• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Chrome Unboxed - The Latest Chrome OS News

A Space for All Things Chrome, Google, and More!

  • News
  • Reviews
  • Unboxing
  • Chromebooks
  • Upcoming
  • Deals
  • Tips
  • Podcast
  • Home
  • Gaming
  • SEARCH
TEST 1
TEST 2
You are here: Home / Chromecast / Chromecast Video And Smart Displays Can Now Join Speaker Groups
Chromecast Video And Smart Displays Can Now Join Speaker Groups

Chromecast Video And Smart Displays Can Now Join Speaker Groups

November 24, 2018 By Gabriel Brangers Leave a Comment

Multi-room audio is nothing new, especially if you are a seasoned Chromecast user. All around our office we have Chromecasts and Cast-enabled speakers and each is assigned to various speaker groups to fit whatever audio needs that may arise.

It’s a great feature and likely underused by most consumers and until recently, not available on the Chromecast video streaming dongles. XDA first spotted the update in the Preview Program of the Google Home App last week and now it appears the feature is live for most users.

The use-case for grouping a Chromecast audio is pretty narrow at the moment but it is nice to be able to group it with another speaker and stream music while keeping the Chromecast’s wallpapers playing on the TV. I suppose it would come in handy if you were playing music throughout your home and wanted to display holiday photos of the family or show off pics of your kids at their birthday party while playing party music.

I’m sure you can come up with some other (better) ideas than I can. It’s just cool to see this addition.

A larger addition to the multi-room audio landscape was discovered by Paul Thurrott. In testing out the Chromecast’s new feature, he realized that his Lenovo Smart Display could also be added to speaker groups.

Brilliant.

Honestly, I never understood why this wasn’t a feature out of the gate. With devices like the JBL Link and upcoming LG ThinQ Display that focus on premium sound, the ability to group them with other cast devices seems like a no-brainer.

I have the JBL Link View in the window by my desk and the Google Home Max is on the other side of the office. While the Max produces more than enough sound to fill the room, adding the JBL to a group lets me play music on both while keeping the volume at a level that won’t shake the pictures off of the wall.

The multi-room audio function adds a whole new dimension to smart-displays and can give your audio game a major shot in the arm without having to invest in more costly speaker alternatives.

Even better is the fact that Chromecasts are discounted across the board for Black Friday. You can grab the latest version of the video dongle for only $25 at the retailer of your choice. You can also save $50 on the JBL Link View and $100 on the 8″ Lenovo right now. Not too shabby.

Shop Chromecast Deals at Best Buy

Source: XDA, Thurrott.com

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Chromecast, Google Assistant, News

About Gabriel Brangers

Lover of all things coffee. Foodie for life. Passionate drummer, hobby guitar player, Web designer and proud Army Veteran. I have come to drink coffee and tell the world of all things Chrome. "Whatever you do, Carpe the heck out of that Diem" - Roman poet, Horace. Slightly paraphrased.

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | EMAIL | ABOUT

Copyright © 2021 · Chrome Unboxed · Chrome is a registered trademark of Google Inc.
We are participants in various affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites.

GET EMAIL UPDATES

Privacy Policy

  • Reviews
  • Editorial
  • About