Google Chromecast update disables ability to play content from 'unauthorised' sources

It looks like Google doesn't want users of its Chromecast media streaming device to beam their own content to their TV screens.

The Internet giant has pushed a new update to its $35 media device that breaks support for AllCast, a third-party app that allows users to stream their own content to their TVs via the device. The app allowed users to play multimedia content stored in their Android device's gallery, Dropbox, or Google Drive.

Koushik Dutta, the developer of the app alleges that Google's latest Chromecast update intentionally breaks AllCast (which used to be initially called AirCast) by disabling 'video_playback' support from the ChromeCast application. He posted an update on his Google+ page saying that this was the second time Google purposefully "removed/ disabled the ability to play media from external sources." He says that it also confirms his suspicion about the Chromecast developer program' policy seems of taking a heavy-handed approach, allowing only approved content through the device. He adds that Chromecast will probably not be indie developer friendly as Google's stand on third-party apps was not clear.

Google had unveiled the Chromecast on July 24. It is a small stick roughly the same size as a thumb drive that can be plugged into an HDMI port on flat-panel TVs. It brings Netflix, Google's YouTube site and other Internet content from Google Play to what is usually the biggest screen in households.

The device connects with smartphones, tablets and personal computers to beam Internet content to TVs. However, unlike the Apple TV, it doesn't let users beam local content to TVs due to Google's copyright worries, and connects to an Internet server for receiving content.
App developers need to add support for their apps if they want users to be able to beam content through the device. Having said that, users can also send their Chrome browser tabs to the device, which means video playing on any web page can be streamed to the TV through Chromecast. The tab casting feature is still in beta, though.