Google Pixel Phones Gain LHDC v5 Bluetooth Audio Support in Latest Android Update

Google's latest stable Android release for Pixel phones now includes support for LHDC v5 Bluetooth audio. This update arrives after earlier sightings by Reddit users, who noticed the feature in pre-release versions. The new support allows Pixel users to access higher-quality wireless audio, a feature previously unavailable on these devices.

Key Highlights

• Google Pixel phones now support LHDC v5 Bluetooth audio with the latest Android update.
• Users can enable LHDC v5 through Developer Settings by selecting the Bluetooth Audio Codec option.
• LHDC v5 offers low latency of 80ms and adaptive bit rates from 128Kbps to 900Kbps.
• Many recent Bluetooth headphones already support LHDC v5 for high-resolution audio streaming.

Enabling LHDC v5 on Pixel Phones

To activate LHDC v5, users need to access Developer Settings. Start by going to Settings, then About phone, and tap the Build Number several times. This action unlocks Developer Settings, which will appear as a new option in the settings menu. Inside Developer Settings, navigate to Bluetooth Audio Codec. If LHDC v5 is not already selected, tap the option to view a list of available codecs and choose LHDC v5.

Many Bluetooth headphones already support LHDC v5. For example, some models released three years ago and several newer devices offer this capability. However, Pixel phones did not support LHDC v5 before this update. Users should check if their headphones' companion app includes a Hi-Res Audio option to ensure full compatibility.

Audio Quality and Compatibility

LHDC stands for Low Latency High-Definition Audio Codec. It provides a low-latency connection of 80ms and supports an adaptive bit rate from 128Kbps to 900Kbps. The codec also allows a sampling rate of up to 96kHz, enabling high-resolution audio streaming over Bluetooth. For the best experience, users should listen to high-quality music, such as tracks from streaming services that offer Lossless mode.

While some smartphones have supported LHDC v5 for some time, this marks the first official support for Pixel devices. The update expands audio options for users who prioritize sound quality and own compatible headphones.