Sonos, Inc.

Ken Hu

Ted M Lin

Jodi Vautrin

Jason Yore

Richard Bannon

Elizabeth Dolman

Matt Pandina

Chris Babroski

Matthew Moore

Robert Bermani

An example playback device is configured to determine a first characteristic associated with at least one of a first device, the playback device, or a context in which at least one of the playback device or the first device is operating. The playback device can further identify a particular connection configuration in a set of connection configurations based on the first characteristic. Each connection configuration in the set of connection configurations comprises at least one additional rule, in addition to any rule defined by a wireless communications protocol. A communication link is established with the first device via the communication interface in accordance with the wireless communication protocol and the particular connection configuration. The first communication link enables transmission of media content from the first device for playback by the playback device.

Smart wireless connection handling techniques

Examples described herein relate to management of concurrent audio streams from different sources. Portable playback devices, such as wearable wireless headphones and earbuds, as well as portable battery-powered speakers, may include multiple network interfaces for connection to different types of networks, such as an 802.11-compatible network interface for connection to wireless local area networks (e.g., Wi-Fi® networks) and an 802.15-compatible network interface for connection to a mobile device via a personal area network (Bluetooth®). Via such connections, the playback devices may receive two or more concurrent streams. By managing these streams according to playback policies, the portable playback devices may play the user's intended audio without necessarily requiring user input to explicitly select among the concurrent streams.

Audio playback management of multiple concurrent connections

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Boston, MA, United States of America

Ken Hu