Google has made Chromecast technology available to developers via the Google Cast SDK. Chromecast enables "multi-screen experiences" for viewing media content across all types of mobile devices and large-screen displays. Chromecast itself is a $35 HDMI dongle-type device available in the US and wider afield in Europe.
As the Google Cast SDK is now available for developing and publishing Google Cast-ready apps, developers will find that they do not need to rewrite existing apps. They can just incorporate the SDK into existing web apps to bring content to a TV or other screen.
The SDK is available on Android and iOS as well as on Chrome through the Google Cast browser extension, and the Google Cast developer console provides the programmer's control room.
Chromecast's default media player plays back HTML5 media content, but it can also be customized with personal branding and style using CSS.
Google engineering manager John Affaki explains that for non-media applications (or for more flexibility and design options), developers can build a custom receiver application, using standard web technologies, that includes support for many streaming protocols.
"To make it easier for you to provide an optimized user experience on the TV screen, we have created sample apps for Android, iOS, and Chrome. For Android, you'll find a Cast Companion library to make your integration of Google Cast even easier, said Affaki.
Google notes that all Chromecast devices have already been updated to the latest software with support for the Google Cast SDK.
The Google Cast extension for Chrome supporting the latest SDK is now available and the Google Cast SDK for Android follows as part of the Google Play services 4.2 update. The Google Cast SDK for iOS is also available.
