What is Bluetooth absolute volume Android 6?
Bluetooth Absolute Volume (AV) is a feature introduced in Bluetooth software version 4.0 and later that aims to provide a consistent volume level between the Bluetooth source device and the receiving device like headphones or a speaker. Without Bluetooth AV, the volume levels of the two devices are managed separately, which can result in volume differences when switching between devices.
For example, music played from a smartphone at full volume into a Bluetooth speaker set at half volume would sound quieter than music played from the same smartphone at full volume into headphones also set at full volume. The Bluetooth AV feature syncs the volume levels between the devices so that changing the volume on one device affects both, providing a more seamless listening experience.
Bluetooth AV was introduced to solve the inconvenience of having to manually adjust volume levels when switching connected devices. With Bluetooth AV, the volume level set on the source device controls the absolute volume reaching the receiving device. This unified approach aims to eliminate sudden volume spikes and provide consistent output regardless of the connected Bluetooth accessory in use.
How Bluetooth Absolute Volume Works
Bluetooth Absolute Volume (AV) synchronizes the volume between your Android device and connected Bluetooth device to avoid large volume differences or distortions (1). It works by adjusting the audio encoding on your Android device to align with the maximum volume level of the connected Bluetooth device.
Without absolute volume, the audio encoding may be incompatible between devices, which can lead to the connected device distorting or overamplifying the audio signal. Absolute volume allows Android and the Bluetooth device to agree on a standardized maximum volume level so the audio plays back cleanly without sudden volume spikes or drops.
Absolute volume also helps keep the audio in sync between devices by adjusting the encoding to match. Without it, there could be lag or delays between the Android device sending the audio signal and it playing on the Bluetooth headphones or speakers (2). The synchronization ensures minimal audio/video latency.
(1) https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/android-disable-absolute-bluetooth-volume
(2) https://screenrant.com/android-absolute-bluetooth-volume-explained-disable/
Benefits of Bluetooth Absolute Volume
One of the main benefits of Bluetooth Absolute Volume is that it provides a more consistent volume level across different Bluetooth devices. Without Absolute Volume enabled, the volume on the phone may be set to maximum but the actual volume coming through the headphones or speakers could be much lower or distorted. With Absolute Volume, the phone synchronizes its volume level with the optimal level for the connected device. This avoids issues with distortion or unexpectedly low volume (Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/android-disable-absolute-bluetooth-volume).
Absolute Volume also benefits multi-room audio set-ups, where you may be streaming music from a phone to several Bluetooth speakers. With Absolute Volume, you can control the volume centrally from the phone rather than having to adjust the volume on each speaker individually. The synchronized volume level ensures a consistent listening experience across all devices (Source: https://screenrant.com/android-absolute-bluetooth-volume-explained-disable/).
Overall, Absolute Volume provides a seamless Bluetooth audio experience by eliminating distortion and inconsistencies in volume levels across devices. It allows users to set the volume once on their phone and have it translated accurately across all connected Bluetooth peripherals.
Drawbacks of Bluetooth Absolute Volume
While Bluetooth Absolute Volume can provide a more consistent listening experience, it does come with some drawbacks that users should be aware of. The main downside is that it limits the maximum volume output to the headset’s capabilities, which may be lower than the phone’s built-in speakers or wired headphones (Source 1). This means users have less manual control over cranking up the volume on bass-heavy or quiet tracks.
Additionally, Absolute Volume takes away the ability to finely adjust volume levels between the phone and headset independently. Some users prefer having two volume controls to balance audio between devices (Source 2). For example, turning up the volume on the headset while lowering the phone’s media volume for private listening in public.
Overall, while the unified volume experience is more convenient for many, the mandatory maximum volume limits and lack of independent controls can be a nuisance for certain use cases. Users wanting more customization may prefer disabling Absolute Volume in their device settings.
Android 6.0’s Implementation
Android 6.0 Marshmallow introduced Bluetooth Absolute Volume as a default setting that cannot be disabled without using ADB commands or root access. When enabled, Absolute Volume synchronizes the Bluetooth volume control with the system/media volume slider so that changes made on the phone apply to Bluetooth devices as well (1).
This aims to provide a consistent volume experience whether listening via built-in speakers or Bluetooth headphones. However, Android does not allow users to toggle Absolute Volume on or off in the Settings app. The feature is simply enabled by default once a device upgrades to Android 6.0. Some users have expressed frustration over the inability to disable Absolute Volume without advanced modification of their phones (2).
Overall, Android 6.0 implements Absolute Volume in a rigid manner without user customization options. Users cannot toggle the feature on or off, which differs from the implementation in later Android versions.
