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Latest Chromecast app update brings content discovery, search functionality and more

Alongside the new second-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices, Google today announced it would soon begin rolling out a pretty sizable update to its Chromecast application.
By
September 29, 2015
New Chromecast app AA

Alongside the second-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices, Google today announced it would soon begin rolling out a pretty sizable update to its Chromecast application. Not only will the update bring a redesigned interface to the app, it will also bring some handy new features that will make casting your favorite content much easier.

The headline feature in this update is the new What’s On section, which will allow you to browse through popular content – whether that be movies, YouTube videos or music – from your favorite cast-enabled applications. Each app that you have installed on your device that allows for casting media content gets its own section on this screen. You can browse through featured content and quickly select whatever you’d like to cast. Once you tap on a selection, that app will open up and show you the piece of content right away.

There’s also a revamped Devices section in the app that shows you all of your connected Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices. From here, you have access to playback controls for each individual device, allowing you to play, pause, stop playback, and even control volume levels for each device.

Last but not least, Google has also implemented a handy search bar, which will let you search for movies and TV shows across all of your installed applications. For instance, searching for Demetri Martin in the search bar will not only pull up videos of the popular comedian on YouTube, but also movies in which he’s appeared with direct links to Google Play so you can purchase the content. This feature isn’t just for Google Play content, though. It also works with other services like Netflix, Hulu and many more.

If you’re interested, here’s the full changelog for the new update:

  • What’s On: Browse popular and featured content from your favorite cast-enabled apps.
  • Devices: Personalize backdrop with Facebook and Flickr photo albums and control (play, pause & change volume) all your Chromecast devices.
  • Get Apps: Discover new offers and cast-enabled apps from content partners, through our curated and merchandised experience.
  • Search: Find where you can cast your favorite movies and TV shows.
  • Support for:
    • All new Chromecast devices
    • Android M

The big update is already rolling out to the Google Play Store, so head to the link below if you’re interested in grabbing the latest version!