With a fresh update to the Apple TV app for Android smartphones and tablets, Apple is introducing support for Google Cast. This adds a feature that has been missing from the application since its launch in February of this year.
After installing the update to version 2.2.0 of the Apple TV app, which is available in the Google Play Store, users will see the familiar Cast icon displayed above and to the right of the profile avatar. The icon also appears in the full-screen player, directly next to the mute button. Tapping the Cast icon allows users to stream content to supported devic…
With a fresh update to the Apple TV app for Android smartphones and tablets, Apple is introducing support for Google Cast. This adds a feature that has been missing from the application since its launch in February of this year.
After installing the update to version 2.2.0 of the Apple TV app, which is available in the Google Play Store, users will see the familiar Cast icon displayed above and to the right of the profile avatar. The icon also appears in the full-screen player, directly next to the mute button. Tapping the Cast icon allows users to stream content to supported devices, such as TVs with Cast support.
Apple TV app for Android.
(Image: Andreas Floemer / heise medien)
During streaming, a miniplayer with playback information and a timeline is available within the Apple TV app. Furthermore, users have a 10-second rewind function and a play/pause button on their mobile devices. Additionally, users can select both the output language and subtitles.
Netflix has removed Cast support
The timing of the integration of Cast functionality into the Apple TV app is interesting. This is because competitor Netflix officially removed the feature from its app only at the beginning of December. Neither TVs nor Cast devices, such as Google’s Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV streamers, can be controlled via the Netflix app from a smartphone or tablet. Only old Chromecast dongles are still supported. According to a Netflix employee, the removal of the Cast function is intended to “improve the customer experience,” a Reddit reader reported.
The Apple TV app is not the only application that the company offers for Google’s Android platform; these include Apple Music, Apple Music Classical, the “Move to iOS” app for transferring data to an iPhone, and the “Tracker Detect” app for detecting AirTags. An app from Apple subsidiary Beats is also listed in the Play Store. This app can be used to manage and update headphones from the manufacturer.
(afl)
Don’t miss any news – follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.