Google has detailed the automatic audio switching feature that will be built into its Pixel Buds Pro, a feature that comes close to what Apple offers with its AirPods.
Last January, Google announced a whole bunch of new audio features for headphones and earphones connected to an Android smartphone. Innovations detailed last May, during the Google I / O, among which we can mention the automatic switching of sources. As Google prepares to launch its Pixel Buds Pro, which will be among the first to take advantage of this function, the firm details in more detail how this switch works.
On Thursday July 21, Google posted a blog post detailing the experience that will be offered on the brand’s headphones – and on all future headphones and headphones taking advantage of the new function integrated into Android. “We’re launching our audio switching technology that reduces frustration and gives you more control over your audio experience as you switch devices throughout the day”says Google.
Concretely, this experience could be closer to multipoint Bluetooth, which already allows you to connect simultaneously to several Android devices. However, unlike this function, the headphones will not connect to two sources at the same time, but switch from connecting to a smartphone to connecting to a tablet, for example. A way to ensure that it is always the right source that takes control, like what Apple already offers with its own AirPods 3, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max.
Switching depending on the nature of the sound emitted
To do this, Google will in fact go through its Fast Pair protocol, already integrated into many headphones and earphones and which already allows a fast connection when switching on – without having to dig into the Bluetooth settings – as well as linking headphones or earphones to your Google account:
Our audio switching technology leverages Fast Pair to use contextual information about what you’re listening to to switch audio based on your actions. We have more categories that are categorized to determine how to prioritize sound between phone calls, media, and any sounds your device might be making. For example, if you’re watching a video on your tablet and you receive a notification on your phone, your headphones won’t switch to your phone. But if you receive a call, the audio will switch.
Nevertheless, Google specifies that this automatic failover feature will only be integrated into Android devices, whether smartphones or tablets. To take advantage of automatic failover with a Windows laptop, for example, the headphones or earphones will also have to benefit from multipoint Bluetooth.
Google specifies that this functionality will be automatically integrated into future Google Pixel Buds Pro, which are scheduled for release on July 28. In addition, it will also be integrated into ” a selection “ of Sony and JBL headphones and earphones in the coming weeks.
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