The new Chromecast audio brings people a new, affordable way to enjoy music, streamed or offline. But it’s not quite the same as Sonos, at least not yet. The Chromecast audio costs $35, and it was first launched in September to entice wallets everywhere.
Chromecast Audio Connects to Any Speaker
Chromecast audio takes internet to Pandora and Spotify, and it can connect to virtually any speaker as long as it’s over 3.5mm, RCA or Optical input. Playback controls are in the apps themselves, which eliminates the necessity for anything other than a phone and a speaker. Like Sonos, Chromecast audio comes split into different pieces that can be scattered around a home or office. Playback can be controlled form whenever so long as the phone is within reach. As time goes on, Google hopes to sign deals with speaker makers and their models, with equipment such as the LG Music Flow or the SONY SRS X- series. Like the Chromecast device, users need only press ‘cast’ to start streaming. Then they can choose which devices they’d like the music to play from and just hit play.
Unlike Chromecast Audio, Sonos Comes Fully Loaded
The basic difference between Sonos and Chromecast Audio is that Sonos comes with big guns. The speakers that come with the Sonos system are a formidable enemy to many speakers. The quality is not perfect, but it’s a lot better than most could expect from a maker without as big a name as Sony or Bose.
Sonos Has the Best Deal Right Now
The Sonos app is also the most respectable of its kind, with a simple layout that allows for a queue. It basically has all the basic functions needed for good media playing. Not only that, but Sonos can pair all speakers at once and turn an office into a lounge or a home into a club and anything in between. Not only does Sonos connect to any remote music library, but it also supports streaming services. The device doesn’t matter as long as it has an internet connection, and it can even connect to Apple Music as of today.
Next-Gen Sonos Could Incorporate Even More Aersome Features
As the technology changes, it’s possible that Sonos will more platform support with their next generation of Sonos speakers. This will bring them even higher in the game, as very few people keep offline libraries to carry around in their pockets. Since Apple stopped making the iPod, sites like Spotify, Songza, Soundcloud, Pandora Radio and others have had their popularity skyrocket. Since they don’t require phone space and can plug people in from anywhere where there’s a solid network connection.
Meanwhile, Chromecast Has Only A Little Bit Of An Upper Hand
There’s buzz that Google may extend Chromecast audio to support video as well, and unify the Chromecast brand. The company will also be adding HD audio support to the small device, which despite its size really does pack a mean punch. It’ll allow up to 96KZ/240bit lossless playback. For people who are audio enthusiasts but haven’t saved up for an epic Bose set, the Chromecast audio is a pretty decent halfway device, and at an amazing price.
Google is Full of Surprises, and Chromecast Audio Might Surprise Us
There’s no denying that Sonos is dominating the market, but it’s also fair to say that the Chromecast series is a total steal that’s calling the attention of a lot of people. Chromecast has had two generations launched. Although it’s not comparable to other devices like the Amazon Fire or the Roku series, it’s excellent at its basic functionalities. The results show that Google knows how to engage a market even in the smallest way, and still make an impact. As Google becomes more popular, it’s possible that Chromecast audio can be compared to systems like Bose and Sony and actually compete.
