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Google adds 'Cast Screen' screen mirroring via Chromecast

by Mark Tyson on 10 July 2014, 13:00

Tags: Chrome, PC

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Google has activated a new 'Cast Screen' function for its Chromecast dongle. This feature was first announced during the Google I/O developers' conference last month.

The screen mirroring feature allows compatible Android smartphones and tablets to mirror their display on an HDMI TV. It's not limited to specific apps you can mirror any apps, photos, videos or games, turning the dongle into a productivity tool as well as improving on its original entertainment purpose.

Not being restricted to Chromecast's approved partners such as Netflix, YouTube and Crunchyroll, the new 'Cast Screen' feature will benefit users who employ their mobile devices for document editing or presentations, or those who simply want to share a video or photo on a big screen. Not only does the feature duplicate the screen, it also transfers any audio through to the TV.

Mainly Nexus or flagship devices only for now

The Cast Screen function will project the screens of selected devices which are connected on the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast. More devices are said to get support soon but the current list consists mainly of Nexus devices and the Google Play editions of top end smartphones. To enable the function, compatible device users simply tap the navigation drawer button in the top-left corner of the Chromecast app, select Cast Screen and select their Chromecast device. The feature is also simply available through the quick setting menu on Nexus devices, no Chromecast app opening required.

Cast Screen is currently in beta, and will be enabled with the v1.7 firmware update and the latest Chromecast app on Google Play. Although the rollout has started on selected Android smartphones and tablets, it might still take a while until your region is covered.



HEXUS Forums :: 9 Comments

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Glad to hear it. Will save waiting for 4OD/itv player to add support!
Doubt it will let you cast their video thou, the article says audio only.
As far as i can read it does anything on screen with audio…

“Not only does the feature duplicate the screen, it also transfers any audio through to the TV.” (End of 3rd paragraph)

But i can see where your coming from with regards to drm issues. Will be interesting.
Wonder how long till it filters to other models.
Right at the start of the article it says

"The screen mirroring feature allows compatible Android smartphones and tablets to mirror their display on an HDMI TV. It's not limited to specific apps you can mirror any apps, photos, videos or games, turning the dongle into a productivity tool as well as improving on its original entertainment purpose."

So one would assume it mirrors everything. Its good for apps that don't support chromecast natively yet though having the app do it is much better as you can continue using your phone as normal while watching something.
Hope this comes to my Z1 soonish, would be nice to show vids that aren't on youtube on the TV and might enable the Sony movies that wont stream via DLNA to my TV to be enjoyed on the TV (be interesting to see if that is the case due to DRM although they do work over direct connection of USB to HDMI).

Actually thinking about the above will this mean that I could finally watch Sky Go from my phone on a TV? (that doesnt let you use a USB to HDMI adapter to stream to TV which was very restrictive, if this gets round that I think Sky will be pissed)