14 DAY TRIAL // Google has rolled out a new Chromecast update to include those long-awaited backdrops that were announced at I/O.
While it was originally thought that Google would actually implement the new feature sooner rather than later, it seems that the company took its time.
Either way, the feature is now here and everyone can enjoy a range of cool pictures on their big screen TVs while waiting to stream content from one device or another.
“You’ve told us you love the photography that shows up on your TV when you’re taking a break from casting videos with Chromecast. But many of you have also told us you want to add your own photos on the screen. Now, you can,” Google’s Raunaq Shah, Chromecast Product Manager wrote in a blog post.
The new backdrop option allows you to customize the TV screen by adding a favorite photo album from Google+ or choose to view artwork from galleries and museums around the world via the Google Cultural Institute.
It’s also possible to add images from news and lifestyle from the New York Times, The Guardian and more publications, although this particular feature is only available to users in the United States.
Furthermore, you could also check out satellite imagery of some of the hardest-to-reach places on Earth via Google Maps. Additionally, photos from the Google+ community can be viewed too.
Customize Chromecast backdrop from the app
In order to customize Chromecast, you simply have to open the Chromecast app on your phone or tablet and select “Backdrop” from the menu. From there, you can pick the type of image you want to show up on the TV.
“If a picture sparks your curiosity, you can learn more about it by opening the Chromecast app, selecting ‘Backdrop’ from the left menu and tapping on the card to find out more. Or, simply open the Google app on your Android or iOS device, tap on the microphone icon and ask ‘What’s on my Chromecast?’”
The app is getting updated starting today, so it might take a little while before it becomes available in your corner of the world and for your particular Android or iOS version.
Chromecast was launched in July 2013 in the United States and it has since been launched in numerous corners of the world. The $35 price has turned the device into quite a hit for Google, much to the company’s happiness, with the dongle vanishing from physical and digital shelves hours after the release.
