Wear OS 5 May Enhance Music Streaming Battery Life via Bluetooth LE Audio
Google Plans Bluetooth LE Audio Support in Upcoming Wear OS 5 Update
Google is gearing up to introduce Bluetooth LE Audio support in the upcoming Wear OS 5 release. This enhancement will enable music streaming over Bluetooth Low Energy, offering reduced power consumption compared to Bluetooth Classic. While specific smartwatches set to debut with Wear OS 5 that will support this feature have not been disclosed yet, it promises to optimize battery life during audio playback on wearable devices.
Smartwatch users will benefit from being able to stream music, podcasts, or audiobooks directly to Bluetooth earbuds, enhancing convenience during workouts without needing to carry a smartphone. The transition to Bluetooth LE Audio is expected to alleviate battery drain concerns typically associated with Bluetooth Classic connections. This advancement is particularly significant as Bluetooth LE is designed to conserve energy, ideal for devices with limited battery capacities such as smartwatches and IoT gadgets.
Initially developed to accommodate Bluetooth hearing aids, Bluetooth LE Audio introduces new profiles and features tailored for efficient audio streaming over low-energy connections. This innovation marks a significant step forward in extending the usability of wearable technology, aligning with the evolving demands of users seeking enhanced functionality and battery efficiency from their devices.
Initial Bluetooth LE Audio Support Arrives in Android 13; Wear OS 5 to Follow Suit
Google has introduced initial support for Bluetooth LE Audio with the release of Android 13. This update includes support for LE Audio unicast, enabling audio streaming from a single source device to a single sink device over Bluetooth LE. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for LE Audio broadcasts, which will allow streaming from a single source device to multiple sink devices, expected to be included in the upcoming Android 15 update.
While Wear OS typically lags behind regular Android updates due to its focus on smartwatches rather than smartphones and tablets, the upcoming Wear OS 5 update, based on Android 14, is set to become the first Wear OS release supporting Bluetooth LE Audio, specifically LE Audio unicasts. This advancement promises improved efficiency in audio streaming and battery management for wearable devices, catering to the evolving needs of smartwatch users.
