Google is releasing a new feature for Chromecast that will allow users to mirror what is displayed on the screens of their Android devices on the TV.
The feature, which is currently on its beta stage, will be rolled out to select Android-based smartphones and tablets over the coming few days.
Google detailed the feature in a post on the Google Chrome Blog, stating that users can access the feature simply by selecting "Cast Screen" from the Chromecast app menu on the Android smartphone or tablet and then picking out your Chromecast device.
The Chrome Blog post, written by Chromecast Product Manager and Cast Master Ambarish Kenghe, also noted that on Nexus devices, the Cast Screen feature can be accessed through the quick settings menu.
"Now, anything on your Android device will appear on the TV. You can share photos stored on your phone with a group of friends, or scope out the scenery for your next family vacation together on the big screen using Google Earth," Kenghe wrote.
The list of currently supported Android devices for the Cast Screen feature include Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (2013), Nexus 10, Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy S4 (Google Play Edition), Samsung Galaxy S5, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Samsung Galaxy Note 10, HTC One M7, HTC One M7 (Google Play Edition), LG G3, LG G2, and LG G Pro 2.
Notably absent from the list is HTC's latest flagship smartphone, the HTC One M8. iOS devices are also currently not yet supported by the new Cast Screen feature.
Google said that there are plans to add more devices to the list that supports the Cast Screen feature in a future update, which will include Android smartphones from Samsung, HTC and LG.
This new feature for the $35 Chromecast dongle could finally establish the device and its partner app as true competition to the Apple TV and AirPlay, which similarly allows iOS device users to wirelessly stream what is on the display of their screen to the TV.
Before this update, Chromecast can only push content from certain apps which include YouTube, Netflix and Hulu, to the TV. Despite the previously limited capabilities, Google has found success in Chromecast sales.
The Cast Screen feature was first announced by Google at the I/O developers conference held last month. The feature looks to be part of Google's agenda that was revealed at the conference, with the company looking to be present in all aspects of the daily lives of users.
