Google has announced that Android will soon support Auracast, a Bluetooth technology that connects hearing aids directly to public audio broadcasts. This feature aims to make it easier for people with hearing impairments to listen to announcements and audio streams in noisy environments.
With Auracast, compatible hearing aids and earbuds can receive direct audio streams from sources such as train station PA systems, airport announcements, and concert broadcasts. This means you will no longer need to struggle with background noise when trying to hear important information. Additionally, Google highlights that hearing aid presets can be applied to these broadcasts, allowing users to personalise audio streams based on their hearing needs.
Launch details and device compatibility
The feature will initially be available on Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI 7 and Google Pixel 9 phones using the latest Android 16 beta. To use Auracast, your hearing aids must support LE Audio, a low-energy Bluetooth technology. Compatible devices include hearing aids from manufacturers like GN Hearing and Starkey.
In addition to Auracast, Google has introduced a new way to connect to public broadcasts on Pixel 9 devices. Instead of navigating through settings, you can instantly scan a QR code to access an audio stream. This feature is expected to make it even more convenient for users to connect to public broadcasts quickly.
Additional features in Android 16
The latest Android 16 beta comes with several new accessibility and security features. One of the key additions is a text outlining tool, which makes it easier for low-vision users to read text on their screens. This feature enhances text visibility by adding outlines around letters, improving readability.
Google is also introducing Local Network Protection (LNP), a security feature that gives you greater control over which apps can access devices on your local network. This update aims to improve privacy by preventing apps from communicating with network devices without your permission.
Android 16 is expected to launch officially in June, bringing these enhancements to more users in the coming months.
