Google Chromecast now works with TV remote controls

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Until now, Chromecast users would need to control playback to their TV from their smartphone or tablet. An update now allows user to control playback from their TV remote.

The update hasn’t been officially announced by Google, but technology blogger Janko Reottgers noticed the added functionality after updating his Chromecast with the latest 27946 firmware update.

The new feature is likely down to the Chromecast’s use of the HDMI-CEC protocol, which supports commands between the TV and any device attached via HDMI.

To make use of the feature, your TV will need to support this protocol, and your standard TV remote will need play and pause buttons.

Supported apps include BBC iPlayer, Google Play Music, HBO Go, Plex, TuneIn and YouTube. Netflix isn’t currently supported.

It’s speculated that the reason for the update is due to the imminent arrival of several Android TV sets. These will support Google Cast and come with a traditional remote control, so it makes sense for Chromecast to bring play/pause functionality to connected TV remotes.

MORE: Google Chromecast review

[Source: Medium.com]

Max Langridge

Max is a staff writer for What Hi-Fi?'s sister site, TechRadar, in Australia. But being the wonderful English guy he is, he helps out with content across a number of Future sites, including What Hi-Fi?. It wouldn't be his first exposure to the world of all things hi-fi and home cinema, as his first role in technology journalism was with What Hi-Fi? in the UK. Clearly he pined to return after making the move to Australia and the team have welcomed him back with arms wide open.