Google introduced the audio output switcher shortcut for media player apps on Android two years ago. However, the feature didn’t list Chromecast and Google Cast devices in its menu, and people demanded Google bring support for those devices. With Android 13, Google has finally added support for Google Cast devices in the audio output switcher, and YouTube Music is the first app to support it.
Google released the Android 13 QPR1 (Quarterly Platform Release 1) update, bringing support for Google Cast-compatible devices in the audio output switcher. Pixel smartphones running Android 13 QPR1 can now use this feature, and it is first available via YouTube Music (via 9To5Google). Developers of all media playing and streaming apps must implement this feature to support the new audio output switcher with Cast compatibility.
Right now, you won’t be able to see Cast devices in your Galaxy smartphone or tablet’s audio output switcher. That’s because Samsung hasn’t implemented the feature yet, and it needs to bring those changes with a future One UI 5.0 update or by updating its Media Output module in the background. Maybe Samsung will bring this feature to its devices with the One UI 5.1 update, but nothing is confirmed yet.
Being able to route audio to Bluetooth and Google Cast devices is a handy feature to have, and you don’t have to unlock your phone and open the media playing app to switch audio to another device.
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