Want to be the first to see new Google Cast features? Of course you do.
Google announced a new "Preview Program" for all versions of the Chromecast that lets those of us who are eager to see new features in on the latest software updates before they're broadly released. While this explicitly isn't a "beta" program that will give you potentially unstable updates, it will give you access to the latest Google Cast features before everyone else.
In Google's own words:
The Chromecast Preview Program is a user opt-in channel that updates your Chromecast device with the latest version of Chromecast's firmware before it is made broadly available. This gives members of the program early access to features and improvements on their Chromecast. It's an exciting way to get a sneak peek at the latest and greatest updates.
If that sounds like something you're interested in (we bet it is), the process of joining is pretty simple:
Open up the Google Cast app on your phone or tablet.
Tap the overflow menu button on the Chromecast you want to enroll.
Tap Device settings.
Tap Preview Program and tap Join Program.
That's it! You'll receive the latest updates early until you leave.
If you chose to allow Google to email you you'll get a message each time a new Preview Program update arrives, and you can drop back out of the Preview Program at any time from the same menu. It couldn't be simpler.
While you aren't likely to see amazing groundbreaking features weeks ahead of everyone else, you may get something neat a few days earlier than your friends who chose to stay on the standard release schedule — and that alone is worth it. And considering that Google isn't expecting any addition instability in these updates, it's really a win-win situation.
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