Google Fast Pair: fast and easy Bluetooth pairing by Google

Even though it got most of the attention when Apple showed it off with the introduction of AirPods, but effortless Bluetooth pairing was developed by Google as well. It is known as Google Fast Pair and it is a simplified process of pairing a Bluetooth device with supported devices. There are some conditions that have to be met, of course, but in return, Fast Pair offers fast and secure pairing in a simple manner.

Google Fast Pair allows users to automatically discover and connect with a simple tap to Bluetooth powered accessories nearby, for example, headphones or earphones. Even though the devices are connected through Bluetooth, Fast Pair uses Bluetooth Low Energy to discover the accessory and for the information that is additionally provided about the device, starting with the name and the image of the device, but also the Google Play service link for the companion app.

The way to use Google Fast Pair is very simple. First, turn on the Fast Pair-enabled device and set it in Bluetooth pairing mode. After this, notification will appear on screen with “Tap to pair” option with details such as name and photo of the device, allowing the user to know exactly which device is going to get connected. With a tap, the devices will connect through Bluetooth and another notification of successful pairing will appear with the shortcut for the companion app in the Google Play.  

Talking about compatible Android devices, as long as the device has running Google Play service 11.7 version at least together with Android 6.0 Marshmallow at least, the user is able to use Google Fast Pair. When the service was launched, only 4 headphones were compatible including Google Pixel Buds, Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear, Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Plantronics Voyager 8200. Since then, there were more compatible devices but were not officially put into a list.

Read also: Everything Google Announced at its #MadeByGoogle event

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