My PC can play a bunch of audios at once, like multiple youtube videos, Spotify, a DVD etc. But why can’t my phone play, for example, Spotify at the same time as I’m watching a video. I understand why multiple tabs can’t play music at the same time but what about different apps?
Thanks yall
In: Technology
Your phone has the technical capability to do it. The limitation is placed there by the makers of the apps, who don’t want you listening to multiple things at once and will automatically pause if you’re not in the app, or pause other apps when you start audio in their app. But it is certainly possible if the apps don’t have rules built-in against that. Happens to me all the time inadvertently lol
Phones can. The OS just allows apps to request dedicated audio access that pauses other app audio. And most developers choose this, because they want you to hear their content uninterrupted and assume this helps the users. And I would agree in most cases. The redreader reddit app I’m using does not do this. And I must admit, kind of annoying.
Here’s the info the android version: https://developer.android.com/media/optimize/audio-focus
Windows I imagine assumed the users will use the volume mixer to do it themselves.
maybe it’s just how phones are built.. missing those super fancy audio chips pcs have. also phones like to save battery so they pick one thing at a time. but hey at least we can still jam out on the go right
This was answered here: https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/s/4nqSPE8RI8
Phones can do that. If you have WhatsApp, try listening to music and playing an audio message at the same time
As others have said, your phone can do it, it’s just programmed not to. There are multiple apps for Android that can get around this, such as sound assistant. They probably exist for Apple too, I’m just not familiar with that OS.
phones are kinda limited compared to pcs like they focus more on power saving and battery life. plus they juggle tasks differently. it’s like a party where phones prefer one DJ at a time.
Just tested this on my Samsung.
If I open two apps in split screen I can have two videos of audio playing at once while also having Spotify playing music in the back.
To take it a step further
Scenario A – that allows me to have music at work while still using phone as normal.
– Spotify plays on one Bluetooth speaker
– Instagram reels plays on my phone speaker
Scenario B – never really need to use this but it’s possible.
– Spotify plays on Bluetooth speaker 1
– YouTube plays on Bluetooth speaker 2
– Reels play on my phone speakers
Scenario 3 – the one I use the most
– Spotify plays on two Bluetooth speakers simultaneously to allow for double the sound at parties or work when I want it loud.
Seems it’s just a limitation set by the makers of the phones that don’t want you living your best life as I can do all this without any 3rd party apps or rooting phone etc etc
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