Google Makes It Easier to Stream Audio to Multiple Headphones

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If you have a Pixel and want to listen to music or watch a movie with a friend, you don’t have many options. You can share headphones (which is terrible) or listen through a speaker, which will disturb everyone around you. That all changes now, thanks to expanded support for Auracast and LE Bluetooth Audio.

LE Audio is a Bluetooth standard that opens up a host of new features for compatible devices, including Auracast in particular. With Auracast, a single device can output an audio signal that can be picked up by headphones or hearing aids. Use cases range from sharing audio files between devices to listening to announcements in public places.

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Google has been working on Auracast integration with Android for some time , but Android 16 significantly expands support. The company announced two key Auracast updates that users will be able to take advantage of if they have both a supported Android device and LE Audio headphones.

Expanded Auracast support

Let’s start with the most important thing: Auracast will only work on devices that support the technology. In this regard, part of today’s announcement concerns expanded support for the standard: Google says it’s bringing LE Audio features to Sony headphones. The company is also bringing Auracast support to some Pixel phones.

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With this news in mind, here is a full list of Google Android devices that can take advantage of Auracast and its features:

  • Google Pixel 8 and newer

  • Samsung Galaxy S23

  • Samsung Galaxy S24

  • Samsung Galaxy S25

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

  • Xiaomi 14T

  • Xiaomi 14T Pro

  • Xiaomi 14

  • Xiaomi 15

  • Xiaomi 14 Ultra

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

  • Xiaomi MIX Flip

  • POCO X6 Pro

  • POCO F6 Pro

  • POCO F7 Pro

  • POCO F7 Ultra

Audio exchange

If you and a friend have a pair of LE Audio devices, you can now connect them to a compatible Android device at the same time to listen to music together — it’s much more convenient than sharing headphones. This was previously possible on some Android devices , but with much more limited capabilities and similar to how Apple supports connecting AirPods or Beats at the same time.

Similarly, you can share audio with groups of people in a “personal broadcast” via Auracast. Friends can connect their headphones to your device using the Fast Pair feature, or scan a QR code to join. Google doesn’t say whether there’s a limit to how many people can participate in these personal broadcasts, though the company says “the whole group” can join. All your friends need is LE Audio headphones; even if they have a different smartphone or streaming service than you, they can still participate.

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