Google says its working on old Bluetooth connectivity issues on Home devices

Google Home device's issues with staying connected via Bluetooth isn't a new problem. Users have been complaining about the issue since 2018. But it took Google until this year to publicly acknowledge the issue and say that it is working on the problem. The Google Nest account on Twitter replied to a user reporting the problem. The company said, "We're sorry for the trouble! Our team is already aware of this and we're working on a fix, we'll bubble this up to our team and check back in once we have an update. Hang tight!"

A specialist on the Google Nest support also acknowledged the issue, saying the team is working on a fix. They're encouraging users to send feedback about the problem via voice command by saying, "Hey Google, send feedback," and use the keywords "GHT3 Bluetooth IN keeps on disconnect." Now, we're hoping the company fixes this relatively old problem quickly.

Source: Android Police

Google wants to make it easier to sync Bluetooth headphone pairing across your devices

With headphone jacks slowly making their way out of smartphones, we’re forced to either use USB-C earbuds or rely on Bluetooth-powered headphones to listen to music on our mobile devices. In hopes of easing the pain of syncing your Bluetooth headphones and speakers, Google accounts can now remember Fast Pair-compatible headphones you have used and transfer this connection to other devices you’re signed in. It’s also coming to Chromebooks in 2019. Fast Pair, which originally launched in October 2017, hasn’t been adopted as quickly as Google would like. JayBirds already has a few Fast Pair headsets but this time brands like Bose and Anker are also going to support the feature.

To register a compatible Fast Pair device, you just need to turn it on and an Android 6.0+ phone will generate a pop-up to speed up the pairing process. The latest update will allow your Google account to remember the headphones you’ve paired it to and carry that information to other devices you sign into.

Source: The Verge

Amazon wants Bluetooth accessory makers to use Alexa, opens SDK for all developers

Jabra

Amazon wants its Alexa voice assistant to reach as wide an audience as possible. This time around, it’s targeting makers of Bluetooth headphones, headsets, and wearables. The company just made its Alexa Mobile Accessory Kit tool widely available to developers. Qualcomm even came out with a US$299 smart headset with Alexa reference design to help interested manufacturers and developers get started. Amazon is looking to bring Alexa to hands-free devices, so you can use it while exercising or doing other day-to-day activities when your hands are full. The software development kit first supported wireless Bluetooth headphones from Bose, Jabra, and Sony, but now the company wants it to support other Bluetooth devices like smartwatches and portable speakers, as well as traditional headsets.

What the SDK brings is letting these devices communicate with the Alexa app for iOS and Android without the need to build an app or Alexa skill on their own. “By leveraging the Amazon Alexa App that is readily available for Android and iOS, device makers accelerate product development, software integration, and testing time, while reducing product support costs,” explains Alfred Woo, a principal product manager for Alexa Voice Services. “After launch, their products are automatically updated to include new Alexa features and functionality when they arrive in the Amazon Alexa App.”

Source: The Verge

Jaybird launches Tarah Bluetooth headphones for runners

Here's a compelling new waterproof (IPX7) and sweatproof, headphones. Jaybird Tarah is the perfect earbud for people who are looking to cut the cord and try wireless for the first time. With more and more mobile devices moving away from the headphone jack, Tarah is the perfect solution for those hesitant to cut the cord but know it’s time.  

"We know a lot of dedicated athletes and fitness fans haven't yet made the switch to wireless headphones," said Jamie Parker, CEO of Jaybird. "We designed Jaybird Tarah to be the perfect introduction to going wireless - tangle-free and easy-to-use while delivering on the Jaybird fundamentals: sweat- and waterproof, a secure and comfortable sport fit, incredible sound with customizable EQ settings through the Jaybird app, and great battery life. Once people try Tarah, it will become an essential part of their training gear.”

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