Chromecast App Seeing Backdrop Update For Personalization

If you don't have a Chromecast, you might want to pick one up shortly after reading this. Google's incredible little dongle has added Backdrop support. The app, which will see an update over the next few days, will now let you customize the information shown on your TV when you're not binge-watching Game of Thrones on HBO GO or Using Netflix to waste away a Saturday afternoon. Previously announced at Google I/O, Backdrop adds a lot more personality to your Chromecast.

Backdrop allows you to select information you'd like shown across your TV. You can select news, art, or your own photos (from your Google+ photos, naturally) to pop up on your TV while you're between programming.

If that's not enough, you can also choose satellite imagery of Earth, or local weather. All information is taken from Google services, so you'll have to be invested with those if you want to take advantage.

The updated to the Chromecast app is showing for iOS users already, but our Android app has yet to receive the good news.

Currently, the default Chromecast timeout screen displays photography with the time. Though beautiful imagery, it gets stale. This update lets you customize it a bit, which is handy if you like to have the TV on CNN or something to scroll info — but would rather see the content you're interested in.

Both apps (iOS, Android) are free, but the Chromecast will set you back about $35.

Via: GigaOM