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LG first to launch Google Cast-compatible multiroom speakers

LG has managed to pip its rivals to releasing Google Cast compatible speakers in the UK

Multiroom audio is a well-contested area with the likes of Sonos, Samsung, Panasonic and a whole host of others vying for both your ears and your wallet. LG threw its hat in the ring with its LG Music Flow range that we were fond of for its high-resolution audio support and ease of use. The entire range is now being updated with support for Google Cast for audio.

Google Cast allows you to easily cast audio from music apps to speakers around the home, much like how the Chromecast made it easy to cast content to a display. Google Cast works on Android, Chromebook, iOS, Windows and Mac devices, meaning you have a multitude of music sources you can use. Although this will be dependent on apps being updated with support, much like how Chromecast support needed to be added to apps. At the moment the most prominent apps are Google Play Music, TuneIn Radio and Rdio but more should become available over time.

LG is now the first to bring Google Cast support to the UK with the launch of new entries in the Music Flow range. Thankfully, for those who picked up a Music Flow speaker in the past, Google Cast is coming in the form of a software update so you won’t be missing out. Google Cast support is already available with the H7, H5, and H3. Over the air updates for existing speakers to add Google Cast support should be arriving around the same time.

LG Music Flow HS7

^Music Flow HS7

LG Music Flow HS9

^Music Flow HS9

LG also announced new HS7 and HS9 soundbars that will integrate into the Music Flow multiroom system and also include Google Cast support. There are also four Blu-ray players, the BP550, BP450, BP350 and BP255, which will provide CD format multiroom speaker playback with Music Flow speakers. LG claims this is the first multiroom system to provide this functionality but if you’re looking to integrate CDs into your multiroom system, Panasonic’s SC-ALL5CD also allows this. Other multiroom system manufacturers do also offer devices to integrate existing equipment, such as CD players or vinyl turntables, into their multiroom ecosystem.

LG Music Flow H4

^Music Flow H4

LG Music Flow P7

^Music Flow P7

In terms of portable music players, LG also has the H4, which is its first portable multiroom speaker that has a built-in battery and will be out by the end of May. The P7 and P5 (released in September) are the company’s portable Bluetooth-only speakers. Expect reviews of the new range as soon as they become available.

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