Few people could imagine a TV viewing life that involved the rigid scheduling of a few years ago. The advent of devices such as Tivo and services such as Hulu and Netflix means that TV programmes can be watched whenever it suits you. But while it can be useful to be able to timeshift you viewing in this way, OrbLive, used in conjunction with Orb Caster, can be used to stream video from your PC or Mac or your iOS or Android device.

Videos can be watched away from your computer without the need to synchronise files – all that is required is that the streaming software is installed and your computer is left switched on. With these two conditions met, install the OrbLive app on your mobile and you’re good to go. The ability to stream your existing video library from one device to another is great news, but it doesn’t end there.

The Orb applications can also be used with Hulu and Netflix so you can search for your favourite shows wherever you are – streaming can also be achieved over the internet, not just over your own network. The apps can also be used as an elaborate means of streaming video to your TV. Providing you have the necessary cables, you can stream video form your computer, that may be located in the office, to your mobile, and view the footage on your large-screen TV in the bedroom.

Of course, it is also possible to stream music as well as accessing photos. This not only means the content of your iTunes library, but music you have stored in any other folders. When it comes to working with photos, you can browse through images stored in folders as well as those in your Flickr and Facebook account. But it doesn’t end there. If your computer has a TV card installed, or a web cam connected, the Orb software can also be used to view and control these devices.

While the desktop software is available free of charge, the mobile apps will set you back $9.99. You can find out more and download the software by paying a visit to the Orb Caster review page and the OrbLive review page.