Will Android 'App Cast' let you stream apps from device to device? (APK teardown)
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
TL;DR Google Play Services shows evidence of an in-development 'App Cast' tool.
While its full functionality is unclear, it appears able to gather info about remote Android devices and access their installed apps.
One possibility could be the ability to remotely stream apps from one Android device to another.
Google's always working on something new for Android, and we spend a fair amount of time digging through app and system updates in the hope of getting an early look at some of those developments. When we're lucky, evidence is abundant and we're able to easily infer what Google's up to. Other times, however, it's a bit harder to get the full picture of what Google might be working on — even when it seems clear that developers are definitely up to something. And today, we're finding ourselves much more in the latter camp.
Authority Insights story on Android Authority. Discover
You're reading anstory on Android Authority. Discover Authority Insights for more exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage you won't find anywhere else.
An APK teardown helps predict features that may arrive on a service in the future based on work-in-progress code. However, it is possible that such predicted features may not make it to a public release.
We're looking at a recent update to Google Play Services, and as you may know, this software is how Google implements a lot of system-level functionality in Android — like we looked at just last month when we spotted new device backup settings. This time we've been crawling through the 25.24.31 beta release, and have spotted evidence of a new 'App Cast' feature.
We see references to App Cast popping up in code related to multi-device sync. We've also identified a number of text strings that appear to have been added in preparation of App Cast support:
Code Copy Text Starting app cast for package %s Fetching app list from remote device. Unable to get icon: %s not found Starting cast session for ' ' from ' Launching '%s' on remote device '%s'
We haven't been able to surface a UI for App Cast, and so we can't see any of this in action, but one possibility could involve Google giving Android devices the ability to stream apps installed on other hardware linked to your account. We can tell that there are elements in place for choosing devices from a list, and showing a progress bar. And as mentioned in the strings above, we see code for pulling up a list of installed apps.
Admittedly, the need for an app streaming mode feels a little narrow — in a lot of cases, it seems easier to just install the app on multiple devices — but we can appreciate times that require access to data that lives on a specific phone or tablet. We also wonder if this casting might extend to bigger screens, letting you view Android apps from your phone on Google TV.
But as we said, right now we just don't have enough of the puzzle to really say with any kind of certainty what Google is building here; this is all vibes at the moment. We've also spotted work in Play Services on some manner of new notification sync support that appears in proximity to some of this App Cast stuff, but we're not sure if that's just a coincidence, or if they're really meant to be related.
That's a little frustrating, but we'll keep digging into future Play Services builds in the hopes that we can soon nail down Google's intentions for App Cast.
Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at
Email our staff at news@androidauthority.com . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
41 minutes ago
- Yahoo
MIT joins group of universities suing the DOD over funding cuts
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has joined a lawsuit against the Department of Defense (DOD) over funding cuts related to indirect costs for military-based research. The institution joins a group of 11 other universities, including Brown University in Rhode Island, and three higher education organizations that filed the complaint against the DOD on Monday. Boston University supported the lawsuit as a member of the Association of American Universities. As of Tuesday, a federal judge had approved a temporary restraining order to halt the implementation of the cuts. 'We underscore that MIT drives US national security through its cutting-edge research, defense innovation and substantial contributions to military leadership,' said Kimberly Allen, a spokesperson for MIT, in an email. DOD declined to comment because it is ongoing litigation. Boston University didn't immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. 'DOD's latest action would have an immediate and dire effect on our national security by disrupting research designed to help our military,' the group of those suing said in a statement released Monday. Read more: MIT sues federal science agency over cuts to 'crucial research' The lawsuit comes in response to the DOD's announcement that it would limit facilities and administrative reimbursements to a 15% cap for all DOD research grants. Facilities and administrative costs include maintenance and administrative staff, research facilities and safety expenses, among others, which the group cites as being essential costs in maintaining the country's status as a leader in military technology research. Initially proposed by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in a memo sent on May 14, the cuts are set to save the DOD $900 million per year, according to Hegseth. According to court filings, MIT received $107 million in funding from the DOD in the 2024 fiscal year. They estimate that a 15% cap on Facilities and administrative expenses by the DOD would result in an estimated loss of $21 million annually. MIT has expressed it intends to apply for new funding awards from the DOD in addition to pending funding proposals. MIT is also involved in lawsuits against other federal organizations over cuts to indirect costs in other departments, namely the National Institute of Health, the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Science Foundation. 