YAMAHA MUSICCAST GETS AIRPLAY 2, SPOTIFY CONNECT, ACTIONS ON GOOGLE
Yamaha's MusicCast range is gaining Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and voice control abilities through a series of firmware updates and we have the details.
These new capabilities join a growing suite of services already included, such as Spotify, Deezer, Qobuz and TIDAL – as well as an impressive lineup of features such as high-resolution audio support, voice control via an Alexa device, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Kicking off this month, 17 current home audio products launched in 2018, including soundbars, wireless speakers and AV receivers, will offer Apple AirPlay 2 support and expanded Spotify Connect capabilities.
Additionally, all of Yamaha MusicCast products will gain support for Actions on Google through an update to the Yamaha MusicCast app.
Firmware updates will also add eARC (enhanced audio return channel) functionality to the brand's AV receivers.
The latest firmware updates include:
- Support for Apple AirPlay 2, adding the ability to stream Apple Music and many other streaming services from your iPhone, iPad, HomePod, and Mac to multiple Yamaha devices and other AirPlay 2-enabled speakers simultaneously, perfectly in sync, throughout your home. And with Siri on your iPhone or iPad, you can control what's playing in every part of your home with just your voice.
- Ability to use Spotify Connect with free Spotify accounts (previously only available for paid subscription-based accounts).
- Actions on Google, enabling voice control of compatible Yamaha devices via Google Assistant. Now you can use your Google Home, Android or iOS devices with the Google Assistant app to control your Yamaha home theatre with voice commands, link rooms hands-free, adjust volumes and more.
- Addition of eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) feature to 2017 and 2018 AV receivers, supporting uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, and object-based surround such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Release schedule
The firmware updates and MusicCast app update will start in April and continue through summer. Users will be automatically prompted to install the firmware via the MusicCast app.
The schedule is as follows:
AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect updates
Beginning in late April and released by model/series: MusicCast 20 and MusicCast 50 wireless speakers, MusicCast BAR 400 soundbar, RX-Ax80 Series AV receivers, RX-Vx85 Series AV receivers, RX-S602 slimline AV receiver, ATS-4080 soundbar and CX-A5200 AV preamp/processor, XDA-QS5400 MusicCast Multi-Room Streaming Amplifier
Summer: MusicCast VINYL 500 turntable
April 16: All MusicCast models introduced since 2015 through an update to the MusicCast app.
eARC
Beginning in late April and released by model/series: RX-Ax80 Series AV receivers, RX-Ax70 Series AV receivers, RX-Vx85 Series AV receivers, RX-Vx83 Series AV receivers, RX-S602 Slimline AV receiver and CX-A5200 AV preamp/processor.
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Hi-Fi | Home Theatre
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