Google is set to introduce lossless USB audio to its upcoming Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, allowing users to experience music in its purest form without any loss of quality. This audio enhancement will ensure “bit perfect audio” by bypassing the usual audio processing pipeline and allowing music files to flow directly from the phone to the headphones in their original, uncompressed form. While lossless audio has been somewhat limited in availability and often comes with a premium price tag, the addition of this feature to the Pixel 8 series has the potential to revolutionize the way we experience music.
In a world where music players like Walkmans and CD players were once essential for music lovers, smartphones and streaming services have replaced these dedicated devices, sacrificing audio quality in the process. However, Google aims to bring back the richness and depth of original recordings by introducing lossless USB audio to its latest flagship phones. This enhancement will allow users to hear every instrument, vocal inflection, and subtle detail with crystal clarity, preserving the nuances and details intended by the artist.
Dave Burke, Google’s vice president of engineering, shared this exciting news on Reddit, stating that lossless USB audio would be available on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones. However, for users to access this audio format, app developers must first adopt the new API for lossless audio. Popular music players like Spotify are also planning to add lossless audio support, further expanding the availability and accessibility of this premium audio format.
While lossless audio has been around in the digital realm for a while, it has yet to hit the mainstream due to its premium pricing and limited availability. Subscriptions to services like Tidal and Apple Music are often required to access lossless tracks, and these tracks are not always easy to come by. As a result, many music lovers have settled for the convenience and affordability of compressed audio formats, even if this means sacrificing some audio fidelity. However, the addition of lossless USB audio to the Pixel 8 series, along with OS-level support for this audio format in Android 14 Beta 2, indicates that lossless audio may have the potential to become more widely adopted and revolutionize the way we experience music.
The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, while not as flashy as some other flagship devices, offer high performance, security, and software support. The Pixel 8 Pro, in particular, features cutting-edge technology, including the Tensor G3 chip, which enhances the phone’s speed and unlocks advanced photo and video capabilities. With the addition of lossless USB audio, the Pixel 8 series aims to provide a top-notch audio experience, further enhancing the overall smartphone experience for music enthusiasts.