Android TV and Google TV devices will soon be able to wirelessly output TV audio to external speakers – a feature that has been in the works for years.
In late 2020, Google confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that it was "working on Nest Audio-Chromecast integration".
In a fresh report, Protocol has provided an update on upcoming Android TV and Google TV features based on a closed-door event with partners last month.
- "Google is currently working on turning Nest speakers into wireless speakers for Google TV and Android TV devices, and the company also wants to bring support for this feature to third-party audio hardware," reported Protocol. "Google is also actively working on bringing Fast Pair functionality to its own Pixel Buds, which will allow people to quickly pair wireless earbuds with their TV. These audio features could launch on Google TV devices later this year or early next year."
The new feature would let you output TV audio from Android TV and Google TV devices wirelessly to speakers
Roku and Amazon are offering similar functionality, while Apple has supported Apple TV audio output to AirPlay speakers for over a decade. More recently, Apple introduced a feature to let HomePod(s) act as default speakers for Apple TV 4K.
Also read: Google wants Android TV partners to increase storage capacity
In addition, Google is reportedly planning to introduce Fitbit and Wear OS fitness integration with TVs "in 2023 at the earliest", smart home controls from the TV interface in 2023-2024, and more free ad-supported live TV channels soon.
- Source: Protocol
