It doesn't show the chromecast icon next to the device, but it does show a TV screen and you can control it from the desktop app. Maybe Spotify can get around this limitation in a future update to the desktop app, but as of version 1.0.16 of the the desktop app, you will have to start the stream to the chromecast from the mobile app.
Gramofon Spotify App Free
One of the cooler projects I backed on Kickstarter last year (which actually shipped!), was the Gramofon, from Fon.
Touted as the ‘Modern Cloud Jukebox’, Gramofon is first and foremost a super easy way to stream your Spotify tunes to your existing sound system without breaking the bank by investing in brand new speakers – and not having any more cables and cords to worry about!
A small little black box (measuring 80 x 80 x 42 mm), the Gramofon has just a small array of ports – on the back you’ve got a ‘power’ jack (as expected), an ‘internet’ and a ‘router’ ethernet jacks, and a 3.5mm audio jack for your speakers. But then, you’re not getting this for a router or a hub!
While it may have Ethernet ports, the Gramofon definitely puts WiFi first – out of the box it’ll offer to connect and extend your existing WiFi network, but you can set it up to work via a cable (which then makes it become it’s own WiFi hotspot, in addition to being accessible via your wired network).
On the top of the Gramofon, you’ve got the big round button, in addition to the LED status light to give you a bit of an idea what’s going on – it’s pretty simple. (Blue means you’re on the internet and good to go, and Green means audio is currently streaming).
You can happily have the Gramofon sit next to your sound system and not have to worry about it – the main selling point is Spotify Connect functionality. There’s no need to see or touch the Gramofon.
Setup is simple, and probably old news if you’ve got any other WiFi connected gadgets around (like Belkin’s WeMo gear, or other WiFi cameras). Just download the iPhone/Android app for configuration, connect to WiFi, and run through the steps in the app. You can rename the network, making it act in “Wi-Fi Extender” mode (or, you end up with a new WiFi network and a new name), or “Wi-Fi Clone”, essentially repeating your existing WiFi network.
Gramofon Spotify App Subscription
Spotify Connect is somewhat similar to Apple’s AirPlay, but it probably shares more in common with Google’s Chromecast – the Gramofon itself connects to Spotify to stream audio, rather than your phone/computer streaming directly to the Gramofon. This has the benefit of not being reliant on your phone, especially being nearby. Cheaper speakers may offer streaming over Bluetooth, but this means you have to be relatively close to the speakers, and your music drops when you receive a call. Because the Gramofon streams directly from Spotify, you don’t have to have your phone near the Gramofon, or even on the same WiFi network!
Controlling Spotify Connect is pretty easy, it works similarly to how AirPlay or Chromecasting works. Inside the Spotify app on your iPhone, Android (or even Windows Phone), and your desktop computer, you’ll see a little Spotify Connect icon. (you may even be familiar with Connect and the ability to control one Spotify device from another, e.g. control your Mac from your Android phone). Just press it, and you’ll be able to change the device you’re controlling. You can then control the volume too by using the app, or hardware buttons on your phone.
Gramofon Spotify App Download
Audio quality is as good as plugging your phone or computer directly into speakers, as far as I’m concerned. And the lag may be noticeable between changing tracks or the volume, but it’s not enough to be come frustrating to use.
Recently, the Gramofon has also had a few firmware updates bringing Qualcomm’s AllPlay to the party, supporting several other third party apps (including the ability to throw music to the Gramofon from a DLNA server), and grouping several Gramofons together. Since I spend most of my time in Spotify and I’ve only got the one Gramofon, I haven’t explored this too closely!
The Gramofon currently retails for 59€ including free shipping, if you’re lucky enough to be in a region supported by Fon – which Australia isn’t. 🙁
It’s a great way to quickly get your tunes from Spotify from your computer onto your sound system without wires, and it’ll extend your WiFi network at the same time.
Here’s a video from Fon explaining a bit more about the Gramofon: