Google TVs are in for better wireless headphones support

Google TV users got some exciting news at CES 2024. Google finally dropped the bombshell that Fast Pair is making its long-awaited debut on the platform. This means connecting your top-notch wireless headphones to your Google TV is about to get a whole lot quicker and smoother, provided they support this feature. It’s been a while in the making – we first caught a glimpse of Fast Pair on phones back in 2018, so Google has taken its sweet time with this one.

There’s another upgrade in the works, and even though Google didn’t make a big deal about it, it could be just as handy if you’re into using both headphones and speakers for your on-screen fun. They’re introducing a new quick audio switcher that tackles an annoyance for some users.

If you’re rocking Bluetooth headphones with a Google TV (like Sony or TCL models), chances are you’ve dealt with the somewhat irritating problem. Switching from headphones to speakers or a soundbar isn’t exactly a breeze; depending on your hardware, it usually involves navigating through a bunch of screens just to find the right setting for your audio output.

If you’re in that boat, the upcoming audio switcher for Google TV is like a breath of fresh air. But here’s the catch: you might need to sit tight for a bit unless you’re snagging a shiny new TV.

As per 9to5Google, the demo at CES showcased the slick functionality of the new switcher. Now, toggling between your Bluetooth headphones and the TV’s speakers is a piece of cake. Although they didn’t demonstrate switching to other audio devices like soundbars and AV receivers, the assumption is that the switcher will handle those just as smoothly. It’s as easy as a couple of quick presses—no fuss.

You’re probably curious about when the fancy new Google TV audio switcher will hit the scene. It’s a great question, and as of now, we don’t have a solid answer. The feature took the stage on a TCL QM8 TV at CES, so it’s a safe bet that it’s on the way to other TCL TVs. It would be a bit strange if it didn’t also roll out to more top-notch TVs rocking Google TV, like those from Hisense and Sony.