Pioneer enables Chromecast built-in audio streaming and Google Home voice support for Hi-Fi and AV components

Pioneer has issued a firmware update which enables Chromecast audio streaming and support for Google Home on a range of its home hi-fi components, AV receivers and network speaker systems. The update works on models released in 2016. 

Chromecast is increasingly being positioned as an ecosystem that supports multiroom streaming between devices as well as turning compatible devices into a content source – including Apple iOS and Android devices, Chromebook and Chrome browsers. However it is currently plagued by variable levels of compatibility and operation. Chromecast supports sampling transmission rates of up to 48 kHz. 

 Pioneer adds “the update will allow owners to request music and audio content by voice for streaming playback on their supported Pioneer components when used in conjunction with Google Home or other to-be-released devices featuring Google Assistant.”

Devices  need to  be  connected  to  the   same wireless network and apps must be Chromecast-enabled. The firmware update is available for the following Pioneer products: SC-LX901,  SC-LX801,  SC-LX701,  SC-LX501,   VSX-LX302,   VSX-1131,   VSX-932,  VSX-832, VSX-831, VSX-S520D, VSX-S520, SX-S30DAB, NC-50DAB, N-30AE, FS-W50, FS-W40,  XC-HM86D, X-HM86D, X-HM76D, X-HM76, MRX-5 and MRX-3.

Google Home is currently available in the US and UK, where the Smart wireless speaker is priced at £129.