(old)Puppy Linux Discussion Forum

Afternoon, kiddiwinks.

Just an enquiry, really. I'm thinking of treating myself to a Google Chromecast; Mum is often at a loose end as far as the TV goes - she really doesn't like a lot of what passes for entertainment here on UK TV! - and I know there's a fair number of films she'd like to see on NetFlix.

The main TV in the front room, although supposedly 'smart', isn't one of those with all the apps'n'stuff built-in. As well as being a long-term Chrome/derivatives user, I've had a NetFlix a/c for a couple of years (big sci-fi fan), so I'm thinking a Chromecast would be ideal for this situation. If there's something she wants to watch, I could fire NetFlix up on a new tab, cast it across to the TV for her, then let the tab continue to play in the background while I get on with whatever I'm doing. (And of course, the beauty of NetFlix is that you're not on a 'schedule'; you can watch whatever you want, whenever you want to watch it.)

Does anybody else have any experience of using one of these devices?


Mike.

Hi Mike,

Be aware that you can no longer setup a chromecast using a PC.
A mobile device is required to do that.
Once set up, you can cast to it from Chrome on your PC .

https://9to5google.com/2018/12/30/chrom ... c-windows/

I still have a few chromecasts. Rarely use the since we got a firestick.
That took things to another level all together. I can still cast from puppy but I rarely have to anymore.

ETP wrote:Hi Mike,

Be aware that you can no longer setup a chromecast using a PC.
A mobile device is required to do that.
Once set up, you can cast to it from Chrome on your PC .

https://9to5google.com/2018/12/30/chrom ... c-windows/

Hi, ETP.

So; you're telling me that since I don't use a smartphone, and have no intentions of ever buying one, that there's no way I can use a Chromecast?

Fucking Google.

So....wait a minute. What's with the business about Chrome 72? Surely, even if you use an older version of the browser after the release date of 72 (which has come and gone), those instructions will still have been removed..?

Makes me feel like a leper for not using a bloody 'smartphone', now.....

Jeez.


Mike.

Yeah, _oogle's 1st & foremost a marketer. So long as you realize it's their way or the highway, you're armed.

Huh. Yeah, thanks for that, Semme....

I'm already thinking of other ways around the problem. Like the Plex Media server. (It's easy enough to d/load movie torrents via Transmission or Tixati; there's more than one way round most things, if you look hard enough).

I'm not that wedded to Google's 'way'. Not yet.


Mike.

Mike Walsh wrote:

ETP wrote:
Makes me feel like a leper for not using a bloody 'smartphone', now.....

Jeez.


Mike.

Wrong noun. Troglodyte is more accurate. Even I have a 'smartphone'. Refurbished, it cost less than a flip phone when my flip phone had to be replaced. Of course, as my wife can attest, I never turn any mobile device on. They exist for calling the AAA if I have car trouble. But, she innocently inquired, "What if I have an emergency?". To which I replied, "Dial 911. What the hell good will calling me do?"

Maybe consider a grandpad. https://www.grandpad.net/

But seriously, a smartphone or 7 to 8 inch Tablet can be a valuable tool. A couple years ago I had an Lg Gpad when my wife and I wandered around your neck-of-the-woods. It was kind of like a technological Swiss Army Knife. Took a sim card for making calls. Included a camera. Had wifi which together with Open Street Maps helped locate the nearest restaurant and WC and kept us from getting too badly lost. An app helped in making use of the Tubes. And a combination of included devices were put to use to find each other when I didn't quite make it into the car of an underground before the doors had closed.

I suspect that a phone has greater accountability/traceability and service providers are preparing for the greater accountability that states will be placing upon them for content conveyed/openly shared.

ETP wrote:Hi Mike,

Be aware that you can no longer setup a chromecast using a PC.
A mobile device is required to do that.
Once set up, you can cast to it from Chrome on your PC .

https://9to5google.com/2018/12/30/chrom ... c-windows/

Though with Linux we always find workarounds. No doubt a simple Android emulator of some kind could temporarily load the required mobile app.

wiak

wiak wrote:Though with Linux we always find workarounds. No doubt a simple Android emulator of some kind could temporarily load the required mobile app.

Hmm. Possibilities, possibilities. Do we have an Android emulator that'll work with Pup?


Mike.

Hi Mike,

Must say that I agree with wiak's comments. Depending on how smart your TV is, it should at least act as a DLNA renderer.
I am assuming that it is connected to your router via ethernet or wireless.

vGet Cast (DLNA Controller) is something I have used for years as an alternative option in my DLNA server Puplets.
It can still be installed in any Pup running Chrome or Chromium & can be obtained here:

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/deta ... dlhbabiapi

That is simple, light weight and may suffice.

If not and you do buy a Chromecast, ARC Welder might work in Chrome to run the Android setup app but
I have not tested it.

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/deta ... ngdoccbadn