Google has confirmed it will no longer manufacture its Chromecast Audio device.
The audio-only version of Google’s Chromecast was first announced in September 2015. It featured a 3.5mm jack with analogue and optical digital audio output, allowing users to connect the device to an amplifier, hi-fi or active speaker.
Audio could be cast to the device from apps including TuneIn, Spotify, Plex, Radioplayer, BBC iPlayer Radio and Pocket Cast. Many other audio, radio and podcast apps also supported the device.
In a statement to Android Police, Google said:
“Our product portfolio continues to evolve, and now we have a variety of products for users to enjoy audio. We have therefore stopped manufacturing our Chromecast Audio products.”
The original Chromecast device can also be used with audio apps. Owners of AV receivers would be able to plugin the device to a HDMI socket rather than using phono/RCA inputs.
Although Amazon’s Echo Dot smart speaker offers a 3.5mm output, Google Home Mini and Google Home do not have a 3.5mm socket. The larger Google Home Max does offer an audio output.
Amazon recently released the Echo Input which can be connected to an active speaker or amplifier for the Alexa assistant and music streaming.