Google is about to make it easier for Chromecast users to find ‘cast ready’ applications that work with their device.
The search giant already offers a dedicated Chromecast section in the Google Play Store (albeit only visible in tablet view) and lists a select number of applications on chromecast.com/apps.
But now it wants to go further. Writing on Google+, Google’s Leon Nicholls explains:
“We want to make it easier for users to find great Google Cast Ready apps. And we want to give you the opportunity to have your app discoverable to Chromecast users. That’s why we’ve made updates to the Google Cast Developer Console where you can provide details about your app to be listed on chromecast.com/apps.”
To aid in discoverability, the Google Cast Developer Console, where developers fill in details about their applications, has been updated. It now asks for a ream of additional information on app submissions, including new artwork assets.
Categories apps can be listed under are largely similar to those found on the Play Store and includes TV & movies, social, sports, weather, and so on. There’s also an option for games, with genre types including action, RPG, puzzle and education.
While the Chromecast is so far the only device on the market to support the Google Cast technology it’s probable that the upcoming refresh of Android TV will, in some guises, include it.
With a session scheduled during next week’s Google I/O conference titled ‘Making Google Cast apps discoverable’, chances are we’ll learn more about Mountain View’s plans to cast the technology into the consumer consciousness.