Chrome Experiments, now featuring Chromecast

The launch of the Google Cast SDK and Chromecast means anyone can develop applications that take advantage of the biggest screen in the house—the TV.

We got excited about using the TV as a place for people to collaborate, so we started tinkering with ways for people to play with photos using their phones and tablets—like an interactive slideshow. The experiment became Photowall for Chromecast, a new Chrome Experiment that lets your friends collaborate and display images in real time on the TV.

Setting up a Photowall is easy. You’ll need to have a Chromecast plugged into your TV*, then you can create a Photowall from your laptop, phone or tablet. Once you’re set up, you and your friends can start sending photos directly to the big screen. When you’re finished, a YouTube video of your Photowall is automatically generated, which is perfect for sharing with everyone who took part. The Photowall app for your iPhone, iPad, or Android device will be available starting today.

If you’re a developer and you want to make your own multi-screen experience, we hope you’ll roll up your sleeves and start experimenting with Chromecast as well. We'll also share some behind-the-scenes tips for developers and will be hosting a Google Developers Live Hangout in the next few weeks.

Posted by Iain Tait, Creative Director and Selfie Snapper

*If you don’t have a Chromecast yet, you can still check out the experiment by selecting the option of setting up your Photowall on your computer screen.