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After nearly six years since the first announcements, Google has finally rolled out a feature that many users of its ecosystem have been waiting for. The new Google Home Speakers can be paired wirelessly with the Google TV streamer and used as a home audio setup. Instead of a Bluetooth connection, Wi-Fi is used, which results in higher sound quality and lower latency. The feature lets you create a simple two-speaker home theater setup. Google says the solution will be brought to additional Google TV devices in the future.
Google Home Speaker will replace TV speakers
The Google Home Speaker costs $100 and has been given a new feature that works with the Google TV Streamer. Users can wirelessly pair up to two speakers and use them as the TV’s primary audio source. This solution differs significantly from traditional Bluetooth pairing. By using a Wi-Fi network, higher-quality audio streaming is possible. Google also highlights support for stereo and spatial audio with Dolby Atmos. The company notes that Bluetooth often limits quality, can operate only in mono, and introduces latency. To use the new feature, two Google Home Speakers and a Google TV Streamer running the latest firmware UTTK.260317.003 are required. The update also adds support for the Thread 1.4 standard. Configuration can be done from Google TV settings or the Google Home app. This is the first such extensive integration of Google’s audio devices with a TV.
Google announces additional compatible devices
Currently the feature works only with the Google TV Streamer, but the company suggests it won’t be the only supported device. Google’s documentation mentions compatibility with other future hardware that supports Google TV. The company hasn’t revealed specific models or a timeline for their updates yet. The new feature is similar to the solution found on the Apple TV 4K and HomePod speakers, though it also limits the user to two paired speakers at a time. Google hopes wireless audio will become an important part of its growing smart home ecosystem. It’s also possible that a larger, more powerful version of the Google Home Speaker aimed at more demanding use cases will debut in the future.
Google has finally delivered the long-promised ability to wirelessly pair speakers with Google TV. By using Wi-Fi, users get better sound quality, stereo and Dolby Atmos support, and a more convenient setup than with Bluetooth.
source: flatpanelshd
