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Google Home App Welcomes Back Multi-Speaker Volume Control
In a move that harmonizes convenience with technology, Google has brought back the much-requested multi-speaker volume control feature to its Google Home app. This update allows users to orchestrate the audio levels of multiple speakers with ease, a capability that was temporarily silenced due to a legal tussle with Sonos.
Previously, Sonos had initiated legal proceedings against Google, alleging infringement on its patents related to wireless audio technology. This legal action led to the removal of certain functionalities from Google's array of smart devices, including the group volume control feature. Now, after a period where users had to adjust each speaker's volume individually, the feature has made a triumphant return.
Google has ingeniously navigated the patent landscape, finding a solution that appeases Sonos's concerns while reinstating a feature that users have sorely missed. The restoration of this feature means that users can now, once again, adjust the volume of multiple speakers in unison, either through the app or with the help of voice commands.
To utilize the reinstated feature, Android users can:
- Open the Google Home app.
- Initiate a playback session.
- Tap on the mini-player to bring up the controls.
- Use the output selector to manage speaker connections and group configurations.
- Adjust the collective volume of the selected speakers.
Moreover, the convenience extends to voice control. Google Assistant is now adept at handling group volume adjustments with simple commands like "Hey Google, turn it up" or "Hey Google, set volume to X%," ensuring a seamless audio experience across all connected devices.
Looking ahead, Google teases further refinements to this feature, with plans to weave group volume control into the fabric of Android smartphone lock screens and smart displays such as the Nest Hub. This integration promises to further streamline the user experience, making volume control more accessible and intuitive than ever before.