Google is finally putting an end to the hassle of pairing Bluetooth accessories with your phone, with the introduction of a new feature in Android 6.0 and up. It’s called Fast Pair, and it’ll work as seamlessly as connecting Apple devices together wirelessly.
Enable pairing mode on a Fast Pair-compatible device and bring it near your phone, and you’ll instantly see an on-screen prompt to connect the two, including information about the accessory and a picture to go with it, as well as a companion app if one exists. From there, you can pair with just a tap – no fiddling with Bluetooth settings necessary.
This will only work with gadgets that have adopted the Fast Pair specification: only Google’s Pixel Buds and Libratone’s Q Adapt On-Ear headphones include it right now, but more manufacturers like Plantronics are expected to bake it into their products soon.
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You’ll also need to have your phone’s Bluetooth and Location services turned on for this to work.
It’s nice to see Google tackling a major quality-of-life issue with Android: I’ve actively avoided certain accessories that don’t pair easily in my review process, like speakers and headphones. Gadget makers, please take note: add Fast Pair to your to-do list along with Bluetooth 5 support for the new year, and we’ll all be golden.
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