CES 2015: Sony announces 'Google Cast for audio' support, and LDAC wireless streaming codec

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Sony has made a handful of announcements around wireless music streaming at CES 2015 - including a new multi-room-enabling app, support for Google Cast for audio, and a new LDAC codec, which it claims to be much more efficient then a standard Bluetooth connection.

The Japanese manufacturer claims its new LDAC codec transmits data three times more efficiently than Bluetooth's standard encoding and compression system, although you will need a compatible speaker system and source - such as the recently announced NW-ZX2 Walkman. This means high-res audio files shouldn't suffer from as much compression or loss of sound quality.

There's also news of a new SongPal Link app (for Android and iOS) which brings multi-room functionality to compatible wireless speakers in Sony's current and future ranges. You'll be able to use the app to link up to 10 wireless speakers.

Google Cast for audio lets you beam music from one compatible device to selected soundbars, speakers and home cinema receivers at the press of a button. This includes individual tracks stored on the hard drive of a device, or music streamed through a service such as Spotify. Sony is one of the main launch partners, so expect to see this feature built into future products from the tech giant.

CES 2015: All the latest CES 2015 news highlights

Andy Madden
Andy Madden

Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.