Facebook testing streaming videos to TV via Chromecast or AirPlay

Facebook is testing a new feature to stream video including the live videos from its mobile app on the TVs either via AirPlay or Chromecast.

A Facebook representative confirmed the feature under active testing as reported by Marketing Land. The company added AirPlay support to the iPad app in 2011 and has actively been testing the Chromecast support since May 2016 as reported by Android Police since May 2016.

The feature is quite simple where you choose to stream the content and then minimise the in-app player to browse the Facebook feed or to find something better to watch. The users can add a sequence of videos to stream on Android while it only allows one video to be streamed at a time.

Facebook feed, now with AirPlay, is the best TV guide of all time. pic.twitter.com/3HFLQsMhvn

— Jason (@jasonwstein) August 8, 2016

Facebook is constantly trying to improve its mobile app, trying to test new features along with tinkering and tweaking the existing design. Even though the design has not changed considerably, the change happens gradually over several versions, 4-5 months from the initial test alpha versions to final stable versions rolling from the Google Play store. The company has constantly tested out features such as the home feed redesigned to focus on the news to the tremendous push towards the video content. The latest feature was added to Facebook Pages Manager where the company added the ability for Android users to go live. The feature of streaming to TV is part of the Facebook strategy to win the living room by providing better viewing experience with better suggestions at what to watch.