What you should know
- Google has updated Cast media controls on Android devices, moving them from the notification shade to the dedicated Android media player. This change aims to streamline media management and align with other media playback controls.
- The new Cast controls are designed to be simple and unobtrusive, showing up with a generic icon and no artwork. Users can control playback and will be directed to the Google Home app’s Now Playing screen upon tapping the player.
- The new Cast media controls are available in version 23.44.14 of Google Play services, which is currently rolling out to Android devices. The current functionality mirrors the old Cast notifications, but future updates may offer expanded options.
- The introduction of the new Android media player with Android 11 marked a significant shift in built-in media playback capabilities. Over time, the media player has gained enhanced features, including input switching, improved visuals, and functions linked to updated APIs.
Full Story
Google has shaken things up with a significant change to how Cast media controls appear on Android devices. No longer tucked away in the notification shade, Cast controls have found a new home within the dedicated Android media player. This move aligns Cast controls with other media playback controls, making it a breeze to manage multiple media sources at once.
In the past, Cast media controls were displayed as separate notifications, hogging space in the notification shade. It worked, sure, but it didn’t have the visual integration and ease of access offered by the dedicated media player.
9to5Google spotted the change first, and I’ve seen it too. The new Cast controls are designed to be simple and unobtrusive. They’ll show up with a generic icon and no artwork. You won’t be able to use the output switcher or see which media is playing at a glance. But hey, you’ll still be able to control playback (including pausing, playing, skipping, and seeking).
Tap the player, and you’ll be whisked away to the Google Home app’s Now Playing screen. It’s a bit different, but it works.
The new Cast Media Controls are part of version 23.44.14 of Google Play services. It’s rolling out to Android devices right now. If you haven’t gotten the update yet, just hang tight. It should be with you in a few days.
The introduction of the new Android media player with Android 11 was a game-changer for built-in media playback capabilities. Over time, the media player has been beefed up with enhanced features, including input switching, improved visuals, and functions linked to updated APIs.
Cast media controls, first introduced in 2017, initially caused a bit of a stir. Users were taken aback that others could see their media choices. Some even accidentally interrupted media playback for others while dismissing the unexpected notifications. Google’s solution? They added the option to disable Cast notifications entirely.
The shift of Cast controls to the Android media player streamlines media management. It’s more in line with the overall Android experience. The current functionality might be limited, but future updates may bring additional features and enhance the overall Cast media control experience.
