Google Releases Chromecast Update in Google I/O 2014

Google released an update to its streaming stick which now supports screen mirroring to Android devices as well as a Backdrop mode.  You no longer have to root your device, install Koushik Dutta’s ‘Mirror’ app and hope it works on your devices. Native screen casting to the Chromecast from your Android device is coming in a Google Play Services update in the coming weeks!

Last, but by no means least, was news many had been pining for: the ability to ‘mirror’ an Android screen to a TV so that all apps, media and content can be viewed large.

The ‘cast screen’ feature uses a custom protocol made by Google to reduce latency and limit the number of frame drops. It allows virtually anything to be shared to a big screen.This feature, which requires an update to Google Play Services, will roll out as a beta for selected devices, including the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7, in the coming weeks.

Google says it has been “blown away” by Chromecast’s performance which is outselling every streaming device.