Hey everyone, I wanted to share a fun project I recently worked on to integrate my Chromecast Audio device with Home Assistant. I’ve always loved the idea of using voice announcements in my home, but I wasn’t sure how to get it working smoothly. After some research and experimentation, I found a great solution that I’d like to walk through with you all.
First, I came across an old Bluetooth transmitter that I had lying around. It reminded me of the ones you can find on Amazon, so I decided to give it a try. I paired the transmitter with my Echo device, plugged in the Chromecast, and voilà! I was able to make announcements through Home Assistant. It’s been a game-changer for me, especially for morning greetings and arrival notifications.
Here’s how I set it up:
- Bluetooth Pairing: I paired the Bluetooth transmitter with my Echo device. This step was straightforward and only took a few minutes.
- Chromecast Integration: I connected the Chromecast to the Bluetooth transmitter. This allowed me to use the Chromecast as an audio output for my Home Assistant announcements.
- Automation Setup: I created automations in Home Assistant to trigger announcements based on specific events, like motion detection in the kitchen or when someone arrives home.
The best part is how customizable this setup is. I can adjust the volume, schedule announcements, and even change the voice used for notifications. It’s been a huge help in making my home feel more connected and automated.
I’d love to hear if anyone else has tried something similar or has tips for improving this setup. Happy automating! 
