The Chromecast with Google TV is a brilliant product, as noted in Ryan's review, but it's not without its flaws. Since getting one a week ago, I've found Google's new Android TV skin to be a delight, so much so that my far more powerful Nvidia Shield has been relegated to the bench. The experience isn't perfect, however, and I've had to close misbehaving apps on several occasions. The most notable issue I've faced relates to Bluetooth audio, but thankfully there's an easy fix.
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Some songs just deserve to be blasted poolside at high volumes, and today Amazon is helping make that possible with a deal on Anker's Soundcore Flare 2 speaker. It's a waterproof Bluetooth speaker that pumps out 20W of sound for up to 12 hours on a single charge, and right now it's only $49.99 at Amazon.com — a respectable $10 off.
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Sony's WH-1000XM3 headphones (above) are among the best when it comes to over-the-ear Bluetooth audio, and it looks like the successor will be launching soon. Just a few weeks ago, a teardown of the Sony's Headphones Connect app uncovered some features that the upcoming WH-1000XM4 would bring. Now, a listing for the 1000XM4 has appeared on Walmart's website.
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Android Auto is a great way to play media, take phone calls, and get directions more safely than just using your phone while moving. Unfortunately, many of us are still driving vehicles that don't offer a built-in AA option. However, there are still ways to get Android Auto in your car, and installing a new head unit. Sony just announced plans to release a new model with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Weblink capabilities, and a 6.95" capacitive screen.
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Jaybird was one of the first companies to popularize the true wireless earbud form factor, but its Run and Run XT products weren't without their fair share of issues. These new Vista models will hope to right the wrongs of their predecessors, offering a smaller/lighter design, better battery life, and a USB Type-C port for charging.
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When it comes to Bluetooth speakers, we as consumers have a ton of options to choose from. But if you're on a budget yet still want a great audio experience, Anker's Soundcore brand usually fits the bill. This deal, if you've been looking for some 360° stereo sound for your home or office, is one to pay attention to. Amazon is currently offering a two-pack of the Soundcore Flare for just $69.99, about $50 off the regular price.
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If you're looking for a new pair of solid Bluetooth headphones, and you happen to be a Rakuten member (or considering becoming one), then this deal is one to pay attention to. Normally $339.95, Sony's excellent WH-1000XM3 are now $289.95 with a coupon code, making them just a tad cheaper than we saw last week.
Read More![[Deal Alert] Grab the Bose SoundWear Companion wearable Bluetooth speaker for $250 ($50 off)](https://www.androidpolice.com/wp-content/themes/ap2/ap_resize/ap_resize.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.androidpolice.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F10%2Fbose-soundwear-249.png&w=728)
Somewhere between dedicated speakers and headphones, there exists the curious breed of wearable Bluetooth speakers. They look like those neck support pillows people wear on airplanes, but they pump out sound in the immediate vicinity of your noggin. Now, one of the pricier models, Bose's SoundWear Companion, is on sale for $249.95 — $50 off its usual $299.95.
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Qualcomm is looking to tackle some of the issues with Bluetooth audio with its new aptX Adaptive codec. Its key feature is that it dynamically adjusts to what you're consuming, which should not only improve audio quality overall, but also reduce latency in A/V content like videos and games.
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Google announced Android O today (have you heard?), and one feature on the list that caught my eye was a reference to "high-quality Bluetooth audio codecs" now being supported by the OS. While Google doesn't specifically reference aptX, there really isn't much else they could be referring to. aptX is a proprietary streaming protocol owned by CSR, who are now owned by Qualcomm. Its HD variant allows more seamless playback of high-quality (i.e., high-bitrate) audio and is generally preferable to the standard Bluetooth audio streaming protocol.
It also comes in several flavors, including a mode that offers very low latency, though almost every iteration of aptX offers superior latency to the standard Bluetooth A2DP specification.
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