Google launches Fast Pair, a new technology that enables instant wireless headset switching between connected devices

Devices upgraded to the latest version of Android will be able to use Fast Pair, a technology that allows the same wireless headset to be used with multiple Android devices, with the connection being able to “hop” from one device to another without awkward wait times, or manually connecting with the new device.

As the name implies, Fast Pair allows the audio connection to switch from one device to another with no wait times. The even better news is that there are already devices compatible with this technology, such as the Pixel Buds Pro series of headphones.

Essentially, the new switching technology takes over the process of switching audio from one device to another. For example, the Pixel Buds Pro headphones will be able to instantly switch audio outputs, switching between tablet and smartphone for every little detail, whether it’s the audible notification of an alert, or an audio call on hold.

The downside is that if you’re listening to music on one device, but are also connected to a second, you’ll be annoyed with any sound alerts triggered on the second device, losing the convenience of uninterrupted listening to your favourite tunes.

It should be said that a similar technology already exists and is called Bluetooth Multipoint. The difference is that in the case of Bluetooth accessories that support simultaneous pairing with multiple playback devices, the connection cannot work with multiple devices in parallel, as the already connected audio source cannot be switched instantly, for example, to play an alert tone on the other device.