Pixel Bluetooth LE Audio updates let you better connect with friends and public broadcasts

Bluetooth’s constant advancement means more bandwidth, lower latency, and an increasing set of features. Starting today, Google is making it easier to share your tunes or tap into public broadcasts, thanks to a big expansion of LE Audio Auracast support on Android. It marks the continuance of a wide rollout that will only get wider as time goes on.

Upgrades to an up-and-coming audio package

And who’s in line for better access

Auracast is part of Bluetooth LE Audio, the next-gen wireless standard that not only improves audio quality but also enables new tricks like streaming to multiple devices at once. Until now, Android’s Auracast support was mostly limited to hearing aids. Today, that’s changing: Google is rolling it out to more headphones, starting with models from Sony, and bringing Auracast broadcast listening to Pixel phones.

That puts Pixel alongside Samsung and Xiaomi, which already ship phones with Auracast compatibility. The lineup is still pretty restricted, though. Google says support is currently limited to the Pixel 8 series and newer, Samsung’s recent flagships (Galaxy S23 through S25, plus Z Fold5 and later), and select Xiaomi and POCO devices. Both the phone and the headphones need to support LE Audio to make the magic happen.

Why LE Audio and Auracast are worth adopting

So what’s the actual magic? First, Auracast lets you connect to live broadcasts in public spaces (like an airport terminal, museum, or gym) without relying on clunky infrared receivers or other venue-provided hardware. All you need to do is tune in with your own headphones, and you’re good to go.

But Auracast isn’t just about passive listening. On Android, you can also share your own audio stream. Pair two sets of LE Audio headphones with your phone for a private listening session with a friend, or open up a group broadcast. Invite others by scanning a QR code or tapping with Google’s Fast Pair, and everyone can sync up instantly — whether you’re watching a movie, sharing a podcast, or testing out a new playlist.

It’s not hard to imagine the social angles here: no more passing an earbud back and forth, and if you’ve ever wanted to turn a house party into a silent disco, Auracast makes it possible with just a phone and a pile of compatible headphones.

Android’s support for LE Audio Auracast is still in its early days, but today’s expansion marks a step toward making it a mainstream feature rather than a niche perk. If you’ve got the right gear, you can start broadcasting — or tuning in — right now.