Chowmainsoft has expanded the capabilities of Control4 with the release of two new integrations for Google products, bringing Google Home and Google Cast audio devices together with Google TV media players and streaming devices within the Control4 ecosystem.
Released this week, the new native Chowmainsoft Google Cast and Chowmainsoft Google TV drivers provide Control4 integrators with direct IP-based integration across a wide range of Google-powered entertainment products.
Control4 Google Home and Google Cast Integration
The Chowmainsoft Google Cast driver integrates Google Home, Nest speakers, Nest Hubs, Chromecast Audio and other compatible Google Cast devices with Control4.
Customers can continue casting music directly from their phones or using voice commands such as “Hey Google, play music”, while Control4 gains visibility and control over the resulting audio session.
The integration provides Now Playing information and artwork, playback control, discrete volume and mute control, automatic room on/off functionality, Control4 keypad bindings, programming events and support for announcements and URL-based audio playback.
Google Cast devices can also be configured as Control4 audio endpoints, allowing Google smart speakers to coexist with traditional distributed audio systems within the same Control4 project.
Native Google TV Integration
The new Chowmainsoft Google TV driver extends this integration to televisions, streaming devices and set-top boxes running Google TV OS.
The driver communicates using the same method as the official Google TV app, providing direct bi-directional IP control without requiring IR emitters, additional hardware, middleware or third-party applications.
Control4 receives real-time power and playback feedback including On, Off, Play, Pause and Stop states, together with information about the content currently playing. Control4 Mini App support also provides direct launching of installed services including Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Prime Video and other Google TV applications.
Why Integrators Should Take Note
Because of the new Google TV integration, integrators can now build automation around the customer’s viewing experience. Lights can automatically dim when playback begins, raise when content is paused and return to normal when playback stops.
The driver can also automatically power on a Control4 room when the Google TV device turns on or begins playing content.
Availability and Compatability
Compatible products with the new integration include Google Home and Nest smart speakers and displays, Chromecast devices, Google TV Streamer, NVIDIA Shield, DIRECTV Stream and DIRECTV Gemini devices, along with other compatible Google TV and Android TV media players and set-top boxes.
For Google TV products, devices that can be controlled through the official Google TV app should be compatible with the Chowmainsoft Google TV driver.
Both drivers are available now from Chowmainsoft with a free 90-day trial for Control4 integrators.
Attendees to CEDIA Expo can visit Chowmainsoft at Booth 3332 as well as a free manufacturer product training session being given by the company called: “Control4 Third-Party Drivers & Integrations by Chowmainsoft.”
