Previously only Chromecast Audio and Google Home could be added to speaker groups for multi-room audio but Google is now rolling out an update to enable multi-room for all Chromecast devices, according to XDAdevelopers.
Multi-room Chromecast audio
Google teased the new functionality at its 2018 fall hardware event and the update has now started rolling out to all Chromecast devices, according to the report. Currently, you need to be part of the preview program (see the table) but a wider release should happen soon.
After the update, you will be able to add all of your Chromecast devices to your speaker groups for multi-room audio. You can set-up speaker groups via the Google Home app. Google Home speakers and Chromecast Audio already supported the multi-room function.
With this update, Google is expanding the music playback capabilities of its Chromecast video devices and giving users an alternative to other multi-room systems such as Apple Airplay 2 and Sonos. Google has not yet commented on its plans for built-in Chromecast in Android TVs that do not support multi-room audio at this time. Furthermore, it is still not possible to wirelessly output TV audio from an Android TV to a Chromecast audio device.
At the 2018 fall event, Google launched the Chromecast 3 that supports up to 1080p 60fps video. The Chromecast Ultra supports 4K Dolby Vision.
Follow the instructions below to get your Chromecast devices on the preview program.
Chromecast – Preview program
- Open the Google Home app and find your Chromecast device
- Go to: Settings –> Preview Program
- Follow the instructions and restart the device
- Repeat for each Chromecast device |
- Source: XDAdevelopers
