Pixel phones will now be able to stream audio to multiple headphones at once thanks to expanded Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast support. If you have a Pixel 8 or newer, you’ll now be able to pair two headphones at a time. That means you can make your friend listen to the new Nourished by Time single with you on the bus, or catch up on Alien Earth with your significant other on a plane.
You’ll be able to create a private broadcast and share it to multiple headphones with a QR code or using Fast Pair — perfect for those times when you’re insisting to a room full of people that they absolutely have to listen to Disintegration Loops on headphones to appreciate it.
Of course, if you want to host a depressing silent disco, your friends will need headphones that also support LE Audio. Google is expanding Android support to multiple Sony models, including the LinkBuds S, WF-1000XM5, InZone Buds, LinkBuds Open, LinkBuds Fit, WH-1000XM6, and InZone H9 II. That’s in addition to existing support for hearing aids, Samsung’s Galaxy phones, and certain Xiaomi devices.
In addition to LE Audio support, Google is also updating the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with Adaptive Audio. That means you can take advantage of active noise cancellation, but still stay aware of your surroundings. So, you won’t hear the constant din of traffic while out for a walk, but if someone honks their horn as you’re about to step out into the street, it’ll cut through. It will also include Loud Noise Protection, which will save your precious eardrums in case a firetruck goes screaming by, sirens blaring.
