Earlier this week the news came through that Google was in the process of rebranding its Chromecast app as Google Cast. The logic for the rebranding was that the Chromecast app is now compatible with far more devices than just Chromecast and so the use of the ‘Google Cast’ branding is more in line with its core Cast-enabled functionality instead of just one streaming device. Albeit, a rather successful device.
Well, following those early reports and it now looks like the updated version is ready to use. The new version comes in the form of v1.14 and as expected, does now boast the Google Cast name and branding. Not to mention, the app does also now make use of some very nice additional features like the ability to connect to more Cast-enabled devices. Before the update, hitting on the “Devices” tab would only show a device if you had a Chromecast device. While now, a number of devices are now showing up including Android TV devices. When it comes to Android TV devices, the new Google Cast app seems to offer some very specific new features like the ability to customize your Backdrop (daydream) functionality.
Android TV aside, if you are running a Chromecast Audio or any other Cast-enabled device then you will be able to make use of the app as well. The app has now been updated on the Google Play Store as the new Google Cast app (source link below) and so it it is assumed that if you already have the app installed it will be updated in the normal way via an OTA in the coming days, if it has not already that is. However, if you would like to test out the new look app as soon as possible, then you can by downloading the APK through the link below and sideloading to your device in the normal way. This is a very small app which comes in at about 10 MB. head through the download link below to grab your copy of the updated Chromecast and new Google Cast app
