Auracast support is coming to Android

Google is updating Android to support Auracast, a Bluetooth LE technology that makes it possible to create, listen to and switch between public broadcasts of Bluetooth audio on the devices you already own. At its simplest, Auracast could let you to tune your Bluetooth earbuds to a muted TV in a public space and hear its audio. For Google, though, it sounds like the company is primarily interested in using the feature to make hearing aids even more helpful.

Google plans to use Auracast as a way to get Bluetooth audio streaming to hearing aids paired to your phone or tablet. If a TV or streaming device supports Auracast, you'll be able to use your Android device to connect the hearing aids directly to the source and hear what's playing. The company says any presets you've tweaked to customize how your hearing aids sound will carry over to audio you hear through Auracast, too. On Pixel 9 devices, you can even skip diving into settings to switch to the broadcast and instead scan a QR code to immediately connect your hearing aids.

The feature is coming to the Pixel 9 via the third Android 16 beta, which is also getting released today. Besides Auracast, the pre-release software includes a new accessibility option that lets you outline text to make it easier to read and a "Local Network Protection" feature that will give anyone with an Android 16 device "more control over which apps can access devices on their local network," Google says.

The final version of Android 16 is still a ways off, but the developer beta is available to download today on supported devices. If you don't want to experiment with the beta, Google says you can try out Auracast with a Samsung Galaxy device running One UI 7 and compatible hearing aids from GN Hearing or Starkey.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/auracast-support-is-coming-to-android-180050425.html?src=rss https://www.engadget.com/mobile/auracast-support-is-coming-to-android-180050425.html?src=rss
Creato 1mo | 13 mar 2025, 18:40:20


Accedi per aggiungere un commento

Altri post in questo gruppo

Here are the coolest cars at New York International Auto Show 2025

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), and despite concerns over tariffs, there are still a lot of manufacturers here showing off new models includin

18 apr 2025, 21:40:18 | Engadget
Google is trying to get college students hooked on AI with a free year of Gemini Advanced

Under no circumstances should you let AI do your schoolwork for you, but Google has decided to make that option a little bit easier for the next year. The company is

18 apr 2025, 21:40:17 | Engadget
The Apple Sports app now lets users create and share game cards

The Apple Sports app just introduced a new feature called Game Card Sharing. This lets users generate digital game cards that carry information about a specific match. The cards can be generated fo

18 apr 2025, 19:20:15 | Engadget
Celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope with a gigantic tower of gas and dust

As part of their ongoing celebration of the Hubble Space Telescope's

18 apr 2025, 19:20:14 | Engadget
The rhythm-infused adventure Unbeatable has a new demo for PC and PS5

In the latest evidence that indie games are often where you find the boldest creative choices, look no further than Unbeatable. The hand‑drawn rhythm adventure title — announced in 2020 an

18 apr 2025, 19:20:12 | Engadget
The Kia EV4 makes its US debut at the 2025 New York Auto Show

Kia's first all-electric sedan, the 2026 EV4, is making its official debut in the US at the

18 apr 2025, 17:10:15 | Engadget