Google today announced Google Cast for audio, a new music streaming technology in the vein of Chromecast that lets users stream sound from their smartphone, tablet, or Chrome-based web browser to Google Cast-ready speakers.

Screenshot (71)
The service uses pre-existing apps like Pandora, iHeartRadio, and Google Play Music, amongst a sizable list of others, to play a user's songs on a selection of speakers from companies like Sony and LG. With the long list of supported apps and sites, Google Cast supports a wide variety of input devices from iPhone, iPad, Android Phones and tablets, to any Mac or PC with a Chrome browser.


While Google Cast at first glance appears similar to Apple's AirPlay in that it is a standard available to speaker manufacturers to ensure support for wireless audio streaming, Google Cast speakers stream content from the cloud rather than directly from the control device. As a result, Google promises users will receive the best sound quality and can multitask on their devices without disturbing the streams.

The company promises the first Google Cast-ready speakers from Sony, LG, and HEOS by Denon will be made available this spring. Alongside the promise of a wider array of brands supporting the service with their own speakers throughout 2015, Google states that these devices will accompany "a growing Google Cast ecosystem," which plans to include Android-based TVs, gaming consoles, and even set-top boxes.

Top Rated Comments

aaroman Avatar
114 months ago
Such spin...

That's amazing. No, not the tech, the spin. So somehow streaming music from some other site on the continent is supposed to be better than streaming it from a local computer connected at gigabit speeds? Rii-ii-ight...
I'll continue to use AirPlay with the Remote App on my iPhone or iPad controlling my iTunes library locally, and NOT have to worry about asking GoOgle permission to stream music from their servers. Oh, and I'll stream it to all my AirPlay devices plus my computers speakers synchronously, filling my house with music.
And when I want, I'll also be able to stream straight from my device to my speakers without having to route it over the Internet. Sorry, GoOgle, you can't put ads in my music stream or track my listening habits.
Yet another lame me-too product from the folks who brought you Android.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gotluck Avatar
114 months ago
That's amazing. No, not the tech, the spin. So somehow streaming music from some other site on the continent is supposed to be better than streaming it from a local computer connected at gigabit speeds? Rii-ii-ight...
I'll continue to use AirPlay with the Remote App on my iPhone or iPad controlling my iTunes library locally, and NOT have to worry about asking GoOgle permission to stream music from their servers. Oh, and I'll stream it to all my AirPlay devices plus my computers speakers synchronously, filling my house with music.
And when I want, I'll also be able to stream straight from my device to my speakers without having to route it over the Internet. Sorry, GoOgle, you can't put ads in my music stream or track my listening habits.
Yet another lame me-too product from the folks who brought you Android.
this isnt for "all apple" people..

some people like multiple platforms
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lord Hamsa Avatar
114 months ago
... the "twist" being the extra bandwidth used so that Google gets a copy of everything you stream so that the data can be mined and sold to advertisers.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple_Robert Avatar
114 months ago
AirPlay is working well for me. I see no need to go Google-eyed over this.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ThisIsNotMe Avatar
114 months ago
what made you ditch Sonos?....I'm curious.
Sound quality.
Lack of DTS.
Limited to 5.1 DD Surround sound.
No high-deff codec.
An App being a requirement.
Limited to 2.0 support from my 4K media streamer through my 4K TV even though I get 5.1DD from Netflix/Blu-Ray.

It was just a pain, especially if you have guests. Makes a lot more sense to go 'all in' on AirPlay which lets people also throw up photos/videos on TVs.

Really no points in buying a ton a bridges to add to the system for audio.

AirPlay offers an all around better solution that includes photos/video.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ThisIsNotMe Avatar
114 months ago
This sounds more like Sonos than AirPlay. I have yet to try Sonos but I've heard great things about it for the most part -- especially where the quality of their hardware is concerned. Sure, their hardware is not cheap; but I have a feeling it's one of those things that you get what you pay for.

I went 'all in' with Sonos last year. Multiple TV bars w/ surround and multiple peripheral speakers. Spent a TON of money. All Sonos gear is gone and I am back to Sony w/ Airplay, Marantz, and AppleTV.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Multi Display CarPlay 1

All-New Apple CarPlay Launching Later This Year With These 5 New Features

Friday September 29, 2023 11:29 am PDT by
At WWDC 2022 last year, Apple previewed the next generation of CarPlay, promising deeper integration with vehicle functions like A/C and FM radio, support for multiple displays across the dashboard, personalization options, and more. Apple said the first vehicles with support for the next-generation CarPlay experience would be announced in late 2023, but it has still not shared any additional...
BMW Logo iPhone 15 Pro

Warning: BMW Wireless Charging May Break iPhone 15's Apple Pay Chip

Sunday October 1, 2023 6:14 am PDT by
If you have an iPhone 15 and drive a BMW, it might be best to avoid charging the device with the vehicle's wireless charging pad for now. Over the past week, some BMW owners have complained that their iPhone 15's NFC chip no longer works after charging the device with their vehicle's wireless charging pad, according to comments shared on the MacRumors Forums and X, formerly known as Twitter. ...
iPhone 15 Pro lineup

Apple to Address iPhone 15 Pro Overheating Issue With iOS 17 Update

Saturday September 30, 2023 9:28 am PDT by
Apple plans to release an iOS 17 update to address a bug that may contribute to the reported iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max overheating issue, according to a statement the company shared today with MacRumors and Forbes reporter David Phelan. Apple also says some recent updates to third-party apps have overloaded the system and contributed to the overheating issue. The report notes that...
iphone se 4 modified flag edges

iPhone SE 4 Details: Action Button, USB-C Port, Face ID, and More

Wednesday September 27, 2023 1:34 pm PDT by
Significant changes are expected to arrive with Apple's fourth-generation iPhone SE, in terms of both design and hardware, MacRumors has learned. The iPhone SE 4, known internally under the codename Ghost, is expected to receive a new design derived almost entirely from the base model iPhone 14. According to our sources, the iPhone SE 4 will use a modified version of the iPhone 14 chassis...
iPhone 16 Side Feature

iPhone 16 and 16 Pro: Preliminary Weights and Dimensions

Friday September 29, 2023 12:34 pm PDT by
MacRumors has obtained preliminary information on the weights and dimensions planned for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The information corroborates previous reports suggesting that the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will feature larger displays. iPhone 16 and 16 Plus Current information suggests that the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will maintain the same...
uk bank account apple wallet 2

Apple Wallet's New Bank Account Feature Likely to Expand to U.S.

Friday September 29, 2023 8:11 pm PDT by
Starting with the iOS 17.1 beta released this week, iPhone users in the U.K. can add debit and credit cards from select banks in the country to the Wallet app and view their available balances and latest transactions for those accounts. Apple calls this feature Connected Cards, and it's currently available in the U.K. only, but there is now evidence to suggest it will expand to the U.S. in...
iPhone 15 Pro Cameras

Apple Says iPhone 15 Pro's Titanium Frame Does Not Contribute to Overheating Issue

Saturday September 30, 2023 11:10 am PDT by
Apple today said it plans to release an iOS 17 software update with a bug fix for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max overheating issue, and the company has since shared additional details about the matter with MacRumors. Importantly, Apple said the issue is not related to the titanium frame. Contrary to a report this week, Apple said the iPhone 15 Pro's design does not contribute to...