Additionally, all of Yamaha MusicCast products will gain support for Actions on Google. through an update to the Yamaha MusicCast app.English These new capabilities join a growing family of built-in services – including Spotify, Deezer, Qobuz and TIDAL – as well as an impressive lineup of features such as high-resolution audio support. Additionally, all of Yamaha MusicCast products will gain support for Actions on Google. through an update to the Yamaha MusicCast app.English These new capabilities join a growing family of built-in services – including Spotify, Deezer, Qobuz and TIDAL – as well as an impressive lineup of features such as high-resolution audio support.
Yamaha MusicCast is gaining support for some key new features that willhelp it better compete with the likes of HEOS and Sonos. The new featuresinclude everything from AirPlay 2, expanded Spotify Connect functionality,Actions on Google, and even eARC.
Available to the 17 home audio products launched in 2018, which includessoundbars, wireless speakers and AV receivers, a new update will bring the immediatesupport of Apple’s AirPlay 2 streaming protocol; that means speakers supportingYamaha’s MusicCast will gain the ability to be looped into a multi-room audiosystem that features other AirPlay 2 devices. In addition, those using SpotifyConnect on a free account will finally be able to stream to their MusicCast speakers.
Select MusicCast devices will gain an additional feature on top of expandedSpotify Connect and AirPlay 2, with Yamaha confirming that it’s bringing eARCto the line-up. Devices confirmed to support eARC include:
- 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
- CX-A5200 AV preamp/processor
eARC means that those AV receivers will now be able to play uncompressedaudio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, as well as object-based surroundformats, like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
If that’s not enough, Yamaha has confirmed that the MusicCast app willalso be updated, bringing support for Actions on Google. That means users willbe able to use Google Home, Android or iOS devices with the Google Assistantapp to control their Yamaha home theatre with voice commands. That’s in additionto the existing support for Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant.
When Will The UpdatesBe Available?
AirPlay 2 and expanded Spotify Connect support will be available on thefollowing devices from late April:
- MusicCast 20 and MusicCast 50wireless speakers
- MusicCast BAR 400 sound bar
- RX-Ax80 Series AV receivers
- RX-Vx85 Series AV receivers
- RX-S602 slimline AV receiver
- ATS-4080 soundbar
- CX-A5200 AV preamp/processor
- XDA-QS5400 MusicCast Multi-RoomStreaming Amplifier
Those with a MusicCast VINYL 500 turntable should expect the update to hitthem later in the summer.
The updated MusicCast app is now available, meaning Actions on Googleshould be available on all MusicCast devices released since 2015, while eARCsupport will roll-out later this month to the aforementioned AV receivers.
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.
Musiccast 20 Spotify Free
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:
Musiccast Spotify Free Music
- 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.
Gallery
Jay Garrett
StereoNET UK’s Editor and Bass playing gadget junkie. He’s captained the good ship GadgetyNews for over a decade, making low jargon high tech a very handy thing. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
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Posted in: Hi-FiHome Theatre
Tags: connected distributionyamaha
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