Skip to main content

Tidal is poised to go beyond music and now lets you send video and audio to Chromecast directly

Fresh off of pulling in a massive number of streams with Kanye West‘s newly released album, The Life of Pablo, Tidal is reportedly looking into adding movie streaming, according to Page Six. Sources tell the publication that the artist-owned service is working to negotiate partnerships that would lead to Tidal original films. And now, that might be easier than ever, given the Tidal now supports Chromecast.

Updated on 7-10-2016 by Lulu Chang: Tidal adds Google Chromecast support 

Recommended Videos

Thanks to the latest update to the media streaming app, you can now send both your audio and your video content directly to a Google Chromecast dongle. Tidal’s version 1.14.0 for iOS and Android includes the addition of an integrated Cast option that appears in the playback screen. And while your phone remains the default source, you’ll be able to select Chromecast devices from your menu as well (just make sure they’re connected to the same WiFi network).

Original content seems to be a focus for the one-year-old streaming service, as sources say that Tidal is looking to partner with an indie studio or producer on originals. The streamer isn’t expected to put all of its eggs in that basket, though; Page Six also reports that the company will acquire films.

With the streamer’s wealth of talent — its owner coalition includes Jay Z, Kanye West, Rihanna, Calvin Harris, and more — Tidal is said to have plans to tap into artists signed to the service. Although no projects have been announced yet, many Tidal-affiliated musicians have dabbled in film in the past. West has reportedly teamed up with writer Bret Easton Ellis to develop a script, and Jay Z is in talks to produce an upcoming movie. On top of that, Beyoncé has appeared in multiple films, notably 2006’s Dreamgirls, while Rihanna starred in 2012’s Battleship.

Tidal’s road so far hasn’t been a smooth one by any means. The streaming service has dealt with numerous leadership changes, issues with accidental subscription renewals and charges, allegations of unpaid royalties, and more. Nonetheless, the company has pressed on, growing from one million members in September 2015 to a reported three million. Adding movies seems like a move with a lot of potential, especially given the big names Tidal could possibly get involved.

Stephanie Topacio Long
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Stephanie Topacio Long is a writer and editor whose writing interests range from business to books. She also contributes to…
I’m definitely not ready for LG’s ‘emotionally aware’ TV ads
A frustrated-looking couple holds a TV remote.

LG has announced that it’s partnering with a company called Zenapse to deliver so-called emotionally aware advertising across the entire webOS smart TV experience, including LG Channels, the company’s free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service, and I’m uneasy about the whole concept.

I tend to be skeptical of the power of advertising to get me to do something (or buy something) that I wasn’t already considering doing. Most of the ads I see these days are on YouTube or the few traditional cable TV channels I still watch. If they’re targeted at all, it’s usually because of a website I’ve previously been to (yes, QuadLock, you already have my money, why are you still asking for it?).

Read more
Get this 50-inch Insignia TV while it’s marked down to $220 from $300
The Insignia 50-inch F30 Series 4K Smart Fire TV hangs in a living room.

An affordable TV shouldn’t skimp on picture features and smart tech in favor of a lower price point. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for the best TV deals because we want our readers to have the best of both worlds; at least in terms of performance and value. To that end, we found a great promo today:  

For a limited time, you can get the Insignia 50-inch F30 Series 4K LED at Amazon for only $220. The full MSRP on this model is $300. 

Read more
Save $240 on the Xgody Gimbal 5 Smart Mini Projector at Walmart
The Xgody Gimbal 5 Smart HD Mini Projector.

Inexpensive mini projectors can be boatloads of fun. That’s why we’re willing to throw the spotlight on a lot of these lesser-known devices, many of which can be found at Walmart. In fact, just today, we came across this phenomenal sale:

Right now, the Xgody Gimbal 5 Smart Mini Projector is discounted to $58 from its $300 MSRP. That means you’ll be saving an extra $240 if you purchase soon. Is it the best mini projector money can buy? No, but this Xgody product punches well above its weight class!

Read more