The Google event earlier wasn’t just about the devices (new Nexus smartphones, new Chromecast devices), although that was probably what caught people’s attention. It also brought new updates to existing apps. This includes Photos which now has Chromecast support (finally!) and the Chromecast app itself, which does so much more now than just being an app to change the wallpaper of your device. The updates, particularly to Chromecast, also brings support for the new devices that have been announced.
Finally, you’ll be able to cast those vacation photos or your wedding image onto your bigger screen as Google Photos finally gets Chromecast support. What’s more, if you live in the US that is, you can now add private labels to your photos so that it’s much easier to search for them. One update that will be coming soon is the ability to pool together all the photos for one event, from various people who were also taking pictures at that event. No details yet on how that one will turn out, but Google says there’s no setup involved and it can be used on any device.
Meanwhile, the Chromecast app has gotten a whole new lease on life. It’s not just for setting up your dongle or for changing the wallpaper, but you can now use it to browse through all the content from apps that are cast-enabled. You can easily search where you’ll be able to view your favorite shows or movies and then cast them directly. And if you’re running out of apps to explore, there is now a whole directory of cast-enabled apps from content partners, just waiting to be discovered on the Chromecast app.
Of course it goes without saying that the Chromecast app also now supports the two new Chromecast dongles introduced, as well as Android 6.0 Marshmallow, whose OTA update will be rolling out next week.
