Google has just released the first development build of Android 16, revealing a highly-anticipated feature: Bluetooth multicast audio sharing. This new feature, originally spotted in preview builds of Android 15 but never deployed, is finally making an official appearance in Android 16.
This innovative feature called “Audio Sharing” allows users to share their audio stream with multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously. To access it, simply go to Settings under “Connected Devices” and then “Audio Sharing” where users can edit the name of the audio stream and set an optional passcode.
There is also an option to “enhance compatibility”, especially useful for hearing aidsalthough it may slightly affect the sound quality. Once sharing is enabled, you will see a permanent notification that the audio is being shared.
Not everyone will be able to take advantage of this new feature
However, this feature is not available on all devices. Requires compatibility with Auracast, a Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) audio streaming technology. Currently, only Pixel 8 and newer (except Pixel 8a) are compatible. Some Samsung, Xiaomi, and Sony devices also support this technology, but it’s usually reserved for a handful of high-end smartphones.
” Auracast works a bit like a Bluetooth radio », explains a Google spokesperson. “Devices can stream audio to multiple receivers without prior pairing. » To take advantage of this, the receivers must be equipped with Auracast-compatible headphones, such as Pixel Buds Pro 2 or Galaxy Buds Pro 3. “.
This innovation represents a significant advance in the Android ecosystem and allows, for example, several people to simultaneously listen to the same music or watch a video together, each with their own headphones. It could also prove particularly useful in an educational or professional context.
The introduction of this feature in Android 16 should encourage manufacturers to integrate Auracast support into their other devices, gradually expanding the ecosystem of compatible devices. However, we hope that the addition of this feature will not increase the price of the next generations of wireless headphones or headsets.
Source: Android Authority