According to SamMobile, Samsung is developing a feature that would allow Galaxy Books to stream audio to two Galaxy Buds simultaneously using Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast technology. The feature currently works on specific Galaxy Book 5 Pro and Pro 360 models, as well as Microsoft’s latest Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices. Compatible Samsung audio devices include the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Galaxy Buds 3, and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, enabling a Galaxy Book 5 Pro to stream to two Galaxy Buds 2 Pro units at once. This development represents Samsung’s ongoing effort to create tighter ecosystem integration between its devices, though the limited hardware compatibility raises questions about its broader appeal.
Sponsored content — provided for informational and promotional purposes.
The Bluetooth LE Audio Promise and Practical Limitations
While Bluetooth LE Audio represents a significant advancement in wireless audio technology, the implementation for simultaneous streaming faces several practical challenges. The technology promises lower power consumption and improved audio quality, but real-world performance often depends on environmental factors that manufacturers don’t highlight. Interference from other 2.4GHz devices, distance limitations, and audio synchronization issues could undermine the user experience. More critically, the requirement for both devices to support specific Bluetooth profiles means most existing Galaxy Book and Galaxy Buds owners won’t benefit from this feature, creating a fragmented ecosystem experience that contrasts sharply with Apple’s more universal approach.
Samsung’s Fragmented Ecosystem Strategy
Samsung faces a fundamental structural disadvantage compared to Apple in creating seamless ecosystem features. Without controlling both the mobile and desktop operating systems, Samsung must rely on Microsoft’s cooperation for Windows integration, creating dependency and potential compatibility issues. This contrasts with Apple’s vertical integration where features like audio sharing work consistently across all supported devices. The limited device compatibility for this audio streaming feature—restricted to specific Book models and Buds generations—highlights the challenge of maintaining feature parity across product lines. As Bluetooth LE Audio specifications continue to evolve, Samsung risks creating a patchwork of compatibility that frustrates rather than delights users.
The Adoption Hurdle and Consumer Value Proposition
The real question isn’t whether Samsung can technically implement this feature, but whether consumers will find it valuable enough to drive purchasing decisions. Simultaneous audio streaming serves a relatively niche use case—sharing audio with one other person in close proximity. For most users, this represents occasional utility rather than a daily necessity. More importantly, the hardware requirements create a significant barrier: users must own both a compatible Galaxy Book and two sets of compatible Galaxy Buds. This represents a substantial investment for a feature that competitors may soon match through software updates. The existing Galaxy Buds compatibility matrix already shows how quickly older devices become excluded from new features, potentially alienating loyal customers.
Broader Industry Implications and Future Outlook
This development reflects the broader industry trend where Android manufacturers are desperately trying to match Apple’s ecosystem advantages. However, without control over the core operating systems, these efforts often feel like afterthoughts rather than integrated experiences. Microsoft’s involvement through its Phone Link features demonstrates the awkward partnerships required to bridge the Android-Windows divide. Looking forward, the success of such features will depend on broader industry adoption of Bluetooth LE Audio standards and whether Samsung can maintain feature consistency across its sprawling product portfolio. The risk is creating another proprietary implementation that works well in marketing materials but disappoints in everyday use.
