About time. I prefer the “leanback” method of watching content, but sometimes I’m searching for specific videos on my phone/tablet, especially on youtube, and casting it to the TV. I always felt like a disjointed experience not being able to do things in app on the AndroidTV, so good to see that this is getting picked up quickly.
Ok, that's pretty strange... but don't Netflix already did this before this API was released? When I cast from my phone to the TV it literally opens the Netflix app and I can even pause and play with the tv remote. I'm I in a A/B test or something?
EDIT: so I got curious and did a test, that's exactly what Netflix do on my TV: when I cast something it'll open the app on the TV and make me select a profile, after that the video will start, I can control from the cellphone and via the TV remote. I'm not sure when this started exactly, because I don't use casting that much, but I also noticed it some 5 days ago when I casted something.
Does anyone know if it works in reverse? Particularly regarding volume control.
Right now, if I cast from phone to shield, I can control volume with phone and shield. If I start the program from the shield I can only control the volume with the shield. (not including the app, but I don't want to use that)
Will cast connect allow my phone to "adopt" content already playing on my shield?
That was quick. I haven't digged into this, but it sounds like it is easy to implement. So we can expect it to come to more apps soon.
Hopefully Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube.