Google is reportedly rolling out the ability to download Play store apps on Android TV from smartphones. This capability is being rolled out as a server-side update, and it may not be immediately visible to all users. However, some users are now reporting getting this new ability to install apps to their Android TV directly from their phone. This ability has been available on the Web version of Google Play for quite some time to allow it to push apps on Chromecast and Shield TV. This feature has now also been extended to smartphones.
Some users have arrived Reddit come The report the emergence of the ability to download applications from smartphones to Android TV. For those who have already received this ability, they will get new options placed below the settings button. Users can click whether they want to install it on their phone or on an Android TV running on the same Google account. If an app is already installed on all devices, Google will mark it as “Installed on all devices”. Similarly, if the app is downloaded on the phone but not on the Android TV, it will ask the user to install it on the TV using the install button next to the TV name.
Gadgets 360 could not verify new feature on Google Play. Android Police report that this is a server-side update and that not all phones will have immediate access to these new options. This can work for Chromecast with compatible Google TV and Android TV.
Chromecast with old Google TV is announced back in October, has 4K HDR support and a dedicated remote control. The new Chromecast is more like the Amazon Fire TV as it brings the Android TV interface and not just the ability to cast media on your TV. It supports 4K HDR up to 60 fps, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Vision, DTSX, HDR10+ and H.265 streams.
