The Google Pixel 8, already making waves with its remarkable features, is set to offer a groundbreaking addition: lossless USB audio. However, it’s worth noting that this lossless audio experience will be exclusive to wired USB connections, meaning your trusted Pixel Buds Pro won’t benefit from this enhancement.

Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will feature this remarkable technology, providing users with the opportunity to revel in music in its pure, uncompressed form. Dave Burke, Google’s Vice President of Engineering, officially confirmed this development during a Reddit AMA (ask me anything) session. The best part? This feature will be accessible through a future update for the Pixel series and may extend to other Android smartphones should their manufacturers choose to enable it.

While a specific release date for lossless audio on the Pixel 8 remains unspecified, it is slated to become a part of the forthcoming Android 14 update. This integration paves the way for broader support across various Android devices. However, it’s crucial to remember that this audio excellence will be reliant on USB connections.

In practical terms, it implies that users will require a wired headset to fully harness the lossless audio capabilities of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Admittedly, this may not be ideal for those who have grown accustomed to the convenience and wire-free experience offered by wireless earbuds. The absence of cables not only enhances convenience but also minimizes the chances of tangling during use.

The innovative feature operates by bypassing the phone’s audio mixer, responsible for processing and compressing audio. This process results in what Dave Burke calls “bit-perfect audio,” ensuring that users experience the sound’s full clarity without any external compression, just as the artist intended.

Lossless audio has been a game-changer in the music industry for some time, with premium services like Tidal offering it to subscribers. Now, Google’s Pixel 8 is set to bring the joy of lossless audio to its users, making it accessible with the use of a wired headset. This development is poised to redefine how we experience music on our mobile devices, providing audiophiles and music enthusiasts with an unparalleled listening experience.