Google Photos ambient mode from the Chromecast GTV for Android TV

by subvisser

So the Chromecast with Google TV finally brings the Google Photos screensaver to Android TV, but it does it in a strange way. "Ambient Mode" is essentially one of the screensavers you can choose, but Google hid the screensaver settings (can still access from a screen saver app).

This got me thinking, so I extracted the Ambient Mode apk and installed it on my Shield. It installs and shows up as a screen saver option, however I still can't get it to use Google Photos. It seems to ignore everything I do in the Google Home app. Something is missing.

Anyone have any ideas?

subvisser

Here's the APK if anyone is interested. I also disabled the old Backdrop app just in case that was interfering.

venky61

When backdrop app is able to show the Google photos from Home App settings, what is the need to have the Ambient mode?

alexsalovrn

Was able to choose albums from the Home app, then found I can directly activate the Ambient Mode by scrolling to the right and clicking on the account icon - it has settings and ambient mode. One of the best features, not sure why it's so complicated to setup..

AxelDreemurr

Hey, did you find a way to change the settings? I'm in pretty much the same situation