Google has released the software development kit for its HDMI Streaming Chromecast to all developers. Previously it was available only for selected partners like HBO, Pandora and Netflix. Google has now made available the official SDK package for the development of applications dedicated to Chromecast, which will be distributed on Android and iOS.

For sale at $35, Chromecast is one of the best devices dedicated to the reproduction of multimedia content in the home, especially if you take into account its potential for the future. The official SDK will allow developers to build applications designed specifically for the small HDMI dongle. Programmers are now given the opportunity to optimize their applications and Web sites for viewing on a TV via Chromecast.

Google Cast SDK is easy to integrate: Just embed the package already implemented in applications for mobile devices, or in the web app, so as to bring the contents on TV. Developers can control when and how to publish the app through the Google Cast Developer Console. The new SDK is available on Android and iOS, over that for the Chrome browser through the appropriate extension.

It was announced on the official blog with a post that also refers to the debut of Google Play Services 4.2. All of this will soon debut on Play Store and App Store applications that are optimized for use on their Chromecast, download and install in a similar way to what happens today with the Android and iOS.

“With the Chromecast, we’re resetting consumer applications,” said Rishi Chandra, the director of product management for Chromecast. Once developers start making apps, Chandra says that everyone “should expect their phone or tablet applications to just work on the television.”

Launched in July last year, the device connects to the TV via a HDMI slot, powered by USB cable. Although official applications so far made ​​available by Google have been few, the product has already shown its potential, ranging from photo and video mirroring (such as smartphones and tablet on your TV) to play multimedia content saved on the hard disk of your the computer or server on cloud services such as Play Music, Play Movies and Netflix.

Chandra expects that many TV networks and video streaming websites will make apps for Chromecast, but he also believes that there are a lot of avenues out there for developers to pursue with Chromecast.

“Gaming is an exciting opportunity for what you can do with Chromecast,” Chandra added. “It’s exactly the right model. The fact that it works with your iOS phone and Android tablet and Windows laptop is true multiscreen. There’s a lot of potential there,”

Find your SDK and sample apps

If you want to get started right away, Chrome Cast developer site has all the necessary information. On GitHub, Google also provided various example applications. Anyone wishing to use the SDK, however, must be connected to the Chrome Cast SDK guidelines maintained by Google. The contents also have to be as per the guideline of the Play Stores.

The search giant highlights the simplicity of the SDK which is expected to deliver content to the TV easily. It must be said that the increasing number of applications compatible with the Chromecast is a key point in the success of the device.

With the SDK, developers can incorporate support for Chromecast in their services and sites to stream from the smartphone and tablet to allow iOS and Android or PC with the Chrome browser directly on the cast interface. By providing the SDK, Google is hoping to transmit significantly more content on TV and to expand the functionality of Chromecast and in particular Internet of Things connected devices considerably in future.