Google Play Movies & TV now shows actor and soundtrack info while you watch via Chromecast or Nexus Player

Google today updated its Google Play Movies & TV app for Android, which lets you watch purchased or rented content from the company’s store, with a revamped design and new features. You can download the latest version directly from Google Play (if you don’t see it yet, be patient as it’s rolling out “over the next week”).

The app can now show you actor and soundtrack cards on your phone or tablet while you are watching, so you can have extra information about what’s playing on the big screen. This feature only works if you are casting Google Play content to your TV using the Chromecast or the new Nexus Player.

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It’s also worth noting that not all Google Play content supports this feature. Only movies and episodes marked with an Info Cards badge on the Google Play store will work. Still, it’s a start.

As Google explains, the whole point is to help users when they are just “burning to know” where they saw that actor or actress before, want to remember a song for later, or just want more information without having to hit pause. There’s no need to find the remote, fire up the browser, and perform a search. The app takes care of everything for you.

This update also includes a visual overhaul that follows Google’s Material Design:

The company is promising bigger images and smoother transitions, plus a redesigned Watch Now tab that makes finding a movie “as pleasant as watching the movie itself.” It will also give you more movie recommendations, and you’ll be able to watch the corresponding trailers directly in the app.

All in all, this is a big update, but it’s really just setting the foundation for what’s to come. Google clearly wants to be present while you’re watching anything in your living room (presumably to serve ads), and providing more information as you do is just one piece of the puzzle.