Google is going to rebrand Google Cast for the second time in the app’s history.
A number of Google Cast users have been informed that the app will soon be called “Google Home”, according to Variety. The new branding will bring the Google Chromecast media streamer and the Google Home smart speaker under the same software banner, alongside a number of other Cast-friendly devices.
Google Cast is Google’s Chromecast mobile app, available across Android and iOS. It was originally called “Chromecast”, but was renamed as other devices – such as third-party televisions – began to support the technology. According to Google, the rebranded Google Home app will let users “discover new content and manage Google Home assistant and Cast devices”.
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We first heard the name “Google Home” earlier this year, when Google unveiled the eponymous smart speaker at its I/O developer conference. The speaker is a direct rival to the Amazon Echo, and features the Google Assistant digital helper – it’s a little like Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and Microsoft’s Cortana.
Google Home is built on the same core technologies as Chromecast and, like the streamer, will feature Cast support, allowing device owners to beam media to their TV or speakers over a Wi-Fi connection simply by using voice commands.
Google Home is currently available to pre-order for $129 over in the US, with a release date set for 4 November. It isn’t yet available in the UK right now, but Google says it “hopes to make [Google Home] available in the future” in Britain.
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Do you think Google is right to unify its Cast brand under the Home banner? Do you even care? Let us know in the comments.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
