Hands-on: Google releases new Chromecast app w/ What’s On, social backdrop feeds, more

Alongside the new Chromecast and Chromecast Audio, Google also today introduced a new version of its Chromecast app. It’s not a drastic departure from the previous version, but it does bring some notable new features including a new “What’s On” section that suggests content from the apps you have installed, support for image feeds from Facebook, Flickr, and other sources, voice search for content, and more…

As we exclusively reported, the What’s On section is probably the most immediately obvious addition to the app, letting you browse through content that you might want to watch. With this section, however, you’ll only see content from Chromecast-compatible apps that you have installed on your device. If you want more apps to show up in this lost, you might want to head over to the “Get Apps” section, where you’ll find more content sources.

Tapping on Devices, you’ll get a look at your connected Chromecast(s), as well as the image that’s currently showing as your backdrop. No matter whether this is a location image or art from 500px, you’ll be given links to dig in and learn more. Tapping the settings gear here will let you play with your Chromecast’s settings, including setting up the new support for Facebook and Flickr feeds that will use your photos as a Chromecast backdrop.

From any of these sections within the app, there’s now a search bar along the top. You can tap this and type in the name of anything you might want to watch, and you’ll be given a variety of sources where you might find that content. This section, however, will make app suggestions if you’re looking for a TV show or a movie that can be found within an app that you don’t have installed. You can also search through content with your voice.

Even without owning one of the new Chromecasts, you can start taking advantage of some of the great new features Google introduced today. For instance, setting up Facebook and Flickr feeds will work with the current-generation Chromecast just fine. The new Chromecast app is completely free of course, and you can download it right now from the Google Play Store. It should be rolling out to iOS very soon.

Here’s the full change log:

•What’s On: Browse popular and featured content from your favorite cast-enabled apps.

• Devices: Personalize backdrop with Facebook and Flickr photo albums and control (play, pause & change volume) all your Chromecast devices.

• Get Apps: Discover new offers and cast-enabled apps from content partners, through our curated and merchandised experience.

• Search: Find where you can cast your favorite movies and TV shows.

• Support for:

• All new Chromecast devices

• Android M