The Google Chromecast has proven to be a successful little streaming stick and now users can cast media without having to be on the same network.
Rishi Chandra, Chromecast director of product management, took to the Google IO 2014 stage to demo that any device can allow any device to cast media to the Chromecast stick. Rather than needing to be on the same Wi-Fi network, users can simply enter an onscreen pin and pair the devices together.
The new pairing method works even if the phone is running on a cellular connection. Google plans to roll out the new feature to Android users later this year.
Mirroring Android
In an even nicer touch the Chromecast will soon also support screen mirroring and all it takes is a couple of taps with the Chromecast app. Full screen mirroring does not just work with the media but cloning users' entire Android experience to their big screen.
On stage Chandra demoed just two neat features including Google Earth and the camera app.
Samsung, Nexus, HTC, and LG are on the docket to support mirroring and Google announced it would roll out as a beta to multiple devices over time.
One giant picture frame
Users that have always wanted to turn their home cinema screens into a massive picture frame can also do so with Chromecast too. Chandra introduced Backdrop, a new Chromecast ambient experience that lets users display an ambient wallpaper.
Backdrop kicks in whenever the Chromecast isn't casting movies or music, and it can be set to pull images from the users Google+ account.
The new feature also has a set of filtered options that will automatically display Places to show different locations around the world. Alternatively, users could set the Chromecast to display art, lifestyle, weather and news.
If Backdrop shows anything the user is curious about they can turn on the Chromecast app's built-in voice search to look up details on the item and relay the information to their device.
- In other big screen news Google announced Android TV
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