Thank you Google, Bluetooth pairing on Android just got easier

Google has announced Fast Pair, a hassle-free process to pair your Bluetooth devices on all supported Android devices running Google Play services 11.7+ with compatibility back to Marshmallow (Android 6.0). Fast Pair makes discovery and pairing of Bluetooth devices easy and is currently rolling out to Android 6.0+ devices.

You can only try this new feature with Google Pixel Buds or Libratone's Q Adapt On-Ear, and soon on Plantronics Voyager 8200 series wireless headsets. The latest technology uses BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) for advertising and discovery and uses classic Bluetooth for pairing. Here's how Fast Pair works:

First you’ll have to turn on a Fast Pair-enabled device and put it in pairing mode, then Android scans for BLE broadcasts in close proximity of the user's phone and discovers a Fast Pair packet (provided Bluetooth and Location is turned on). This packet is sent to Google servers to get back the device's product image, product name and companion app (if there is one).

The users then receive a notification asking them to "Tap to pair" to the device. The notification contains the product name and image. As the user taps on the notification, the classic Bluetooth method establishes a connection. A success notification is shown which contains a link to download the companion app (if there is one).

Google has been prototyping and testing this spec with couple of their partners. The company plans to give their users a seamless and secure pairing experience and confidence that they're connecting to the right product. Also the manufacturers will get a chance to get their brand, device name and companion app in front of the users.

Apple also uses the same kind of setup to connect its devices to the AirPods. It’s a simple one-tap setup, and the AirPods are automatically on and always connected. Using them is just as easy. They can sense when they’re in your ears and pause when you take them out. And the AirPods experience is just as amazing whether you’re listening to your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad or Mac.

All the things AirPods can do are driven by the custom-designed Apple W1 chip. It produces efficient wireless connection for better and improved sound. And the W1 chip manages the battery life of the AirPods, you can listen for five hours on a single charge. AirPods connect automatically with all your Apple devices. They’re simultaneously connected to your iPhone and Apple Watch, and sound switches instantly between the devices.