Fast Pair to Simplify Bluetooth Keyboard Connections on Chromebooks and Android Tablets

Bluetooth is a staple in our daily tech interactions, connecting everything from headphones to keyboards. However, pairing these devices can often be a hassle. To address this, Google introduced Fast Pair, a feature designed to streamline the Bluetooth pairing process. Initially launched in 2017, Fast Pair has made connecting accessories like headphones, smartwatches, tracker tags, and mice much easier. Now, Google is planning to extend this convenience to Bluetooth keyboards.

Fast Pair operates through the Google Play Services app on Android devices and Chromebooks, making it widely accessible. When a Fast Pair-enabled accessory enters pairing mode, it sends out

packets that nearby Android devices and Chromebooks detect. These devices then retrieve information about the accessory from the Fast Pair database, displaying a notification with the accessory's details and a pairing button. This eliminates the need to manually navigate Bluetooth settings and search for devices.

Pairing a Bluetooth keyboard typically involves entering a PIN displayed on the screen, a step that ensures security but adds complexity. Although Fast Pair does not yet support Bluetooth keyboards, recent developments suggest this could change soon. A new patch in the Chromium Gerrit introduces a flag for "Fast Pair keyboards prototype work," indicating that Google is testing this feature on Chrome OS.

Additionally, Fast Pair support for Bluetooth Human Interface Devices (HID), such as mice and keyboards, is being integrated into Chrome OS through the Floss Bluetooth stack, which replaced the older BlueZ stack. This transition has already enabled Fast Pair for mice in Chrome OS 124, and keyboards may follow.

While the new flag is currently specific to Chrome OS, it is likely that Android devices will also support Fast Pair for keyboards in the future. This would be particularly beneficial for Android tablet users who frequently pair Bluetooth keyboards with their devices.

However, for Fast Pair to work with keyboards, manufacturers will need to implement this feature in new models. Existing keyboards are unlikely to support Fast Pair without updates. Hopefully, this enhancement will be ready in time for the launch of the Pixel Tablet 2, which is expected to include an official keyboard accessory.