Google Cast App Rebranded to Coincide With Impending Launch of Google Home

[MacRumors]

Google has officially rebranded its "Google Cast" iOS and Android apps to "Google Home," getting the mobile apps ready for the launch of its hands-free smart home speaker, similarly named Google Home. The new name also comes with a new app icon, new features, and some slight UI tweaks that make "the app easier to use."

The old Google Cast icon (left) compared with the new Google Home version (right)​

The "Home" launchpad in the app now has a "Watch" and "Discover" section that lets you watch videos on any of the Chromecast-enabled apps you already have installed, or discover thousands of new apps available for Chromecast, respectively. Additionally, a floating magnifying glass button enables video search across multiple apps to make it easy to find the videos you want.

Once Google Home launches next week, on November 4, the new app will be the single location for users to control all of their Chromecast and Google Home devices. A "Devices" button in the top right corner will guide users through easily pairing a new product to the app, and after pairing is complete they can adjust its settings, control audio and video playback, and more.

Google Home is available to download for free from the iOS App Store [Direct Link], and users can pre-order the Google Home smart speaker itself for $129.00 from the Google Store, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.

Article Link: Google Cast App Rebranded to Coincide With Impending Launch of Google Home

 

[smacrumon]

Only thing I half like about Google is its branding. But really the branding is just a trojan horse into a world of no privacy, bloatware and advertising. Stay clean, stay superior, Apple.

 

[69Mustang]

Not a fan of the connected home, but the Chromecast... yep, that little booger is one of the best tech purchases I've made in a long time. The fact that it's definitely the cheapest makes it even better.

 

[itguy06]

Not a fan of the connected home, but the Chromecast... yep, that little booger is one of the best tech purchases I've made in a long time. The fact that it's definitely the cheapest makes it even better.

Interesting. I've been very underwhelmed by Chromecast and even the 2 GoogleCast enabled TV's I have. The "Use your phone/tablet as a remote" is a HORRIBLE paradigm.

 

[SoSickSadNslOw]

Only thing attracted me was Google WiFi, rest is still up for a debate as to how much information I want to share with Google.

 

[69Mustang]

Interesting. I've been very underwhelmed by Chromecast and even the 2 GoogleCast enabled TV's I have. The "Use your phone/tablet as a remote" is a HORRIBLE paradigm.

To each his own I guess. I've never found the lack of a physical remote to be an issue. It's pretty simple to use the phone or tablet the same way I've always used them. I too have a couple of GC TV's which allowed me to regift a couple of my Gen1 Chromecasts. The recipients love them as well. As with everything, YMMV.

 

[deany]

Looking forward to release dates for "Google Home" for the UK
The Echo and Dot have just launched with mixed reviews so am skipping them

 

[symphara]

Interesting. I've been very underwhelmed by Chromecast and even the 2 GoogleCast enabled TV's I have. The "Use your phone/tablet as a remote" is a HORRIBLE paradigm.

You don't need to, if you have HDMI-CEC enabled on your A/V chain. Then you can use the normal remote control for the usual stuff (play/pause/stop/etc). It works just fine for me.