Google Photos for Ambient mode missing when in App-only mode

[GuyCC]

Hi all,

The option to use albums from Google Photos for the background seems to be missing from my Google Chromecast 4K with Google TV, when app-only mode is enabled.  Is this intentional? Has anyone found a way to get it working in app-only mode?  I have seen this issue mentioned in a number of other threads but the recommendation seems to be to turn off app-only mode.  I really prefer app-only mode and don't see any reason why a Google Photos option for the background should be incompatible with that. 

Thanks in advance 

[Kimy]

Hi GuyCC,

Thanks for posting here in the Google Nest Community. When you switch to apps-only mode, your content recommendations won’t appear, but you can continue to access videos via individual apps. Other features, like the Google Assistant and search, are also missing in this view. This is ideal for shared TV, and you’re not comfortable with your personal content recommendations appearing for everybody. It focuses more on the privacy of the actual user, which then shields personalized content and preferences. I hope this answers your question. Let us know if you still have questions.

Thanks,

Kimy

[Kimy]

Hi there,

I'm just checking in to make sure that you saw our responses. Please let us know if you still need our help, as we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Regards,
Kimy

[Kimy]

Hello there,

We haven’t heard back from you, so I'll be locking this thread in 24 hours. Feel free to create a new one if you have other concerns in the future.

Best,
Kimy

[GuyCC]

Hi there Kimmy,

Sorry for my late reply. I understand the situation, however I must say I am disappointed.  The name, "app-only" mode, does not suggest what you describe the mode actually does, which sounds more like a "limited personalisation" mode.  App-only mode suggests suggests that only content my apps will operate and the notion that one of Google's own, most well known apps, Google Photos, does not work with this, seems counter intuitive.  Do you know if there is any way to get the result I want?  An interface without ads or recommendations but that allows ambient mode to use google photos? 

Thanks,

Guy

[Kimy]

Hi Guy,

We hear you! Since the feature intends to secure the privacy of the users without limiting their entertainment purposes, I suggest you send feedback about this. Probably request personalized options on what to limit or such. It’s not guaranteed that it will be implemented. But Google is big when it comes to customer feedback.

I will keep this thread open for one more day. Feel free to create a new one for your future concerns.

Cheers,

Kimy