Google Android 17 Beta Hints at New Pixel Voicecast Feature
Google is developing a new Voicecast feature for Pixel devices, discovered within the second Android 17 QPR2 beta. This functionality will allow users to broadcast their voice over Bluetooth to nearby listeners. The tool mirrors capabilities already found on competing Samsung hardware, which utilizes Auracast technology for audio sharing. Google has not yet announced an official release timeline for the feature.
Key points
- Google released the second Android 17 QPR2 beta, which contains code pointing to an unreleased Voicecast feature for Pixel devices.
- The upcoming Voicecast tool enables Pixel users to wirelessly transmit their voice to others over Bluetooth connections.
- Samsung currently offers similar functionality through its One UI 8.5 software, using Auracast technology branded as Audio broadcast.
- While current Pixel software supports media audio sharing via Auracast, it lacks the ability to transmit live voice audio.
- Google has not officially disclosed specific release dates or changelogs regarding when the Voicecast feature will roll out to the public.
Google is preparing a new audio-sharing capability for its Pixel device lineup, according to code discovered in the recently released second Android 17 QPR2 beta. The feature, identified as Voicecast in developer options, is designed to allow Pixel users to wirelessly transmit their voice to nearby individuals over Bluetooth.
This functionality brings Google closer to matching features already available on rival hardware. Samsung currently offers a similar capability on recent Galaxy devices running One UI 8.5 software, which brands Auracast support as Audio broadcast. While existing Pixel software supports media audio sharing through Auracast, it previously lacked the specific option to broadcast a user's live voice.
Google launched the second Android 17 QPR2 beta without providing official release notes or confirming specific feature rollouts. Consequently, it remains unconfirmed when Voicecast will graduate from developer settings to a stable public release for international Pixel users.
Sources
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