In a move to rectify the fallout from its legal battle with Sonos, Google has reinstated the group speaker volume feature that it had previously removed from its devices. The feature, which allows multiple Google Home/Nest Audio speakers to synchronize and play music throughout a user's house, was removed after a patent case loss in 2022. However, with some of Sonos' patent wins being overturned in October 2023, Google has now brought back the functionality in the Android 15 Beta 2.

The group speaker volume feature is designed to ensure a seamless audio experience by synchronizing the volume levels of multiple speakers. It addresses common issues such as audio delays and allows users to control the unified volume of all active speakers through their phone's volume button. When Google initially removed the feature, users were left with the option to individually adjust speaker volume by opening the app and using a slider for each device.

The legal dispute between Sonos and Google has been marked by clashes over intellectual property. Sonos alleges that Google gained insight into its operations during discussions in 2013, with the intention of incorporating Sonos' features into its Google Home speaker line, which was launched three years later. Google, on the other hand, asserts that it developed its smart speaker features independently and that some of Sonos' patents were filed after the advent of the smart speaker market.

Following Google's victory in the October 2023 case against Sonos, the company assured users that they would once again be able to seamlessly integrate Google smart speakers. Although Android 15's official release is expected later this year, the reinstatement of the group speaker controls in the Android 15 Beta 2 indicates that Google is making progress towards fulfilling its promise.

The restoration of group speaker controls will undoubtedly be welcomed by Google Home and Nest Audio users, who can now enjoy synchronized and unified volume control across their speakers. While uncertainties regarding the lifespan of older Google devices remain, the return of this popular feature demonstrates Google's commitment to addressing customer needs and enhancing user experiences in the ever-evolving smart speaker landscape.