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Pixels with Android 17 Gain Enhanced Bluetooth Audio
Not all of Android 17’s new features were revealed during its official presentation. One particular addition is set to delight Pixel owners and music lovers alike: Google has quietly integrated support for the LHDCv5 Bluetooth codec. This significant upgrade has arrived on Pixel smartphones featuring Tensor processors that have already received Android 17. Beyond well-publicized changes like improved multitasking capabilities and screen recording features, the system now also supports the LHDCv5 Bluetooth codec, specifically designed for high-quality audio transmission.What is LHDCv5 and Why Does It Matter?
LHDCv5 (Low Latency High-Definition Audio Codec version 5) represents a leap forward in wireless audio technology. Compared to standard Bluetooth audio codecs such as AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) and SBC (Subband Coding), LHDCv5 offers a significantly higher bitrate, or data transfer rate.- LHDCv5 can achieve a bitrate of up to 1 Mbps (Megabits per second).
- In contrast, AAC typically provides around 256 kbps (Kilobits per second).
- SBC, a more basic codec, offers approximately 328 kbps.
Activating the Hidden Feature on Your Pixel
Google did not highlight this new feature during the Android 17 presentation, and crucially, the LHDCv5 option is not active by default. To utilize it, users must first enable Developer Options on their Pixel device.- Navigate to your phone’s ‘Settings’.
- Scroll down and tap ‘About phone’.
- Tap ‘Build number’ seven times rapidly until you see a message confirming ‘Developer options have been enabled’.
- Return to ‘Settings’, then go to ‘System’, and select ‘Developer options’.
- Within Developer options, find the ‘Bluetooth Audio Codec’ setting and manually select ‘LHDCv5’.
Beyond Visuals: Android 17’s Deeper Enhancements
Until now, Pixel users primarily relied on the LDAC codec for high-quality wireless audio. The addition of LHDCv5 support significantly broadens the capabilities of Google’s devices, offering users more choice and potentially even better performance. This new codec is particularly appealing to music enthusiasts and gamers because it not only delivers superior audio fidelity but also boasts lower latency, which is crucial for synchronized audio in gaming and video consumption. This commitment to performance extends to other areas, such as Google testing priority charging features in Android 17.Android 17 Rollout Details
Android 17 has already begun rolling out to Pixel smartphones, specifically the Pixel 6 and newer models, as well as the Pixel Tablet. In the coming months, this new version of the operating system is expected to become available for devices from other manufacturers as well.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
LHDCv5 offers a significantly higher bitrate (up to 1 Mbps), allowing for Hi-Res Wireless audio transmission. This results in greater detail, a wider dynamic range, and lower latency compared to AAC (approx. 256 kbps) and SBC (approx. 328 kbps), providing a superior listening and gaming experience.
Yes, to take advantage of LHDCv5, you must have headphones or earbuds that explicitly support the LHDCv5 codec. The option will not be available or functional without compatible hardware.
LHDCv5 is not enabled by default. You need to first activate ‘Developer Options’ by tapping the ‘Build number’ in ‘About phone’ settings seven times. Once enabled, go to ‘Settings > System > Developer options’, and then manually select ‘LHDCv5’ under ‘Bluetooth Audio Codec’.
Pixel smartphones with Tensor processors, including the Pixel 6 and newer models, along with the Pixel Tablet, are receiving Android 17 and thus support for LHDCv5.
Beyond enhanced audio fidelity, LHDCv5 also offers significantly lower latency. This makes it particularly beneficial for applications where audio synchronization is critical, such as gaming and watching videos, as it reduces delays between the visual and auditory experience.
Source: Phone Arena. Opening photo: Gemini
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