Yamaha adds Alexa to MusicCast products and integrates Amazon Music and Deezer streaming services according to a recent announcement by its home audio division. From the 31st October over 15 current home audio products, including wireless speakers, AV receivers, sound bars and a wireless turntable, will receive a free firmware update to enable deeper integration with Amazon services and devices.
Amazon Music joins the existing lineup of built-in options offered through Yamaha devices, which includes Spotify, Deezer, TIDAL and Qobuz. Apple Music is available via AirPlay 2 support. Through the firmware update, an Alexa device, such as an Echo or Dot, will be able to control and play Amazon Music and Deezer on any updated Yamaha device connected to a home Wi-Fi network through the MusicCast Smart Home skill. While support varies by region, additional music streaming services with Alexa voice control is planned.
Access to built-in music services is available through the Yamaha MusicCast app, which allows playback on either a single device or multiple MusicCast devices throughout the home. MusicCast also allows whole home audio playback of the music stored on your mobile devices, and – for sound bars and AV receivers – externally connected audio sources such as TV sound. MusicCast devices offer HiRes audio support, plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Voice control is available via Google Assistant and Alexa devices, and with Siri on iOS via AirPlay 2.
Release schedule
The firmware update is available now delivering Amazon Music to all available regions. Support for enhanced voice control capabilities is planned for later this year. Users will be automatically prompted to install the firmware via the MusicCast app
Products receiving the firmware update for Amazon Music and enhanced voice control by Alexa devices, such as an Echo or Dot, are:
- Wireless speakers: MusicCast 20, MusicCast 50
- Sound bars: MusicCast BAR 400, ATS-4080, MusicCast BAR 40
- AV Receivers: RX-Ax80 Series, RX-Vx85 Series, RX-S602 slimline AV receiver, HTR-4072, HTR-6072, CX-A5200 AV preamp/processor
- XDA-QS5400 MusicCast Multi-Room Streaming Amplifier
- MusicCast VINYL 500 turntable
Services available with MusicCast Smart Home Skill
| Country | Music Services |
| United Kingdom | Amazon Music, Deezer |
| Ireland | Amazon Music, Deezer |
| Germany | Amazon Music, Deezer |
| Austria | Amazon Music, Deezer |
| France | Amazon Music, Deezer |
| Italy | Amazon Music, Deezer |
| Spain | Amazon Music, Deezer |
