[I/O 2014]Misc Updates

[Almost]

Misc updates

After all the new announcements, Google took a step back to give some more minor updates to existing google products.

Chromecast

• Chromecast apps can now be found on the play store, app store, and chrome chrome web store
• Devices can cast to chromecast without being connected to your LAN
• Connects through cell network
• “Uses a variety of different technologies … to authenticate users in the same room as the chromecast” whatever that means.
• Opt in feature
• Ambient mode renamed to Backdrop
• Source selection (including your own images)
• Looks a lot like Muzei
• Android screen can be mirror to chromecast

Chromebook

• Android notification mirroring
• Eventually full Android apps will run natively

Google Docs

• Slide show editing tool added
• Native editing of Microsoft documents
• Can edit and resave powerpoints, word docs, etc.

This section of the keynote felt like after thoughts. It was mostly just a “We haven’t forgotten about these platforms!” but would have been just as well if they were in small group sessions. Either way, there are some cool features here, but nothing ground breaking.

home

[Scuzz]

I do like my ChromeCast. It would seem kinda pointless if the Android TV takes over though.
Why would you want to cast things when you are not near the TV though?

[Almost]

They argued that it was so you don’t have to give out your WiFi password for people to cast. You still have to be in the same room.

It seemed like a weird use case, but I could see it maybe being useful if you have a group of people over and you don’t plan on explaining the WiFi to everyone.

[Scuzz]

I have just read that it will be using ultra sonic sound.