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Google Discontinues Chromecast Audio (techcrunch.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the end-of-the-line dept.

Google has discontinued the Chromecast Audio dongle that allowed you to stream music via Wi-Fi to any dumb speaker with a 3.5mm headphone jack. If you're saddened by the news and would like to pick one up before they're completely gone, Google is now selling its remaining inventory for $15 instead of $35. TechCrunch reports: "Our product portfolio continues to evolve, and now we have a variety of products for users to enjoy audio," Google told us in a statement. "We have therefore stopped manufacturing our Chromecast Audio products. We will continue to offer assistance for Chromecast Audio devices, so users can continue to enjoy their music, podcasts and more."

Google is clearly more interested in getting people to buy its Google Home products and Assistant- or Cast-enabled speakers from its partners. It's also worth noting that all Google Home devices can connect to Bluetooth enabled speakers, though plenty of people surely have a nice speaker setup at home that doesn't have built-in Bluetooth support. "Bluetooth adapters suck," Google told us at the time, though at this point, it seems a Bluetooth adapter may just be the way to go.

3 of 88 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Never seen one by msauve · · Score: 3, Informative

    It's the Chromecast which has the 3.5 mm headphone jack, which is also usable for line level audio. Use whichever commonly available cable you need to hook up to powered speakers - a 3.5 mm jack is common there, too.

    --
    "National Security is the chief cause of national insecurity." - Celine's First Law
  2. Re:Already out of stock by jakedata · · Score: 5, Informative

    Don't normally reply to AC but here you go...

    1. Bluetooth audio is TERRIBLE
    2. BT range is ~10M at best, Chromecast uses WiFI/Ethernet
    3. CC supports synchronous multiple endpoint streaming
    4. CC supports guest streaming without pairing
    5. CC lets you control playback from multiple devices

  3. Re:Replace Chromecast Audio with regular Chromecas by jakedata · · Score: 3, Informative

    Search for HDMI Audio Extractor. They are not especially expensive but it's another thing that you need to plug in.