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Chromecast got a bit of stage time at Google IO 2014 today, and Google had a lot of interesting new features to show off. For starters, a new Bump-esque feature will now allow your friends to cast content to your Chromecast without them having to connect to your WiFi network. It can be a bit cumbersome to have to ask your friend for their WiFi password and connect, so to be able to skip this step is sure to be a very welcome change.
Google has also vowed to allow you to use your Chromecast to make your TV the “biggest photo frame in your house.” They aim to do this with Backdrop, a feature that allows your Chromecast to display photos, information and more. Think of it as “Daydream,” except for your Chromecast. The Chromecast can show photos from your personal collection, art pieces from a list of art curated by Google, maps that are relevant to you, weather reports and more.
And you won’t ever need to question whatever is on your television. Want to know more about the artwork your Chromecast is showing? Just say “what’s on my Chromecast” in Google Search and it pulls up everything you need to know.
The next big feature is the ability to mirror anything you’re doing on your Android phone directly to your Chromecast. This is a feature developers have been trying to implement in their third party apps, and it’s nice to know that it will now be built into Chromecast and Android by default.
Finally, Google announced new apps, sites and sections in the Play Store to make it easier to find Chromecast-enabled apps which we should see rolling out quite soon. All of the features above are due within weeks, apparently, so sit tight as we wait for Google to deliver the goods.
Full screen mirroring! AWESOME
Fi….Nal….Lyyyyyyyyyyyy…. mirroring!
Hey, something we agree on! You know, for all of our banter, we’re still Android against the rotten apples of this world. :-)
LoL, ikr… We need to go out and celebrate and have a beer or something
Can someone please help me understand why Chrome Cast and androidtv can’t be merged into one?
They announced that Google Cast will be integrated into AndroidTV.
It was a quick line, so I’m not surprised people missed it…
AndroidTV will work as a fully functioning Chromecast in addition to having the ability to run its own apps directly.
So Androidtv is a Chromecast + more?
Correct. At least the Casting bits. Not sure about the new backgrounds / Backdrop feature.
What’s the date for this update?
Within weeks will be the date to update.
Is it going to be a firmware update? Or just Chromecast app?
So does that mean i can finally use my HBO nordic app on my tv along with my popcorn time app..?
This article is poorly formatted, it would be A LOT easier to read if the new features were bullet points in this article, instead of all mixed into the article. Mirroring from android phone screen to chromecast deserves its own header or bullet point at least!