Google's latest system update for Chromecast with Google TV (4K) adds the long-promised Fast Pair feature for headphones, along with an audio output switcher tile in quick settings.
Google announced Fast Pair in January 2022 but it took an additional two years for it to show up on Chromecast with Google TV. The system update is rolling out now, according to a report by 9to5Google.
Fast Pair automatically brings up a notification on the TV screen when you open the case for compatible headphones such as Pixel Buds and Jabra Elite 3. This makes it faster and easier to pair headphones to the TV.
The new Audio output switcher in Google TV's quick settings menu. Photo: 9to5Google
To go along with Fast Pair, a new 'Audio output' tile has been added to the control center to the right. From here you can switch between the various speakers and headphones that are available, including the TV speakers.
In addition, the system update (STTE.231215.005) brings the Android security patch level to January 2024 and includes "other bug fixes and performance improvements".
Spatial audio next?
In January 2022, Google said that Fast Pair would be supported on both Android TV and Google TV devices, but so far there is no sign of it on the former.
Google has not commented on Google TV devices from other brands such as Hisense, Philips, Sony and TCL. The brands themselves have not indicated a timeline for Fast Pair either.
In January 2022, Google also mentioned Matter support and spatial audio. However, neither of these features appears to be included in this initial update that strengthens integration between headphones and Google TV. The HD version of Chromecast follows a separate update schedule.
- Source: 9to5Google
