AutoCast

AutoCast: The Ultimate Tasker Plugin for Chromecast Automation and Media Control

AutoCast is a powerful Tasker plugin designed for Android users seeking to automate and elevate their Chromecast experience. It is not a standalone application but a utility that integrates deeply with the automation app Tasker, enabling sophisticated control over media playback, custom screen creation, and device interaction on your television. For tech enthusiasts who want to move beyond basic casting, AutoCast provides the tools to build a truly personalized and dynamic big-screen environment, turning a standard Chromecast into a responsive hub for information and entertainment.

Creating Custom Screens with Dynamic Content

AutoCast allows users to design and cast fully customized screens to their TV. You start by defining a screen type within the AutoCast plugin in Tasker, such as a Full Screen Media viewer or an Alternate Home Screen. For a dynamic information display, you would configure AutoCast to pull data from web APIs or local files, such as displaying a slideshow of personal photos alongside a live weather feed. The workflow involves selecting media sources, setting display parameters, and then using a Tasker action to send the command to your Chromecast. The result is a tailored broadcast that can show anything from a notification feed to an ambient art display, all managed through automated Tasker profiles.

Seamless YouTube Video and Playlist Integration

This functionality lets you send YouTube content directly to your TV with automated triggers. To use it, you initiate a Tasker task that calls an AutoCast action, specifying a YouTube URL or playlist ID. You can automate this by using plugins like AutoShare to capture video links from your browser and instantly forward them to AutoCast for casting. The process handles the entire playback sequence on the Chromecast, allowing you to control the queue or play specific videos without manually using the YouTube app. This AutoCast feature is ideal for creating media routines, such as automatically casting a morning news playlist.

Casting from Diverse Web and Local Media Sources

AutoCast supports an extensive range of media sources beyond YouTube. You begin by configuring a cast task in Tasker and pointing AutoCast to a supported URL from platforms like Flickr, Vimeo, or Dropbox, or to a local file path on your device. The user action involves selecting the source and defining the playback type—such as a slideshow for images or direct play for video. AutoCast then processes the request and initiates the stream to your Chromecast. This enables workflows like displaying a live feed from a security camera or a rotating gallery from a cloud storage folder, all orchestrated through Tasker automation.

Advanced Playback Control for Casting Applications

Beyond casting media, AutoCast can send commands to control other applications running on your Chromecast. You set this up by creating Tasker tasks that use AutoCast’s “Control Media” actions to issue play, pause, seek, or volume commands. This is useful for building a universal remote control within Tasker, where you can create a scene with buttons that trigger these AutoCast control actions. The workflow allows you to manage playback of compatible apps like Spotify or Plex without needing their native remote interfaces, integrating media control into a larger home automation setup.

Enabling Multi-User and Interactive Casting Sessions

AutoCast can facilitate collaborative experiences by enabling bi-directional communication between your Chromecast and Android device. To create an interactive session, you design a Tasker profile that uses AutoCast to send messages from the TV screen back to your phone. For example, you could build a simple game where user inputs from a custom web page overlay are sent via AutoCast to Tasker for processing. This two-way data flow allows multiple users to interact with the same content on the big screen, making AutoCast a powerful tool for developing shared applications like live polls or multiplayer games.