Audio Video News

Starting today, Yamaha is rolling out a firmware update that brings Amazon Music and enhanced Alexa voice control to more than 15 of its MusicCast-enabled products.

Through the MusicCast Smart Home skill, the update enables Alexa-equipped devices such as the Echo or Echo Dot to control and play Amazon Music, Pandora, Deezer, Gimme Radio, and SiriusXM on any updated MusicCast device connected to the home’s Wi-Fi network. MusicCast also supports voice control via Google Assistant devices and Siri on iOS via AirPlay 2.

The firmware update applies to the following MusicCast-enabled products:

• MusicCast BAR 400 (YAS-408) and ATS-4080 soundbar systems
• RX-Ax80 series, RX-Vx85 series, RX-S602, and TSR-7850 AV receivers
• CX-A5200 AV preamp/processor
• XDA-QS5400 MusicCast multiroom streaming amplifier
• MusicCast Vinyl 500 turntable
• MusicCast 20 and MusicCast 50 wireless speakers (update released October 23)

Owners of these products will be prompted through the MusicCast app to install the firmware update. If the product is registered, they will also receive an email notification when the update is available.

As the latest streaming service to be offered on MusicCast-enabled products, Amazon Music joins Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM Internet Radio, Deezer, Tidal, Napster, and Qobuz, any of which can be streamed to a single MusicCast device or multiple devices throughout the home. Apple Music is also available via Apple’s AirPlay 2 wireless platform.

The MusicCast platform, which supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and high-resolution audio, enables whole-home audio playback of music stored on mobile devices; it also allows externally connected audio sources such as TV sound to be streamed to MusicCast-enabled soundbars and AV receivers.

For more information, visit usa.yamaha.com.