Channel.

It started off from hacking printers and printing out messages urging them to subscribe to his channel.

Now, the hacking has moved on to Google Chromecast streaming devices, taking advantage of an unfixed bug.

Thousands of Google Chromecast devices have been hacked and their users are being told the same thing, to subscribe to the YouTube channel of PewDiePie.

According to TechCrunch, the hackers named “Hacker Giraffe” and “J3ws3r” carried out this hacking attack by exploiting a bug by the name CastHack in the Google Chromecast.

Also Read: Nokia 9 with Penta-Lens Camera and In-display Fingerprint Scanner

The hackers have gone as far as creating a website that shows the live count of the total devices hacked.

Last time I checked, about 5000 devices were hacked.

About CastHack

CastHack is the name of Hacker Giraffe and J3ws3r’s latest hack. A total of 72,341 devices have become vulnerable.

They streamed a pop-up that informed the user that they’re being hacked and that their device is vulnerable while also asking people to subscribe to the infamous YouTuber, PewDiePie.

Sensitive information about the users has been exposed. The hackers mentioned that they can make the device reset itself, reboot, pair to a Bluetooth speaker forcefully and so on.

How Google responded to this situation

Google told TechCrunch, “We have received reports from users who have had an unauthorized video played on their TVs via a Chromecast device. This is not an issue with Chromecast specifically, but is rather the result of router settings that make smart devices, including Chromecast, publicly reachable.”

How can you be safe

You can safeguard your Google Chromecast device against these hacking tricks by disabling Universal Plug and Play on WiFi routers.

This will not expose your device over the network.

In order to find out how to disable this on your router, you can do a Google search for your router’s name and get the specific instructions to disable this.

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This Is the New Chromecast With Google TV
By: Xin Xin
Tags: Chromecast, Netflix, Google, Future Trends, Alexa

This Is the New Chromecast With Google TV

Photo by Levi Stute on Unsplash

I talked about automated shopping that could happen very soon. With more people turning to technology as we all adapt to the new normal.

For our entertainment, we no longer rely on our friends for recommendations. We rely on big tech companies, when I open the Netflix app, I already see what Netflix thinks I should watch next. The recommendation is based on my previous choices or is it?

Last night, I saw this movie Upgrade because it was on the home screen. It was another movie from the Blumhouse productions, I must have been watching a lot of Jason Blum’s movies.

Truth is, I will probably get the new Chromecast with Google TV. I have been an early adapter of Chromecast and to me, this is, its biggest update or upgrade yet.

Photo by Ameer Basheer on Unsplash

It still bothers me. While technology helps us in many ways, it makes our lives easier and it is something we need right now. As we continue to live in a world that has become too different because of the pandemic, I can only thank every innovation that makes our lives better.

Big tech companies are becoming a big part of our daily lives. I am not talking about privacy issues, that’s long been decided. It is they have become omnipresent in our lives. They have predictive power over what we watch or listen to.

There is nothing we can do, it is the future. We consume more apps and gadgets, otherwise, we would be left behind or feel that way.

I am not saying the future is bleak, or we are heading into a dystopian society. All I say is, it will be different. But I embrace the future.

For now, I will wait for my new Chromecast with Google TV to arrive. It will change my viewing habits without me knowing it.

Will I be watching a movie because I like it or a friend told me about it or because the algorithm tells me what I should watch next?