By Dhruvi Shah
A great news for Android users because now they are both allowed to watch content in different ways than only through Apple TV or AirPlay. Since the previous version of the Apple TV app (Version 2.2) has been updated to allow for casting from Android phones to either Google Cast-enabled TVs or Google Cast-enabled streaming devices that are connected to the same wireless network (Wi-Fi) as an Android phone.
The Google Cast feature allows Android users to cast their shows or movies to their computers. However, Android users will experience a familiar user interface. There will be a cast icon located in the top right of the video player window within the Apple TV app; this is similar to the way that all other casting devices look when using their services. When casting begins, an Android user can easily control the play/pause, switch between audio options, and adjust subtitles from their Android device. This feature is especially helpful for travellers, those who don’t want to rely solely on TV’s built-in apps, or viewers who don’t want to have to use the remote control provided by the TV manufacturer.
The most recent move by Apple TV to Google Cast has come shortly after Apple TV launched an official Android-based version of their service at the beginning of this year. The addition of Google Cast is part of a larger plan by Apple to reach a broader audience and to allow their customers to view content on devices other than Apple. However, it should be noted that the casting capabilities of the service are currently limited to only being available on the Android operating system. For Apple users who are using an iOS device, such as a device running iOS 7 or higher, the Apple TV app is still only capable of using AirPlay for casting and still does not support Google Cast.
The timing of the announcement regarding the recent changes made by Netflix and Apple regarding the way in which each company allows access to their services through devices connected to televisions is especially evident due to the fact that they both made an announcement regarding this update just prior to the announcement of the price increase for Apple TV’s monthly subscription. In addition to the increase in price of Apple TV, the company has begun to rebrand the product by removing the word “Plus” from the name and has introduced a new logo which is significantly different from the previous logo.
The amount of content being produced by Apple is one of the main focuses of their strategy, with $1 billion being spent over the course of the next year to increase the amount of content produced by the company. In addition to the production of content, the company is also producing films that have been very successful in theatres, with the success of their original film F1 contributing to their ability to secure the rights to stream Formula 1 Racing in the United States.