Ever wanted to have your home server do something more than just store and share your files? With the right apps, your Raspberry Pi can become a powerful part of your connected home network. In this article, we’ll list some of the most useful home server apps for your convenience so you can spend less time tinkering and more time enjoying life in the cloud.
Plex
If you have a Netflix, Hulu, or other TV streaming service, you already know how useful a home server can be. With a Plex server, you can enjoy all your favorite TV shows, movies, and more on any screen in your home — with no need for multiple devices.
Plex integrates well with other apps and services in your smartphone, such as Google Sheets, so you can easily share data between different devices. When you log into your Plex account on a PC or Mac, you’ll see a map of all the devices connected to your account, as well as a list of the content available on each one.
If you have a large collection of movies, TV shows, or other content, you’ll want to set up a Plex account and install the Plex Media Server app on your Pi. Doing this allows you to easily stream content to every device in your home, including your Android tablet, Apple TV, and even your Xbox One.
Chromecast
Chromecast is a popular and easy-to-use device that allows you to directly stream content from your smartphone, tablet, or computer to the big screen TV in your house.
If you’re looking for an easy way to add some entertainment to your living room, Chromecast is the perfect choice. Simply connect your TV to the internet using an HDMI cable, and you can instantly stream content to the device from anywhere in the world.
Chromecast also allows you to use your phone as a remote to control content, which is useful if you’re planning on viewing the show on a big screen TV and don’t want to miss a thing. And did we mention that it’s completely free?
Installing the Chromecast app on your phone is all you need to get started. Once the app is installed, you can connect to Wi-Fi networks to view content from anywhere.
Hulu
Speaking of which… If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you can also use the streaming service to watch TV shows and movies online.
Hulu is one of the most popular online streaming services, and it’s also entirely free. This makes it a popular choice among users who want to stream content directly to their TV screen. And it’s not just for watching TV shows and movies; you can use the service to follow live sports, too.
Hulu allows you to download content for offline viewing, and it supports iOS, Android, and Windows devices, as well as the web and Amazon platforms. It also has a desktop client that you can use to download and upload content from anywhere.
Skype Screen Sharing
Skype Screen Sharing is a free app available for both iOS and Android devices. Simply install the app on your phone, and then you can connect to WiFi hotspots to view and control the screen of your computer, tablet, or laptop from anywhere in the world. You don’t even need to be near the device to use this service.
Using a laptop as a screen share device is often the simplest and most convenient option if you have a big screen TV in your living room. Just connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable, and you’ll be able to seamlessly view and control your computer’s screen from anywhere within Bluetooth range.
AirServer
AirServer is one of the simplest and most convenient ways to stream video content to your TV screen, whether you use a laptop, desktop PC, or an iPad.
AirServer uses your home Wi-Fi network to stream content to your devices. So you won’t need to set up a dedicated server just to use this service. Plus, the app is completely free, so there’s no shortage of entertainment options here.
If you have an Apple device and use Safari, you can also opt to let AirServer use your device’s Wi-Fi hotspot to improve the quality of the stream. Doing this can also help save you money on your monthly data plan.
Steam Deck
The Steam Deck is a tiny portable device that brings the joy of gaming to your living room. Simply plug it into your TV using an HDMI cable, and games will appear on your screen just like on an Xbox or Playstation. And, since it’s a PC, you’ll also be able to play many other types of content, including Office documents, PDFs, and more.
Steam Deck also provides an open platform for developers to create content for, making it a great option for gamers who want to play their favorite games on the go. And given that it’s portable and has a relatively high-quality screen, it makes a great choice for gamers who want to play on the go as well.
There’s a reason why Steam Deck is one of the most popular home server apps, and it’s because it provides so many useful functions for users who want to enjoy quality TV shows and movies on their big screen TV in the comfort of their living rooms.
With the right hardware and apps, your Pi doesn’t have to be restricted to just storing and sharing your files; it can become a fully-functional mini-ITX computer that can stream games to your TV screen, allow you to access information online, and even control your home automation devices. With some careful planning, and by using software such as Plex, Chromecast, and Skype Screen Sharing, you can ensure that your home server provides as much convenience as possible while minimizing any stress or headaches down the line.
That’s all for this week. Thanks for reading! We hope this article gave you some useful tips on how to set up your home server. If you have any other tips or suggestions, feel free to leave us a comment below! And, if you’re looking for more tech advice, check out our blog at https://pythonspy.com.