Those looking for more Google in their home-entertainment system will get their wish as the tech giant announced Google Cast for Audio Monday at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Google introduced the idea of “casting” with its Chromecast TV stick; now Google Cast for Audio lets you stream audio from your phone or tablet to compatible speakers in much the same way Chromecast works with your TV. The first Cast-ready speakers should be available in the spring from Sony, LG, and Denon. A number of apps will work with Google Cast for Audio, including Deezer, Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, NPR One, Pandora, and Rdio. Spotify is a notable exception on the list of compatible apps.
In this video of people rocking out thanks to their new friend, Google Cast, you’ll note that audio casting works much like video casting did with Chromecast. Just tap to cast, and you can modify the volume from your mobile device.
Photo by Paul Townsend