Google Throws Open the Doors for More Chromecast Apps

What's This?

Image: Mashable, Meghan Uno

By Christina Warren2014-02-03 20:24:29 UTC

Google unveiled its long-anticipated Google Cast Software Development Kit (SDK) on Monday, making it easy for developers to build Chromecast support into their mobile and web apps.

The full SDK launch comes more than six months after the Chromecast's debut. The Chromecast is a $35 HDMI dongle that allows users to wirelessly stream video, audio and web pages from the computer, or any iOS or Android device, to another screen. Services that support Chromecast, including Netflix, YouTube HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Pandora and Songza.

See also: Songza, Vevo, Revision3 and More Come to Chromecast

The lack of an official SDK, however, has made it difficult or impossible for users to "cast" local video, photos or audio from their mobile devices or laptops to a Chromecast. That changes with the new Google Cast SDK.

The Google Cast Developers site details how to use the SDK and how users can integrate the Google Cast APIs into their iOS, Android or Chrome apps. In addition to documentation, it also lists some user experience guidelines for making the most of the second screen.

Google has also released a set of sample apps on Github.

General media player software will probably get the most use from the API, but this ups the ante for what developers can do with the Google Casts SDK.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.

Topics: Apps and Software, chromecast, Dev & Design, Google Chromecast, Mobile, second screen, Tech