Android embraces its media player instead of notifications for Cast media controls

Android embraces its media player instead of notifications for Cast media controls،

Google has made a significant change to the way Cast media controls appear on Android devices. Instead of residing in the shadows of notifications, Cast controls are now found in the dedicated Android media player. This aligns Cast controls with other media playback controls, making it easier to manage multiple media sources simultaneously.

Previously, Cast Media controls were displayed as separate notifications, taking up space in the notification shade. This approach, while functional, lacked the visual integration and ease of access offered by the dedicated media player.

However, as noted 9to5Google and reproduced by yours truly, the new Cast commands are designed to be simple and unobtrusive. They’ll appear with a generic icon and no artwork, and you won’t be able to use the output switcher or see what media is playing at a glance. You’ll still be able to control playback (including pause, play, skip and seek) and tapping the player will take you to the Now Playing screen in the Google Home app.

New Cast Media Controls

Although the current functionality mirrors the old Cast notifications, we hope for expanded options in future updates. The new Cast media controls are available in Google Play Services version 23.44.14, which is currently rolling out to Android devices. Users can expect to receive the update within a few days if it is not available yet. The introduction of the new Android media player with Android 11 marked a turning point for integrated media playback capabilities. Over time, the media player gained improved features, including input switching, improved visuals, and updated API related functions.

Cast media controls, introduced in 2017, initially caused confusion and controversy. Users were unaware that others could see their media choices, and some inadvertently paused media playback for others while ignoring unexpected notifications. Google responded by adding the option to turn off Cast notifications altogether.

Moving Cast controls to the Android media player streamlines media management and aligns with the overall Android experience. Although current features are limited, future updates may bring additional features and improve the overall Cast media control experience.