Google's Streaming Audio Could Be Major Driver in Growing Wireless Speaker Market, ABI Says

Google’s Chromecast Audio and Google Cast for audio could emerge as market leaders for streaming audio platforms despite competition from DTS’ Play-Fi, Qualcomm’s AllPlay and Apple’s AirPlay, ABI Research analyst Michael Inouye said in a report Thursday. “Both the device and technology have potential to be key influencers in expanding the market reach of networked audio devices by capitalizing on heightened market attention,” Inouye said. Google’s success with Chromecast showed the importance that pricing plays in consumer uptake of streaming media devices, Inouye said, and Google’s new audio solutions follow the low-cost model. Inouye contrasted that with the WiSA (Wireless Speaker and Audio) model with high pricing that “may limit its market appeal in the short term.” Speaker companies that address the broader market are “best poised to continue shaping the market moving forward,” Inouye said, citing brands including Bose, JBL, Klipsch and Polk. The smart home, too, could play an increasingly important role in the wireless speaker market, “particularly if products like Amazon’s Echo continue to gain traction,” he said. The market for wireless and multiroom speakers is forecast to pass 90 million shipments by 2020, ABI said.