Technology
Google is said to be working on connecting Nest Audio speakers to Chromecast streaming devices
Google is focusing on combining the Chromecast listening products and Nest Audio speakers, according to a Google representative in The Wall Street Journal, in a move that will give Google's smart home and streaming accessories a parity of features with Amazon and Apple.
It makes a lot of sense for these businesses to be able to integrate a subscription network with a mobile speaker. After all, consumers still have all the hardware in their living room—why not use those speakers to enhance the sound of your Netflix movies? Plus, there's an extra incentive that allows consumers to remain within the company's ecosystem. You're more likely to buy a HomePod mini if it fits with the Apple TV that you already have.
The option to connect smart speakers to streaming boxes is also something that both Apple and Amazon are now providing. Apple lets consumers attach all HomePods and HomePod mini speakers to Apple TV (Apple TV 4K and full-size HomePod both provide extra synergy with interactive Dolby Atmos support). And Amazon lets consumers both use their Echo systems to power their Fire TVs and output audio.
Google's intentions remain incredibly ambiguous right now—The Wall Street Journal makes no note of which gadgets the organization is trying to connect together when the functionality comes, or what kind of use cases it's looking to create. But Google is gradually looking to drive consumers to its smart home gadgets, making them all function well together makes good sense.
