Will Sonos support Google Cast for Audio?
Userlevel 2
Just read the announcement of the new Google Cast for Audio (http://chrome.blogspot.com/2015/01/introducing-google-cast-for-audio.html). I don't see Sonos listed as an early supporter, though. Any chance something is in the works?
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This makes sense as google cast is such a "dumb" protocol (that makes it so powerful at the same time).
I don't want sonos speaker to work alongside lg speaker etc. I basically just want the cast function available for YouTube and Google play music app for iOS. Most of the time I will still use sonos app but YouTube casting is a must for me
It'll be great if Sonos implement this. If not, I might consider replacing my Sonos Amp with the Denon Heos Amp..
Userlevel 1
This is killing me. I can currently get the sound bar for $300 off, but I need a definitive answer on Google Cast compatibility first. I'd rather pay full price later if it supports it, than waste money now if it won't.
Userlevel 7
+22
I would not purchase based on Google cast becoming available. They have in the past year worked with Google in that Google incorporated casting to sonos with Google play for android though.
At the risk of being a "me too", I would love support for GoogleCast from Sonos. The Google Play music support today is good, but the more generic GoogleCast would be great, specifically for podcasting using Pocketcast. I already use it to listen when I'm outside the house, so being able to cast the same thing to my Sonos would be a great help.
Taking the risk of sounding like a broken record, Sonos needs to support two main technologies: ChromeCast and AirPlay and should focus on that instead of bringing dozens of streaming services into the controller app resulting in a half-baked experience for services like Deezer, Spotify, etc. and binds bandwidth that could be used better.
Just a bit of an update to everyone. Seems like the rollout of Audio for Cast for audio is imminent.; How do I know this? Update to HBO Croatia app was released yesterday, with Chromecast support. Clicking on chromecast icon also lists my Sonos system. I think it is just a matter of Google adding other apps to their whitelist so they become available to us. Great to know and confirm that Sonos hasthis built in already.
So... what happens then, if you select the Sonos system to cast to?
- Chrome Cast doesn't require licensing, but Google doesn't support on iOS and WP8, and on desktops only as Chrome browser plugin which litters your system with java instances
- Spotify Control is proprietary and so complex that it can't be understood without documentation
- AirPlay requires licensing and HW encryption key which needs to be licensed from Apple
I couldn't test properly. I live outside of Croatia at the moment, and some fancy DNS trickery is necessary to play that content. My Chromecast is "rooted" so it can be done, Sonos does not allow any DNS changes, at least, not that I know of. I might put the whole network behind the VPN to try it, but that is a large project in itself. Seeing the option available was good enough proof that Audio casting is working on Sonos, and that many apps will follow soon. Google probably do the separate audio whitelisting similar to Chromecast apps, or HBO GO Croatia are using the latest API to get both protocols at the same time.
- Chrome Cast doesn't require licensing, but Google doesn't support on iOS and WP8, and on desktops only as Chrome browser plugin which litters your system with java instances
- Spotify Control is proprietary and so complex that it can't be understood without documentation
- AirPlay requires licensing and HW encryption key which needs to be licensed from Apple
Pretty sure you can cast on IOS 8.
Userlevel 7
+22
- Chrome Cast doesn't require licensing, but Google doesn't support on iOS and WP8, and on desktops only as Chrome browser plugin which litters your system with java instances
- Spotify Control is proprietary and so complex that it can't be understood without documentation
- AirPlay requires licensing and HW encryption key which needs to be licensed from Apple
Casting in iOS is AirPlay. Casting from. Then the receiving device has requirements.
- Chrome Cast doesn't require licensing, but Google doesn't support on iOS and WP8, and on desktops only as Chrome browser plugin which litters your system with java instances
- Spotify Control is proprietary and so complex that it can't be understood without documentation
- AirPlay requires licensing and HW encryption key which needs to be licensed from Apple
You can still cast from apps iOS 8 though, google music, movies, iplayer, netflix etc.
Userlevel 7
+22
- Chrome Cast doesn't require licensing, but Google doesn't support on iOS and WP8, and on desktops only as Chrome browser plugin which litters your system with java instances
- Spotify Control is proprietary and so complex that it can't be understood without documentation
- AirPlay requires licensing and HW encryption key which needs to be licensed from Apple
Yes and there are multiple ways then to get that I to sonos.
Thanks for the feedback, jabba. Keep us posted if you learn any more...
I found another Android app that is able to see my Sonos system as Chromecast. "Plex".... Unfortunately, I was not able to successfully connect to the system so we are not quite there yet. I am guessing next firmware upgrade will be the one that will officially get Sonos on the list of supported "Cast for audio" devices. A bunch of other apps listed on Google's official page are not seeing Sonos, so hope this is coming soon.
The Sonos speakers are discoverable through DLNA, so any application that queries for DLNA players on the network will receive a reply from them. So from the sound of it, you're just observing something that has been there for several years.
To your point Enhanced, the Sonos components can be controlled via DLNA.
The challenge for a developer is more around identifying the right messages that need to be exchanged to query and control grouped and bonded players.
This is where almost all DLNA based approaches fall short. If you have a grouped setup the audio stream needs to be sent to grouphead and not a group member in order to play the stream on all speakers within the group/zone.
AirSonos and other solutions have the same challenge; Its ok for a 'quick and dirty' playback but the zone/queue messaging is difficult to decipher. Sonos has a partner API but i don't know if anybody can signup who doesn't represent an actual streaming service (like Google Music, Tidal etc)
Looks like the rivals are soon to hit the stores:
http://itechtriad.com/2015/04/14/lg-google-cast-music-flow-soon/
While I'm not prepared to part with the Sonos devices yet, I for one won't wait forever. I don't want Sonos's unique selling point to be that they only work with the Sonos app and a rather dodgy connection to Google Music (mine doesn't work reliably and Sonos tech support haven't been able to fix it).
http://itechtriad.com/2015/04/14/lg-google-cast-music-flow-soon/
While I'm not prepared to part with the Sonos devices yet, I for one won't wait forever. I don't want Sonos's unique selling point to be that they only work with the Sonos app and a rather dodgy connection to Google Music (mine doesn't work reliably and Sonos tech support haven't been able to fix it).
Sonos, would you be able to just give an update on this idea, even though we realize obviously you have nothing to announce at this time? Is this idea currently being investigated or is it just marked for the future?
Yes sonos you said in a thread last week you were going to keep us more updated?
Userlevel 7
+22
The impression I get (no inside knowledge) reading between the lines of what they are able to say is that they are working on google cast. It makes sense since they worked with Google to cast from google play. Also Google cast makes a lot more sense then AirPlay since it appears to be much more universal then just working on Apple devices.
Why is it taking them soooooo long?
Because the public demand for something to be delivered "yesterday at the latest" is often in conflict with the realities of a software development cycle.
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