Bluetooth Audio Sharing Feature Goes Live in Android 16 DP1, Supporting Multiple Connections for Audio Playback

In March 2024, Google introduced the Bluetooth audio sharing feature in the Android 15 DP2 version, aimed at enabling users to connect several Bluetooth devices simultaneously for music playback.

Although this feature was initially present, it wasn't functional until the release of Android 16 DP1 this week, where it finally became operational.

The audio sharing feature serves various practical scenarios. For instance, you can connect both your and your friend's headphones to play songs, allowing everyone to watch a video or listen to music together.

Tour guides in tourist attractions can use this feature to connect to multiple visitors' headphones for commentary. Most importantly, it enables groups, such as dancers in public squares, to connect headphones to the same Android device for audio playback without the need to use loudspeakers and disturb the surroundings.

Currently, this feature is only available on Google Pixel 8 and 9 series devices. Devices older than Pixel 8, even after updating to Android 16 DP1, cannot use this feature. However, it's unlikely that this functionality will remain limited to specific devices.

In practice, users must set a unique name and password for the audio stream, which others can use to connect. This also prevents strangers from directly connecting to your phone and accessing private content.

Google has also considered potential compatibility issues, providing a compatibility toggle. This option allows for a reduction in audio quality to accommodate various non-standard devices, such as Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids.

To find the audio sharing settings: Android 16, Connected Devices, Connection Preferences, Audio Sharing.