If you like to play music from your mobile device to a stereo and hate being tethered to the radius of bluetooth or if that old stereo doesn’t offer bluetooth then you might want to consider a Chromecast Audio. Just like Chromecast gives you the ability to cast video the Chromecast Audio allows you to cast music to a stereo via it’s included 3.5mm audio cable; it also supports RCA and Optical – cables not included.
Setup
Setting up Chromecast Audio is easy, connect the micro USB power cable and then plug in the 3.5mm cable into both the stereo AUX and the Chromecast Audio device and it’s almost done. If you’ve already installed the Chromecast app then open it, if not goto chromecast.com/setup. Under devices you should see your new Chromecast Audio device and it should say it needs setup, it will guide you through various steps to name and connect your Chromecast Audio to your Wi-Fi. Once complete select the Chromecast Audio device from the cast icon in any supported application like Pandora, Google Play Music, etc.
Design
Side by side Chromecast Audio is way different looking than a Chromecast as a Chromecast has a HDMI cable coming out the top while Chromecast Audio doesn’t and on the surface has grooves on the top that resemble a record. Chromecast vs Chromecast Audio could be difficult for the average consumer to separate; I’m not sure what else you could call it but can you imagine one Chromecast that allows for both functionality? For reference there is no 3.5mm jack on the new Chromecast dongle – maybe next-gen?
Cost
At $35 for Chromecast Audio comes in at the same price as a Chromecast which once again could lead to consumer confusion. It’s competitive at $35 with such products as GoGroove Bluetooth dongle, etc.
Use
Chromecast Audio is giving new life to stereo’s I’ve had stuck in storage as they didn’t offer bluetooth, etc. support. The nice thing with Chromecast Audio is that I can walk anywhere in the house whilst still casting audio as long as I stay connected to Wi-Fi which might be a downside for some. For example, I’d love to have this in my car but it would also need a wireless router in my car not that it wouldn’t be a bad thing, just not practical. I found Chromecast Audio very easy to use overall, if you’ve already used a Chromecast it should be deja vu.
