Google TV's new homescreen arrives for Chromecast

Image: 9to5Google

A new look for Google TV has recently started rolling out, and Chromecast users are getting it this week. While the update will reach all compatible devices in the coming months, it's currently seeing wider availability on Chromecasts.

The refresh brings a few changes, most notably the switch to circular app icons. These smaller icons allow more apps to be displayed on the "Your Apps" row, making it easier to access favourites. Additionally, the row now shows all installed apps, eliminating the need to open a separate app drawer.

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Google is working on Nest Audio and Chromecast integration

Source: Google

One significant feature missing from the Nest Audio is its inability to serve as a speaker for TVs that use Chromecast. Its competitors—Apple and Amazon—allow their new smart speakers to work with their set-top boxes/media players to turn them into home theatre speakers. But now, Google confirms it is working on Nest Audio and Chromecast integration. The feature was already hinted at by the company in unused marketing material. 

Google hasn't revealed anything beyond that. And there are some unknowns regarding the feature. We don't know yet if you can use it with more than one Nest Audio at the same time. Or whether it'll support older Google speakers and older versions of Chromecast. We also don't know when it might arrive. The marketing material was supposed to be for the September 30th Launch Night In event, but it was pulled at the last minute, suggesting the feature wasn't and isn't ready yet.

Source: 9to5Google

Leak shows new Google Chromecast remote

Source: WinFuture

Google plans to launch its new Chromecast at the end of the month, and recent leaks give us a better look at the new device and its remote. If the reports are correct, this will be the first time Google includes a remote with the Chromecast, suggesting an improved integration with Google/Android TV.

The remote features a D-Pad on top, with the volume rocker, Assistant, mute and home buttons below. There are also dedicated Netflix and Youtube buttons. This new Chromecast will supposedly signal the rebranding of Android TV to Google TV. We're going to learn more at Google's hardware event on September 30.

Source: Engadget

Apple Music might get Chromecast support

There might be a chance for some Google-powered devices to get Apple Music support. 9to5Google discovered multiple lines of code in the Apple Music’s Android app that suggests it could get Chromecast support. Some of these lines of code were added through recent updates. While there is no guarantee this would be a feature, it is a possibility. Apple has previously said it wants its services to be as widely available as possible, so perhaps this is a step in that direction.