'Far reaching consequences' — UMass Amherst sounds the alarm amid federal uncertainty As federal funding cuts hit Harvard, a private investment firm and other donors step up 20 NIH grants restored to UMass system after judge rules against Trump admin Trump admin asks court to rule against Harvard without a trial Federal judge orders Trump admin to reinstate hundreds of NIH grants Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
QUBT Rockets 3,144% on Quantum Hype, as Valuation Leaves No Room for Error
Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) has experienced extreme volatility, recently surging over 25% in a single week following a public endorsement from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, fueling a staggering 3,144% gain over the past year. Investor excitement around a potential inflection point in quantum computing is palpable, though whether that enthusiasm is grounded in near-term reality remains to be seen. Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter While I'm bullish on the broader quantum technology narrative, QUBT's current valuation seems to price in near-flawless execution and rapid industry expansion—expectations that leave little room for error. The stock's sharp price swings may appeal to short-term traders and speculators, but as a long-term investor, I'm taking a wait-and-see Neutral approach, preferring to let the sector mature and the company's fundamentals catch up to its hype. QUBT is positioning itself as an emerging contender in the quantum technology space, with a focus on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) chips—a key component in photonic quantum computing, which could represent a major breakthrough in the field. The company recently completed its Photonic Chip Foundry in Tempe, Arizona, a strategic move designed to give it an edge in producing specialized chips for quantum applications. By targeting this niche early, QUBT aims to establish a leadership position before larger, better-funded competitors scale up similar capabilities. QUBT has also secured notable partnerships, including contracts with NASA, the Delft University of Technology, and a major automotive manufacturer, signaling growing interest in its technology, despite current revenues remaining modest. That said, the quantum computing race is still in its early stages. Success is far from guaranteed, especially as QUBT faces fierce competition from tech giants and deep-pocketed startups. While the company's strategy is compelling, the path to long-term dominance remains uncertain. Quantum Computing posted surprising numbers for the first quarter of 2025. The company reported a net income of $17 million, or $0.13 per share, representing a remarkable turnaround from the $6.4 million loss it posted in the same quarter last year. However, the impressive change in profit wasn't from selling more products or services. Instead, it came from a $23.6 million non-cash accounting gain related to the valuation of specific financial instruments. Strip away this one-time boost, and Quantum actually lost $8.3 million from operations, an increase from the $6.3 million operating loss they had the year before. The company's gross margins also took a hit, falling from 41% to 33%. Management has attributed this to growing pains that come with operating at such low revenue levels, but it remains a red flag worth watching. On the bright side, the company's financial position is solid. It reported a $166.4 million cash position (boosted by a recent $93.6 million investment), virtually no debt, and a strong balance sheet. This gives it plenty of runway to fund operations and growth initiatives without worrying about burning through its cash anytime soon. While overall market sentiment remains cautious, QUBT has emerged as a favorite among momentum traders and quantum computing enthusiasts. This has created a dynamic where the stock's movements are often fueled more by headlines and sector hype than by underlying business fundamentals. For instance, when Nvidia's CEO made favorable comments about quantum computing, QUBT surged 25% in a single day. However, the recent rally has pushed QUBT's valuation to over 4,500 times its annual revenue—a level that should give even the most bullish growth investor reason to pause. The real test will come when the next headline isn't so favorable. On Wall Street, QUBT stock carries a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on one buy rating provided by Ascendiant. The firm has set QUBT's stock price target at $14, implying approximately 30% downside potential over the next twelve months. QUBT's future success hinges on several factors largely outside its direct control. The quantum computing industry remains in its early stages, with widespread commercial adoption still years away. Key drivers—such as government