(1) https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/android-disable-absolute-bluetooth-volume
(2) https://screenrant.com/android-absolute-bluetooth-volume-explained-disable/
Compatible Devices and Requirements
Bluetooth Absolute Volume is supported on devices running Android 6.0 Marshmallow and higher that have Bluetooth 4.1 or newer. This is because Absolute Volume relies on the Bluetooth Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) 1.3 specification, which was introduced in Bluetooth 4.1.
For Absolute Volume to work properly, both the source device transmitting audio (like a smartphone) and the receiving device (like headphones or a speaker) need to support A2DP 1.3. Older Bluetooth versions and codecs like SBC do not support this feature. Some common compatible Bluetooth codecs include:
- aptX
- aptX HD
- LDAC
On the Android side, compatibility began with Marshmallow 6.0 and continues with newer versions like Android 10 and 11. Popular Android phones that support Absolute Volume include:
- Samsung Galaxy S7 and newer
- Google Pixel 2 and newer
- LG G5 and newer
Overall, Absolute Volume requires hardware support in both the audio source and receiving device. Checking your Android version and Bluetooth codec compatibility ensures your devices can take advantage of this volume control feature.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some troubleshooting tips for issues with Bluetooth Absolute Volume on Android 6.0:
First, check that Absolute Volume is actually enabled in your phone’s Developer Options settings. You can find this under Settings > Developer Options > Disable absolute volume. Make sure the toggle is turned off so that Absolute Volume is enabled.
Next, check compatibility between your Android device and the Bluetooth audio device you are trying to connect. Some older Bluetooth devices may not properly support the Absolute Volume feature, which can lead to volume issues. Try connecting different Bluetooth audio devices to see if the problem persists.
You can also try removing and re-pairing the Bluetooth device. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and “forget” the problematic device. Then, pair it again as a new device to reset the connection. This may resolve any software glitches preventing Absolute Volume from working properly.
As a last resort, you can perform a reboot of your Android device. Sometimes a system restart can clear up problems with Absolute Volume not working correctly after a software update.[How to Fix Audio Issues by Disabling Absolute Bluetooth… – Make Tech Easier](https://www.maketecheasier.com/audio-issues-android-disable-absolute-bluetooth-volume/)
If none of these basic troubleshooting tips works, you may need to consult with the device manufacturer for further support.
User Feedback on Android 6 Implementation
Overall user feedback on Android 6’s implementation of Bluetooth Absolute Volume has been mixed, with some users reporting pros and some reporting cons based on their experiences.
On the pro side, some Reddit users (source) have said Bluetooth Absolute Volume makes volume control simpler by syncing the phone and headset volumes. This prevents having to adjust both volumes separately. Some have said it provides a more seamless listening experience.
However, other Reddit threads (source) discuss cons such as loss of granular control over volume levels. Some report lower maximum volumes, making it harder to hear content. Others dislike how it changes the behavior of hardware volume buttons. There are also complaints about it causing imbalance between phone speakers and Bluetooth volumes.
Some users on forums like XDA Developers (source) have provided tips for disabling Absolute Volume if the feature is causing problems. But others argue the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Overall, Absolute Volume seems to provide a simpler and more automated volume experience but at the cost of flexibility and customization. Many users are divided on whether the pros outweigh the cons.
Future Outlook
In newer versions of Android, Google has continued to refine and improve the implementation of Bluetooth Absolute Volume. For example, in Android 10 Google added the ability for users to set independent Bluetooth volume levels for different paired devices (Source). This allows more customization and control over volume levels.
Android 11 brought the ability to control Absolute Volume on a per-device basis instead of it being system-wide (Source). Users can choose which paired Bluetooth devices have Absolute Volume enabled. This gives more flexibility.
Looking ahead, Android will likely continue refining Absolute Volume to give users more granular control and customization options. However, the core goal of providing a consistent and normalized volume level across different Bluetooth devices will remain. There is room for improvement in the user interface and settings for Absolute Volume.
Conclusion
Bluetooth Absolute Volume provides an improved listening experience and more control over volume levels across different devices. By requiring compatible Bluetooth devices to adhere to a fixed volume curve, it helps eliminate drastic volume changes when switching audio sources.
For most Android 6.0 users, enabling Absolute Volume provides a smoother listening experience with consistent playback volume. They no longer have to worry about blasting loud music when connecting to new Bluetooth speakers or headphones. It prevents unexpected volume spikes that could damage equipment or their hearing.
Absolute Volume also benefits device manufacturers by establishing a standard all must follow. This levels the playing field and ensures everyone implements volume control correctly. Overall, Absolute Volume makes using Bluetooth audio on Android 6.0 a more seamless experience.