Your Android phone just got a major audio upgrade for free – Google and Samsung models included

Bluetooth Auracast is a Bluetooth feature that allows devices like smartphones, TVs, or public announcement systems to broadcast audio to unlimited audio receivers, such as hearing aids.

Also: Turn your AirPods Pro 2 into hearing aids

Today, Google announced Android support for Auracast, and users with Auracast-supported smartphones can use them to connect their compatible earbuds or hearing aids to broadcasts via Bluetooth.

Android phones that support Auracast

In a press release, Google highlighted the importance of Auracast to help those who are hard of hearing better interact with the world around them, using Auracast to tune into classroom lectures, public broadcasts, or concerts.

People who wear GN Hearing, Starkey, or Jabra hearing aids can access this feature, provided they have a compatible smartphone. Currently, Samsung Galaxy smartphones running UI 7 or Android 15, and Google Pixel 9 smartphones running the Android 16 beta, are Auracast-compatible.

In addition to Android support for Auracast, Google included that hearing aid presets can be applied to Auracast streams, allowing users to customize their audio settings.

Real-world use cases

Although Auracast has significant assistive capabilities for those with hearing impairments, this technology has real-world use cases for everyone. Imagine you’re in a sports bar and want to tune into a muted TV playing the primetime game. Connect your Auracast-compatible smartphone and earbuds or hearing aids, then use your phone to find the TV broadcast in your Bluetooth settings.

The long-term goal is eliminating the need to access your settings to tap into an Auracast broadcast. To achieve this goal, the Google Pixel 9 family will be the first smartphones to support scanning QR codes to connect to Auracast audio streams.

Also: I tried smart glasses with built-in hearing aids – and they worked surprisingly well

Plenty more Auracast-compatible earbuds and Bluetooth speakers are on the market, including the Sony WF-1000XM5, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, JBL Charge 6, and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.

Auracast integration is picking up

In the US, Samsung and Google are the only smartphone manufacturers that support Auracast, but Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi’s latest phones also support the feature.

Further Auracast device integration relies on smartphone, tablet, earbud, and Bluetooth speaker manufacturers to collaborate with the Bluetooth SIG. This special interest group oversees Bluetooth technology standardization, adoption, and licensing.

Also: Your Google Pixel 9 is getting a major audio upgrade – and it’s coming for free

The Bluetooth SIG announced Auracast in 2022, showcasing that widespread adoption is a lengthy process. Although Auracast device integration is picking up, real-world applications now rely on public venues, like concert halls, restaurants, movie theaters, airports, and more, to embrace the technology.