Google originally introduced Fast Pair in 2017, giving Android users an easier way to pair their phone with Bluetooth devices. To celebrate today's launch of the new Pixel Buds, though, Google is making Fast Pair better with new features.
First up, Fast Pair can now help you find your Bluetooth headphones when you've misplaced them. Considering that the charging cases for these truly wireless headphones can be pretty small, this feature could come in handy.
When your Bluetooth headphones are paired with your phone, you can locate your headphones by ringing them from the phone. You can even choose to ring just the left or right earbud if you've got truly wireless earbuds. And in the coming months, you'll be able to use the Find My Devices app to see the last location of your headphones.
Another new feature will help you quickly check the battery level of your truly wireless earbuds. When you open the case of your 'buds, you'll get a notification on your phone that'll show the battery level of each earbud as well as the charging case. You'll also get a notification when your earbuds and charging case are running low on battery life.
Finally, folks on an Android 10 device can adjust their headphone settings right from the device details page. This includes linking your headphones to Google Assistant and accessing Find My Device. These settings will vary depending on your headphone model.
The new Google Pixel Buds and the Harmon Kardon Fly are the first pairs of truly wireless earbuds that'll be able to access these new Fast Pair features, but Google teases that there are many more models to come.
