LG’s upcoming speaker systems have built-in Google Cast support, will launch at CES 2016

LG has unveiled a new range of audio products for both home entertainment and for parties. As Google fans, it’s the home entertainment range we’re most interested in, and that’s because the company’s new sound bar systems include baked-in support for Google Cast. The SH8, SH7 and SH6 sound bars will be shown off in more depth at CES next month, and come with a boatload of wireless connectivity options…

“LG’s Music Flow audio system offers users greater versatility than ever before thanks to advanced portability and connectivity options that support excellent audio quality any time or place,” said Brian Kwon, President and CEO at LG’s Home Entertainment Company. “The largest consumer electronics tradeshow in the world is the perfect platform for debuting our newest sound bars and X-Boom audio systems.”

Google Cast support means your Android smartphone will be able to connect and play music through the speaker simply by pressing the ‘Cast’ option in any given audio app. Theoretically, in future it could also mean that it can be part of the multi-room setup recently enabled by Chromecast Audio, without the need for additional hardware. That hasn’t been confirmed as an option yet, but it seems like a no-brainer.

Along with Google Cast support, the new sound bars feature Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Auto Music Play capabilities along with what LG is calling BT-Fi. In short, BT-Fi enables the product to quickly and intelligently switch between different wireless connectivity options based on the content source. They also have a new audio tech called ASC, or Adaptive Sound Control which changes the sound profile based on the content being played.

While we love the flexibility Chromecast devices can add to existing products, we can’t help but feel that having it baked in to products is a much better way to go in the long run. Relying on fewer pieces of hardware means less complication and fewer power outlets being taken up by devices, and makes it easier to cable manage.