funding, enterprise investment in advanced computing, and broader tech sector capital flows—will heavily influence whether companies like QUBT can thrive or falter. The stock is also susceptible to shifts in market sentiment. A turn toward prioritizing profitability over growth, or rising interest rates that dampen the appetite for speculative investments, could present serious challenges. Conversely, stronger government backing for quantum innovation, technological breakthroughs, or high-profile commercial partnerships could serve as powerful catalysts for QUBT's growth trajectory. Quantum Computing's strong financial position, traction with potential customers, and strategic positioning in a potentially transformative industry are attractive characteristics. Yet, the stock is priced for perfection, leaving little room for disappointment. While I am bullish on the potential opportunities of quantum computing, the recent run-up in QUBT's price has me inclined to wait for evidence of sustained revenue growth and a clear path to profitability before investing. Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Unusual Call Options Activity in Marvell Technology Highlights the Value of MRVL Stock
Today, Marvell Technology, Inc. (MRVL) is having heavy, unusual call options volume (out-of-the-money calls) after reporting strong earnings results yesterday for its fiscal Q1 ending May 3. This highlights the value of the system-on-a-chip semiconductor designer and MRVL stock. MRVL stock is at $75.08, up over 7% in morning trading. However, the stock is still well off its highs from earlier in the year. It could have significantly more upside, as will be seen in this article. How to Use Barchart's Tools to Create My Favorite Low-Risk, High-Reward Options Trades 2 Option Ideas to Consider this Wednesday for Bearish Traders Unusual Call Options Activity in Marvell Technology Highlights the Value of MRVL Stock Stop Missing Market Moves: Get the FREE Barchart Brief – your midday dose of stock movers, trending sectors, and actionable trade ideas, delivered right to your inbox. Sign Up Now! Marvell reported +63% revenue growth Y/Y, propelled by strong data center-related growth for its cloud and AI server products. Moreover, revenue rose to almost $1.9 billion, up by +4.27% from the prior quarter. This led to very high free cash flow (FCF), despite higher capex spending. For example, operating cash flow (OCF) was $332.9 million, up +2.6% over last year's $324.5 million FCF. After deducting $118.8 million, FCF came in at $214.1 million. That represents 11.2% of its $1.895 billion revenue for the quarter, a very strong FCF margin. On an adjusted FCF basis (including asset sales, etc.), FCF came in at $238.8 million, or 12.6% of sales. That was 7.1% higher than last year's $223 million adj. FCF. This was despite significantly higher capex spending this quarter (i.e., $119m vs. $91.5m last year, or +30%). As a result, we can project higher FCF going forward. For example, analysts project revenue this year of $8.25 billion (+43%) and $9.78 billion next year, using 37 analysts' estimates. This implies a next 12-month (NTM) run rate of $9.015 billion. As a result, we can project FCF using the company's most recent higher FCF margin: $9 billion x 12.6% FCF margin = $1.134 billion FCF That is much higher than a simple 4x projection using the Q1 FCF. For example, $238.8m Q1 FCF x 4 = $955.2 million FCF $1,134m FCF / $955.2m = 1.187 = n+18.7% Therefore, MRVL stock could end up with an 18.7% higher market value over the next 12 months. Let's test that. For example, right now, MRVL has a market cap of $64.55 billion. That represents 67.6x the run rate projection of $955m. Another way to say this is that the stock has a 1.50% FCF yield (i.e., the reciprocal of 67.6x). This means that its NTM market cap could be significantly higher: $1.134b NTM FCF / 0.015 = $75.6 billion That is 17.1% higher than today's market value of $64.55 billion. In other words, MRVL stock is worth $87.92 per share: $75.08 p/sh x 1.171 = $87.92 per share So, no wonder investors are buying calls today (and, alternatively, selling out-of-the-money calls). This can be seen in Barchart's Unusual Stock Options Activity Report. It shows that for the period ending June 20, over 7,000 call option contracts have traded at the $79.00 strike price. That is higher than the trading price and implies that buyers feel the stock will rise over the next two days. Alternatively, it also shows that holders of MRVL stock are willing to sell their shares at $79.00 and receive a bid-side premium of 70 cents. That represents a covered call yield of 93 basis points (i.e., $0.70/$75.36 = 0.0093 = 0.93%). In any case, this shows that investors are bullish on MRVL stock. By the way, analysts agree that MRVL stock looks undervalued. For example, Yahoo! Finance reports that 41 analysts have an average price target of $89.24 per share. Similarly, Barchart's mean survey is $91.31. These are close to my FCF margin and FCF-yield-based price target of $87.31 per share (see above). In fact, which tracks recent sell-side analysts' price recommendations, shows that 29 analysts have an average target price of $90.61 per share. The bottom line is that either from a FCF analysis basis or using analysts' price targets, MRVL stock looks deeply undervalued. So, no wonder investors are trading out-of-the-money MRVL call options in heavy volume. On the date of publication, Mark R. Hake, CFA did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
