Google Pixel 8 Series and Android 14 Bring Lossless Audio to the Mainstream

Highlights

• Google’s Pixel 8 series to offer lossless audio, setting a new standard in the smartphone industry.
• Android 14 update adds support for lossless audio formats, widening accessibility.
• Streaming services like Spotify and Amazon Music will need to adopt Android 14’s new API for lossless audio compatibility.

Rejoice, audiophiles, for thy saviour has reportedly cometh.
Or at least that’s what Dave Burke, Google’s vice president of engineering will have you believe.

Lossless audio has mostly been privy to Apple Music in the streaming industry but very few phones have the capability to transmit it wirelessly, let alone in a wired setup.

Google is taking steps that will ensure that the Pixel 8 series becomes one of these devices that can bring music to your ears in a way that it is meant to be.

But it won’t just be them, although both handsets in the lineup will be getting it first.
It would appear that the Android 14 update has added support for lossless audio formats over USB-wired headsets.

The inner workings of the feature are quite simple and should be implemented without any additional caveats.

Rather than having your tunes modified and squeezed, they are transmitted in their original, unaltered quality from your mobile device straight to your earphones.

This allows you to experience the full richness of each instrument, the nuances in the vocals, and even the most delicate details with unmatched sharpness.

App developers like Spotify, Amazon Music, and more will have to adopt the new API on Android 14 for making lossless audio work.

Little by little, we are sure to see streaming giants adopt this new format so that the rare breed of audiophiles might find some joy when listening to their favourite music.

In the realm of wireless transmission, the fundamentals don’t change.

Provided you have high-quality audio equipment compatible with platforms offering lossless audio, you can experience this elevated sound quality seamlessly.

Lossless has had its fair share of hurdles, mainly with issues pertaining to pricing and the lack of availability across most platforms.

The Android 14 API should look to at least alleviate some of these issues.
While the Pixel 8 series will most certainly be the first to adopt this new change, other OEMs are likely to follow suit.

However, it would be wise to wait and see how the change goes before running over to purchase a pair of highly expensive USB-C headphones.

FAQs

What is lossless audio and why is it important?

Lossless audio offers sound in its purest form, without any compression or alteration, leading to a high-quality auditory experience.

Which devices will support lossless audio first?

Google’s Pixel 8 series will be the first smartphones to offer lossless audio, followed by other Android devices compatible with Android 14.

Do streaming services support this feature?

Streaming services will need to adopt Android 14’s new API to offer lossless audio. This adaptation is anticipated to happen gradually.

Are wireless headphones compatible with lossless audio on Android 14?

Wireless transmission remains fundamentally the same; however, users need high-quality audio equipment compatible with platforms offering lossless audio to experience the elevated sound quality.

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