Google Reveals Wireless Home Audio Streaming

Google has revealed Google Cast for audio, which will embed the same technology behind its streaming media service, Chromecast, into speakers via phones tablets or laptops by spring 2015. Chromecast ($35) has previously been able to stream audio solely to TVs. Of course, similar wireless audio capabilities have long been available via Apple’s AirPlay service.

Content for the new system will be controlled in the cloud by Android tablets and smartphones, iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows and Chromebook from apps including Deezer, Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, NPR One, Pandora, Rdio, TuneIn, and more. Excluded from compatibility is Spotify, and Apple’s iTunes Radio and Beats.

Speakers must have a support chip, which appear by Sony, LG, and HEOS by Denon models. The Google Cast ecosystem is expected to increase to Android TVs, game consoles and set-top boxes.

Google made the announcement yesterday (Jan. 5) prior to the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.