[stef25]

Wireless, in ear, multiroom, bluetooth audio stuff is generally a separate world from traditional hifi (= amplifier + wired speakers) so it's important not to compare apples to oranges.

Over the past 10 years or so it's the traditional hifi that's become the niche, a bit depressing.

[013a]

Yes, unfortunately; the Chromecast audio is among my favorite products Google has ever made. I was happy to see Amazon produce something similar in the Echo Link, and I've thought about "migrating my Home" to Amazon/Echo just because of that, though I'm no happier about giving Amazon unfettered microphones around my home than I would be to give it to Google. One of the few reasons why I think the HomePod is such a fantastic, unique device; for all the wrong Apple does, at least they demonstrate a care for privacy.