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It'll now be less frustrating to switch audio between Android devices

Watching a movie on your tablet? Your earbuds will ignore a notification on your phone but switch for calls.
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Published onJuly 22, 2022

Google IO 2022 pixel buds pro pricing
Google
TL;DR
  • Google has announced new audio switching technology built on its Fast Pair feature.
  • This will automatically switch your Bluetooth headphones to a different device in some scenarios.
  • The feature is available on the Pixel Buds Pro, with some Sony and JBL headphones getting it soon.

One of the better innovations in the Bluetooth space is Google’s Fast Pair technology, allowing you to quickly pair your earbuds with your Android phone. Best of all, the paired accessory is saved to your Google account for quick pairing with other Android devices.

Now, Google has announced new technology built on top of Fast Pair that switches between audio from different devices based on your actions. The tech takes different types of audio categories into account, such as a phone call, a simple notification, and media playback.

How it works and when to expect it

“So for example, if you’re watching a video on your tablet and you receive a notification on your phone, your headphone audio will not switch to your phone. But if you receive a phone call, your headphone audio will make the switch,” Google explains on its blog

The company adds that a notification will appear on the second device after switching to it, allowing you to switch back to the original device with one tap. Google further states that headphones with audio switching and multi-point support can connect to two Bluetooth devices at a time.

More reading: The best true wireless earbuds worth buying

The first product to ship with this new audio switching support is the Pixel Buds Pro, but the company says select Sony and JBL headphones will get the capability in the coming weeks as well.

“Audio switching is available between Android devices to start, with plans to expand to more of your favorite platforms and devices over time,” the company concluded. So we’re guessing Chromebooks, Google TV devices, and connected devices will get in on the action down the line.