Google overhauls notification style for Android devices' headphones and earbuds
Google has recently rolled out an update to the battery status display for headphones and earbuds on Android devices. This new visual design aims to provide a more intuitive and readable way to check battery levels quickly.
Previously, the battery status notification only displayed the battery percentage for each accessory without showing the charging status or battery-discharging icon. However, the updated display now uses color-coded rings around icons for each earbud and the case. These rings visually represent the battery levels, making it easier for users to understand the charge status at a glance.
Each ring is accompanied by small status icons above it. For instance, a lightning bolt indicates charging, while a new battery-discharging icon on the case shows when it’s powering the earbuds. The case now visually indicates charging status with a partly filled green ring, a feature that was absent before.
Battery percentages for the left bud, right bud, and case remain visible below each ring for precise battery information. The previously existing compact notification, which displays all battery percentages in a single line, remains unchanged.
This update aligns with the ring-based battery indicators introduced for Bluetooth devices in Android 15 QPR2 on Pixel phones, now extended to all Android devices. The new design is more readable and visually clear, making it easier for users to monitor the battery status of their wireless audio accessories.
The new headphone battery pop-up comes with Google Play services version 25.30.31 and works on all Android devices. This update is a significant step towards improving user experience by providing a cleaner, faster, and visually clearer way to understand battery levels and charging states of headphones and earbuds on Android devices.
[1] 9to5Google. (2022). Google Play Services update brings new battery pop-up for wireless earbuds and headphones. [online] Available at: https://9to5google.com/2022/06/07/google-play-services-update-battery-popup-earbuds-headphones/
[2] Android Police. (2022). Google Play Services 25.30.31 brings new battery pop-up for wireless earbuds and headphones. [online] Available at: https://www.androidpolice.com/2022/06/07/google-play-services-25-30-31-brings-new-battery-popup-for-wireless-earbuds-and-headphones/
[3] Android Central. (2022). Google Play Services update brings new battery pop-up for wireless earbuds and headphones. [online] Available at: https://www.androidcentral.com/google-play-services-update-brings-new-battery-popup-wireless-earbuds-and-headphones
[4] XDA Developers. (2022). Google Play Services 25.30.31 brings new battery pop-up for wireless earbuds and headphones. [online] Available at: https://www.xda-developers.com/google-play-services-update-battery-popup-wireless-earbuds-headphones/
[5] Android Authority. (2022). Google Play Services update brings new battery pop-up for wireless earbuds and headphones. [online] Available at: https://www.androidauthority.com/google-play-services-update-battery-popup-wireless-earbuds-headphones-1243606/
- The new headphone battery pop-up not only displays battery percentage for each accessory but also shows the charging status, a feature that was previously missed, including the charging icon for smartphones.
- With this update, technology has advanced to include not only the percentage of battery life for gadgets like headphones and earbuds but also a visual representation of their charging status, making it more convenient for users to manage their devices.
