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

By Stephanie Topacio Long Published July 10, 2016

tidal desktop app — guteksk7/Shutterstock

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.

Topics

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…

Audio / Video

Netflix password sharing: how the rules work and what you need to know

The Netflix TV show category on iOS.

Back in the day, it was enough for one person in your family or group of friends to have a single Netflix account that got shared around. However, all of that changed in May 2023 when Netflix cracked down on password sharing, making it much more difficult to share an account outside of your home.

Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services out there, and with good reason. It delivers a massive library full of old favorites and new movies and shows like Stranger Things, Bridgerton, and Will & Harper. The sudden shift away from Netflix password sharing meant everyone from old roommates to college students were left trying to figure out what the new rules meant, and whether they'd need to pick up their own Netflix account.

Audio / Video

Meze Audio debuts its lightest and most affordable open-back headphones

Meze Audio 105 AER open-back headphones.

Romanian company Meze Audio has developed a cultlike following among audiophiles for its selection of uncompromising (and expensive) open-back and closed-back wired headphones. With prices that soar as high as $4,000, Meze's products haven't always been very accessible. However, its latest open-back model -- the 105 AER -- may bring many more folks under the Meze tent. At $399, the 105 AER are the company's most affordable open-back headphones to-date, as well as its lightest. They'll be available from mezeaudio.com in early December.

The 105 AER's design is a clear evolution from the more expensive 109 Pro ($799), with Meze's signature self-adjusting headband and generously padded over-ear cushions. Where these new cans carve their own path is by using a different mix of materials and shapes. The 105 AER use cast zinc alloy, stamped manganese spring steel, and polyurethane (PU) leather in the headband design, but avoid the 109 Pro's use of wood, which may help to explain the weight difference: 11.8 ounces for the 105 AER versus 13 ounces for the 109 Pro.

Audio / Video

1mm-thick speakers could reshape smart glasses, smartwatches, and earbuds

xMEMS Sycamore microspeaker driver.

XMEMS, the company that created the first speaker based on a microchip manufacturing processes, is getting set to release its next wave of tiny speakers. Known as Sycamore, the newest model is just 1.13 mm thick, and weighs only 150 milligrams, yet it can reproduce full-range sound over short distances -- like the gap between your ears and the limbs of your smart glasses -- according to xMEMS.

Sycamore is the latest step in the evolution of micro speakers. XMEMS' first version could be used in wireless earbuds to reproduce high frequencies, but needed the help of a dynamic driver for bass. Its second product could do full-range sound, but was still limited to earbuds that seal the ear canal with a silicone tip. Sycamore is the company's first micro speaker that reproduce full-range sound without the need of a closed, sealed environment.