Google is testing out media playback straight from Android smartwatches’ built-in audio system in Put on OS 5.1, in line with Android developer release notes noticed by Mishaal Rahman. That’s along with including help for credential managers within the coming replace, which Google revealed is predicated on Android 15. (Put on OS 5, which rolled out earlier this month, is predicated on Android 14.)
Watch speaker playback will work for “units that help media playback by the watch speaker,” Google writes, including that customers can choose the built-in speaker for apps that embrace the aptitude. It’s not clear which units that will imply.
Android smartwatches solely play media over Bluetooth proper now — one thing that was true of all Apple Watches until the Series 10 and Ultra 2. Pixel watch homeowners must wait a bit to get the aptitude, as Google said earlier this month that the subsequent Pixel Watch software program replace is coming in March subsequent 12 months, as famous by 9to5Google.
When you could swear you’ve listened to podcasts or music by your Pixel Watch up to now, you will not be improper. Customers within the Pixel Watch subreddit claim they were able to do it two years in the past. That gave the impression to be a bug that was later patched, which some were a little miffed about, and you already know what? I get it. I don’t precisely pine for music from tinny smartwatch audio system, however I’d like to have the choice to take heed to podcasts from my wrist after I can’t discover my headphones.
