Skip to main content

Vizio SmartCast TVs and speaker systems are now compatible with Google Home

Since the introduction of the feature last year, Vizio has been hard at work on its SmartCast app, which turns your mobile device into a supercharged remote. Now, the app is getting even smarter with the addition of Google Home integration, adding a new layer of control to SmartCast-enabled TVs and soundbars.

“Controlling Vizio SmartCast devices from Google Home is a significant milestone for consumers and their ability to manage their entertainment experience,” Matt McRae, Vizio chief technology officer, said in a statement. “Using a simple voice command to stream a movie from Netflix to a Vizio display or stream music from Spotify to a group of Vizio speakers is an eye-opening experience, and shows off the power of Vizio SmartCast.”

Recommended Videos

Now you are a simple “OK Google” away from adjusting volume on any supported device. This functionality extends to pausing and resuming playback, as well as skipping tracks when listening to music. If you have Quick Start Power Mode turned on in your TV’s setting, you can even have the TV power on automatically as soon as you make a request for any type of entertainment.

When using the new feature with speakers, services like Spotify, Pandora, and Google Play Music are supported, though Spotify integration is only available to Spotify Premium subscribers. When it comes to video, voice-controlled playback is available for apps like Netflix and YouTube, with more services likely to be added in the future.

The new Google Home functionality is rolling out now, so if it isn’t yet available to you, the wait shouldn’t be long. SmartCast is available on most recent Vizio speakers and soundbars, as well as the company’s recent P-series, M-series, and E-series TV models. For more information, see the SmartCast section of the Vizio website.

Kris Wouk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
Google rolls out new Nest Cam features to Google Home for web
Nest Cams on a counter.

While many users access Google Home on their smartphone or smart display, the platform is also available via web browser. The web-based Google Home experience wasn't exactly the best way to access your smart devices, but that's rapidly changing as Google rolls out new updates to the client -- the latest of which adds a ton of new ways to access your Nest Cams.

Google began rolling out the update late last week, and most users should now have access to the improved Google Home for web experience. The big draw is access to your Nest Cam history and the option to download clips. Prior to this update, it was impossible to view recorded clips via Google Home for web, forcing you to instead jump into the official Google Home app.

Read more
How to use the Google Home app on a computer
Google Home icon on home screen.

Google Home makes it easy to manage all your smart devices through your smartphone or tablet. Giving you access to your camera feeds, smart thermostat, smart lights, and more, Google Home is one of the most popular smart home platforms on the market. But while there's a lot to love about Google Home, it lacks full PC support. However, that's slowly starting to change – here's a look at how to use the Google Home app on your PC and control your devices from a larger display.
Can you use the Google Home app on a PC?
Google Home doesn't have a PC app, but it does have a website. Unfortunately, Google notes that Google Home for web is in Public Preview, meaning not all features are available and you may encounter glitches during use. The website is seeing constant updates, so there's a good chance it'll work just as well as the mobile apps in the future. Be sure to check it out regularly to see what's been added.

There are a few other workarounds you can implement to get Google Home on your PC. Read on to learn about the alternatives.
Use Google Home through your Chromebook

Read more
Walmart buys Vizio — and its ad and data business — for $2.3 billion
The Vizio SmartCast homescreen.

Vizio — the longtime television manufacturer that morphed into a an advertising company that also makes TVs — has been purchased by retail giant Walmart. The deal had been rumored for a week or so, and Walmart made it official today in a press release, with the Irvine, California, company selling for $2.3 billion in stock at $11.50 per share.

If you had any doubt why Walmart wanted to buy a company that makes TVs, given the low margin on sets these days, the press release immediately made clear that it's more about the advertising side of Vizio's business. Vizio serves up ads and collects viewing data via its SmartCast operating system, which the company said reached 17.9 million active accounts in the third quarter of 2023. Vizio's "Platform+" earnings category reported $156.2 million in revenue for the quarter, up 22%, with $99.8 million in profit, while its hardware division revenue was down 12% to $270 million and lost $3.3 million on the quarter. Vizio also has its WatchFree+ channels, which are free for users and generate revenue from ads.

Read more