Skip to main content

Google’s Photowall uses Chromecast to collaboratively showcase photos

chromecast pretty home screen photos weather info photowall
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Announced on the official Google Chrome Blog earlier today, Photowall for Chromecast is a new mobile application that allows multiple people on the same Wi-Fi network the ability to beam photos to a Chromecast-connected television in the home. Available for free on both iOS and Android devices, Photowall also allows users the ability to write captions on shared photos or add creative doodles. Working through a Web interface in the default browser on the mobile device, users can choose from existing photos stored on their mobile device or from new photos taken with the camera.

photowall-appThis type of application would be ideal for family events when pictures are often shared. Anyone connected to the same Wi-Fi network can also add pictures to the photo stream by visiting g.co/photowall and entering the unique security code for the main photo collage.

Recommended Videos

Interestingly, all of these photos can be turned into a short YouTube video automatically using the Photowall application, thus allowing people that weren’t at the event to check out the photos shared through the Photowall app.

Speaking about the release of Photowall as it relates to the public launch of the Chromecast SDK, creative director Ian Tait wrote “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…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.”

It’s likely that many third party developers will release applications for the Chromecast in the coming months, both from U.S. and international developers. Google recently expanded the availability of the Chromecast into new countries. Announced last week, these countries include Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

Mike Flacy
By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…
Now Playing is the best Google Pixel 9 feature you aren’t using
The Google Pixel 9 standing upright next to an Android statue.

The Google Pixel 9 is here, and if you haven't heard yet, it's excellent. Google did almost everything right this year — releasing phones with gorgeous hardware, excellent cameras, great battery life, and more.

All Pixel 9 phones also come with a host of new AI features. Some of them, like Add Me and Pixel Screenshots, are legitimately great. Others, like Pixel Studio, could have used more time in the oven.

Read more
How to use Google’s Gemini AI app on your Android phone or iPhone
How to use Gemini on your Android.based device.

Google Gemini is a powerful AI assistant that can help you with a variety of tasks, from writing and brainstorming to learning and finding information. It’s designed to be a versatile and helpful tool that can enhance your productivity and creativity.

Read more
How to use the Pixel Screenshots app on the Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel Screenshots app running on a Google Pixel 9.

Google’s Pixel 9 is here with four devices in the lineup this year: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold (ugh, what a mouthful). This year, Google gave all of the Pixel 9 devices a fresh new look, and they’re all quite powerful with the Tensor G4 chip and up to 16GB RAM, a first for the Pixel as a whole.

Though the hardware looks beautiful, Google is putting more emphasis on the software that powers the devices, specifically the AI aspect. The Pixel 9 line has a ton of new AI tools, including Pixel Studio, Add Me, Gemini Live, and Pixel Screenshots.

Read more