Last year, Google introduced Fast Pair, a new technology for setting up Bluetooth devices, such as its own Pixel Buds, which makes the process much easier and faster than typical Bluetooth pairing. The technology is meant to rival that of Apple, who uses the W1 chip in its AirPods and HomePod to provide the same kind of easy setup.
Google has trailed the Cupertino company, however, because Apple devices on the same iCloud account will sync the connection to the AirPods between them. This means that, once you"ve set up the AirPods with your iPhone, you can readily connect them to your MacBooks or iMacs without having to pair them again.
That changes today, however, as Google is now enabling the same kind of cross-device syncing for Android smartphones. Additionally, the firm is planning to add support for Chromebooks as well, making the experience more consistent across the company"s products. That last part will only happen in 2019, though.
Google has also announced that it"s been working with Bluetooth audio companies to add native support for Fast Pair in their development kits. This should allow manufacturers to build a growing ecosystem of devices capable of Fast Pair, hopefully ridding users of the typical Bluetooth pairing experience.
Source: Android Developers Blog via ZDNet