Will Google revive their almost perfect device Chromecast Audio

People don’t often mourn recently lost technology, but Chromecast Audio is one of the few examples when this technological idea was almost perfect. However, it was quickly buried in “Google’s hardware graveyard.” It’s been three years since then, but there are still no reliable alternatives to this small device to transfer audio from Google.

The Chromecast Audio’s launch wasn’t a flashy event since it was introduced alongside Chromecast (video) 2nd Gen in 2015. The thing that killed Chromecast Audio was the same price as a regular Chromecast with video support. That’s the reason why the production of devices stopped in 2019.

Google hasn’t given a reason why they killed Chromecast Audio, but it doesn’t take a genius to figure that out. There isn’t anything special about this USB device when the Google Nest Mini speaker exists for the same price. Since 2019, Google has focused on smart speakers. At the same time, the Nest speaker line was better positioned to promote its Google Assistant voice assistant. Of course, the two products catered to very different users, but it was clear that Google would push in the market with its smart speaker.

Then, Google had a patent dispute with Sonos over streaming patents. The patents have certainly impacted Google’s range, but Chromecast Audio had a huge influence particularly. In addition, the patent disputes have already been resolved, and if the rumors are true, it’s time for Chromecast Audio to make its return.

Smart speakers can’t compete in the world of high-definition streaming.

Smart speakers have a long life cycle. Combined with low prices and frequent sales, most users had already bought them. With the release of updated speakers, there are also no obvious benefits, so why should the user upgrade?

Music streaming is considered the best use case for smart speakers. High-resolution audio is becoming commonplace in music services. However, some brands imagine it differently.

Echo Studio from Amazon was made to service the audiophile market, but it’s far from the most popular product in the Alexa line. Apple also ditched the full-sized HomePod and replaced it with the Mini. Google Home Max was the leader in the high-quality audio segment, but it couldn’t gain popularity due to its high price.

There is one thing in common for these devices – the high price. Audiophiles understand the value of good speakers for high-quality sound, but to achieve that, it’s better to spend money on regular high-end speakers.

Chromecast Audio combines the convenience of streaming audio with the sound quality of your own speakers.

Chromecast Audio was and still is the perfect solution for users who want to combine the convenience of audio transfer with the quality of their high-end equipment. For the user, the device already offers optical output for connecting your high-quality DAC, but if Google wants to improve the device more, they could consider more modern formats such as MQA. This simple and cheap USB device is perfect for streaming Hi-Fi audio.

The Cast protocol is almost perfect for streaming

Apart from hardware, Chromecast Audio was also perfect thanks to the Cast protocol, which conveniently combines local media and streaming services. For audiophiles who have a massive music library, the protocol makes streaming to one or more speakers easy. It also nicely integrates with Android apps. Whether it’s your favorite podcast app or streaming radio service, most will have support for streaming.

The Google Cast protocol supports local and online content. Amazon and Apple can’t compete with that.

Alternatives like Alexa speakers just can’t do that. Instead, you need to enable “skills” for each service. Local music playback is also incredibly frustrating on the Echo speakers. And Homepod is not allowed to be used for anything outside the Apple ecosystem.

Once the patent lawsuit is settled, Chromecast Audio could be the perfect home audio product for those who want higher sound quality than smart speakers and the complete freedom to stream audio content from any source.

In my opinion, the updated Chromecast Audio will become the perfect solution for transferring sound across the home.

If people are ready to pay three times the original price to buy Chromecast Audio, then the market exists for it.

It’s been three years since Google stopped production of Chromecast Audio, but demand for the product hasn’t dropped. Resale prices have been steadily increasing and reached nearly $120 on eBay, which is three times the original price. Of course, you can’t take eBay prices as an indicator of demand, but it’s pretty clear that if people are willing to spend that much, there are reasons for Chromecast Audio to come back.