YAMAHA EXPANDS AIRPLAY 2 SUPPORT
Yamaha continues to upgrade its product line-up by adding Apple AirPlay 2 support and expanded Spotify Connect capabilities, this time via a firmware update for fifteen current home audio products and recently via another update to its Yamaha MusicCast app that enabled more than 70 Yamaha models gain support for Actions on Google, enabling voice control via the Google Assistant.
These new capabilities add to Yamaha’s existing list of built-ins, including Spotify, Deezer and TIDAL, high-resolution audio support, voice control via an Alexa device, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, plus soon other firmware updates will add eARC (enhanced audio return channel) functionality to most Yamaha AV receivers. ‘ We are committed to the longevity of our current range of home audio products,’ said Simon Goldsworthy, General Manager, AV Division of Yamaha Music Australia. ‘ Yamaha creates products with some of the most robust hardware in the industry. With these free updates, we are able to provide the latest technology and features to both our existing and future customers, who now have even more options to choose from when it comes to enjoying their favourite music and audio content. Additionally, they can now use their favourite voice assistant—whether that be Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant—to seamlessly control that experience throughout their homes.’
The firmware updates include support for Apple AirPlay 2, adding the ability to stream Apple Music and other streaming services from your iPhone, iPad, HomePod and Mac to multiple Yamaha devices and other AirPlay 2-enabled speakers. And, with Siri on your iPhone, iPad, HomePod and AirPods, you can control what’s playing in every part of your home with just your voice.
The update also enables actions on Google, enabling voice control of compatible Yamaha devices via the Google Assistant, meaning Yamaha owners can use their Google Home, Android or iOS devices with the Google Assistant app from the App store to control their Yamaha home theatre with voice commands, link rooms hands-free, adjust volumes and the ability to use Spotify Connect with free Spotify accounts (previously only available for paid subscription-based accounts)
Finally, the update adds eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) 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. For more information, or help with installing the free updates, contact Yamaha Music Australia on 1300 739 411 or (03) 9693 5111 or via the website at au.yamaha.com