Pixel gets speaker group volume controls back in Android 15
Android 15 Revives Pixel's Group Volume Control?
After being disabled due to a legal issue with Sonos, speaker group volume controls are making a comeback on Pixel phones with the Android 15 beta update. Previously, users couldn't use Pixel's volume buttons to adjust the volume on Chromecast and other Cast devices since Android 12. The reintroduction of this feature in Android 15 Beta 2 was confirmed through testing with multiple Cast devices. This update is currently available in the beta version and may be included in the stable release of Android 15.
Why were the volume button controls originally disabled on Pixel phones for speaker groups and Cast devices?
The volume button controls on Pixel phones for speaker groups and Cast devices were originally disabled due to a legal issue that arose from Google's loss in the Sonos legal battle. This led to the removal of volume button controls in many places, including the Home app and when Cast devices were connected in the background.
What legal battle influenced Google's decision to disable these volume controls, and what was the outcome?
The legal battle that influenced Google's decision to disable volume controls on Pixel phones for speaker groups and other Cast devices was with Sonos. Google lost this legal confrontation, which revolved around issues of patent infringements claimed by Sonos. As a result of the lawsuit, Google was compelled to disable the volume button controls for managing audio on various devices including those connected via Chromecast and Google Cast, directly from Pixel phones. This functionality was initially disabled starting with Android 12 in 2021 due to the legal complications arising from this dispute.