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Bluetooth support for Android smartphones

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I’ve noticed that many people buy Google Pixel if they want the best support for the new Bluetooth LE.

This is unacceptable to me because the Pixel is expensive for me and besides, I see that some of its specifications are worse compared to the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. Someone wrote here that the Motorola Edge 50 Neo has poor support. This does not mean that the pro version will not work because the manufacturers do not use the same Bluetooth module and therefore the drivers are also different, etc.

Hearing aid manufacturers have their own compatibility lists on their website. But they can’t check every new smartphone, the hearing aid person has to check to see if it works. Cliff Aud also recently said that some Samsungs work and some don’t.

What if we created our own database, i.e. a list on the Hearing tracker that users would enter here. If a smartphone works well with Oticon Intent, then it should work well with Starkey edge , right???
We also need to write down a list of smartphones that are not working well.

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Actually, only the newer premium Samsung phones come with an assistant.

I don’t know why the new Pixel phone didn’t come with one. So I wouldn’t buy a new Pixel phone right now.

The new Pixel phones do come with . So hands free calling is available for Android hearing aids that support LE Audio.

Note that more new phones should come out with LE Audio in the USA this year due to new FCC regulations.

@user990 said:

Actually, only the newer premium Samsung phones come with an Auracast assistant.

I don’t know why the new Pixel phone didn’t come with one. So I wouldn’t buy a new Pixel phone right now.

is such a minor, specific-use spec. There’s no way I’m making a phone decision based on something I’m not likely to use for years, if ever.

Part of the reason people buy Pixels is their adherence to standards, and the ability to get the cleanest Android download (no manuf bloat). I’m on my third Pixel (P3, P6, now P9), and having also used Samsung & Motorola, I’m very pleased. Bluetooth streaming works great, they pair to my & Phonak seamlessly, and it’s a great phone besides.

This is an important issue for wearers. I am due to get new aids next week and a big part of my choice will be down to compatibility with my phone. I currently have Phonak aids that work perfectly for streaming and hands free phone with my Motorola Edge 40 Neo. But if I upgrade to the latest hearing aids I will probably have to upgrade my phone. So it would be good to know what aids work well with what Android phones.

If you want hands free without upgrading your phone, then you need to stick with Phonak.

The Phonak Infinio is suppose to be upgradable to in the future. So if your budget allows it, get the Infinio.

Yes we’ll if my Audi reckons the infinio is best for me, fine. But I don’t want to be restricted by my phone. So if I get Oticon, Starkey etc, I’ll get a new phone. So would be good to have a list of Android phones that work with each brand’s latest offerings.

In reply to @user990

It’s unfortunate, because I don’t like the sound my Phonaks produce, and they have ruined my music listening experience. I’m looking forward to switching back to Oticon when I get my next pair of hearing aids, but I don’t feel thrilled about having to use an intermediary device in order to use Bluetooth/make phone calls, etc.

Edited

Be aware that the selection of Bluetooth compatible phones may vary from country to country, depending on how the CODEC is licensed. Here in Canada, my choice is limited to Pixel 7 or 8, one Sony model and one or two Samsung folding models. Both Oticon and Starkey provided me with a very similar list. The bottom line is that the that were made for iPhones are still largely made for iPhones. If you want broad Bluetooth compatibility, buy the Phonak models.

Phonak will soon upgrade its Infinio hearing aids to support Bluetooth LE and smartphones will need to have Bluetooth 5.3 (minimun) to work. I mean, Phonak is abandoning the Bluetooth classic that we have known so far.

Phonak have made no announcements about it moving to LE. They only say that the Infinio is capable of supporting LE at some point in the future. I’d be very surprised if the dropped support for classic Bluetooth. They are one of the few brands that allow multiples Bluetooth connections simultaneously without disconnecting from another device.

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