We all know that Chromecast has been one of the success stories of 2014; millions of users worldwide have bought the sub-$50 device to get their content from their phones, tablets and computers into the loungeroom and onto the TV. Google goes as far as quoting the device as being used in 27 countries, and average usage per device has increased 60% since the initial launch due to new features and people discovering what the devices can do.
Today, Google has gone a step further and announced Google Cast for Audio, which embeds that same Chromecast technology into speakers, sound-bars and A/V receivers. Working in the same fashion, users can simply tap the cast icon to throw their music to a Cast Ready speaker or system and share the tunes.
Just like Chromecast, compatible receivers pull content directly from the cloud, so once the music is started, your phone or tablet is free to do whatever it wishes, or it can even be switched off or leave the area, and the music will continue to flow. Existing apps — Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Rdio and TuneIn — are already compatible.
The first Google Cast Ready speakers will be available soon from Sony, LG and HEOS by Denon, with more brands coming on board later in the year. We can’t wait to get our hands on some of these.
