Android 15 Beta 2 fully restores Cast volume controls for speaker groups on Pixel phones
Google Wins Sonos Battle: Cast Volume Back on Pixels?
The Android 15 Beta 2 update has reintroduced the ability for Pixel phone users to control the volume of Google Home speaker groups directly from their devices while casting. This feature was previously disabled due to a legal battle with Sonos, which has since seen a favorable turn for Google with a judge overturning a previous verdict. The update also includes other enhancements like a revamped volume panel UI and is part of Google's ongoing efforts to restore functionalities previously removed.
What specific functionality does Android 15 Beta 2 restore to Pixel phones regarding speaker groups?
Android 15 Beta 2 restores the ability for Pixel phones to control the volume of Google Home speaker groups while casting. This functionality was previously disabled on Pixel devices due to a legal dispute with Sonos. Now, with the release of Android 15 Beta 2, Pixel users can once again adjust the volume of their speaker groups using their phone's volume keys, regardless of the app being used for casting.
Why did Google initially disable the ability to control the volume of speaker groups on Pixel phones?
Google initially disabled the ability to control the volume of speaker groups on Pixel phones due to a legal dispute with Sonos, a speaker company that sued Google for alleged patent infringement in 2020. This lawsuit led Google to remove several features from its lineup of Nest speakers and smart displays, including the volume control functionality for speaker groups when casting from Pixel phones15. Google made this decision as a precautionary measure while the legal battle was ongoing, specifically to avoid potential legal repercussions since the lawsuit named only Google and not other Android phone manufacturers12. This is why the restriction was exclusive to Pixel devices.