Google has announced some improvements to Google Cast, including Output Switcher, available through the Android system UI. This feature makes it easier to transfer and manage media between different devices and technical protocols.

With the release of Output Switcher 2.0 for Android U, enhancements include improved volume control, device categorization, and support for devices with custom protocols.

Google Cast makes it easier for users to watch their favorite short videos on Cast-enabled devices. To effectively integrate Google Cast into apps, Google has provided guidelines to improve the user experience.

One of these guidelines relates to the Google Cast icon, which should be displayed prominently on any screen with playable content. Google recommends that this location be in the top right corner. It is this visibility that helps users see the option without having to spend minutes searching.

The second guideline is related to automatic playback. Along with the standard casting feature, users can choose whether to enable or disable autoplay. When the autoplay feature is active, playback automatically advances to the next video without any action from the user, offering a seamless viewing experience. This feature responds to the growing trend for continuous, short-form streaming content.

In response to user feedback concerning the visibility of the cast icon, Google has implemented improvements. Users frequently assume that their Chromecast built-in devices are not detected when they don’t see this icon. To enhance user experience and streamline device discovery, Google has introduced the “Persistent cast icon.”

This new feature guarantees that the cast icon is consistently visible, offering users instant access and assistance in comprehending why a particular device might not be appearing. Furthermore, Google has fine-tuned the timing of device discovery. For a more in-depth understanding of these changes and their impact, refer to the details outlined in the Google Cast Developer Guide.