Later this year, Google will update Chromecast so that anyone can choose and control the content being streamed through the device – even if they’re not on the same Wi-Fi network as the tiny dongle.
In short, Chromecast owners will have the option to authenticate nearby users. This means that if a person is on a cellular network – either because they can’t be bothered to type in a Wi-Fi password, or because you just don’t trust them with it – they can still control the Chromecast connected to your TV.
Google is also introducing a new feature called Backdrop, which lets you contribute photos to the default slideshow that appears on your TV. It’s a neat trick that should make the Chromecast feel more personal and welcoming. Google will offer curated topics too; images based on the news, lifestyle, specific places and what’s trending on its Google+ service, for instance.
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Finally, Chromecast will also support full mirroring from an Android device. For the first time, users will be able to use the hardware to show content on their mobile device. It’ll be accessible from inside the Chromecast app and Google says it leverages a new protocol to reduce latency.
Read Next: 32 of the best apps for Google’s Chromecast
Check out our liveblog and Google I/O 2014 page to keep up with all the latest announcements.
Featured image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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