I appreciate everyone's cooperation by providing me further details. I'd like to get deeper with the isolation so that we can be sure that this really caused by an update. Please do the following methods:
- Check the Bluetooth device if it works with other device. Try it on a smartphone or headphone and see if there would be any issues.
- Connect a headphone, or speaker on your PC and see if it produces any sound. This is to make sure that there are no issues with the device's hardware.
- Run the Audio troubleshooter just to be sure that this is not connected with the Bluetooth issue.
To run the troubleshooter, select the Start
button, type Troubleshoot, and then select Troubleshootfrom the list of results. Select Playing Audio >
Run the troubleshooter.
After doing steps and the issue still persists, let me know so I have a further look on what to advise you guys next.
I'll be waiting for your updates.
I concur with Peter's findings to your questions. But I would add the following:
I identify two acceptable behaviours and one unacceptable behaviour. For reference, I will define them below;
Use case 1: Bluetooth speaker and media device have independent volume controls. (I.E, volume on phone is min + volume on headphones are full = low volume. volume on both devices need to be on full for max sound)
Use case 2: Bluetooth speaker and media device have synced volume that can be controlled via either device. (I.E, when the volume on headphones are changed, the volume on the PC changes dynamically in real-time. Volume can be seen visually changing)
Use case 3: BROKEN - Volume on Bluetooth headphones can be changed to alter sound but volume bar on media device moves up and down without affecting the sound levels unless the slider is down to min, then sound is muted.
Samsung DA-E670 BT speakers with PC (Dell desktop or Asus laptop) BEFORE 1803 update = Use case 1
Samsung DA-E670 BT speakers with PC (Dell desktop or Asus laptop) AFTER 1803 update = Use case 3 !!!
Sennheiser PXC550 headphones with PC (Dell desktop or Asus laptop) BEFORE 1803 update = Use case 1
Sennheiser PXC550 headphones with PC (Dell desktop or Asus laptop) AFTER 1803 update = Use case 2
Sony Ericsson MW600 headphone with PC (Dell desktop or Asus laptop) AFTER 1803 update = Use Case 2
Samsung DA-E670 BT speakers with Samsung Galaxy S6 (Android 7.0) = Use case 1
Sennheiser PXC550 headphones with Samsung Galaxy S6 (Android 7.0) = Use case 1
Sennheiser PXC550 headphones with Nexus 7 2013 (Android 6.0.1) = Use Case 2
Samsung DA-E670 BT speakers with Nexus 7 2013 (Android 6.0.1) = Use Case 1
Sony Ericsson MW600 headphone with Nexus 7 2013 (Android 6.0.1) = Use Case 2
Sony Ericsson MW600 headphone with Samsung Galaxy S6 (Android 7.0) = Use Case 1
Use case 1 and 2 are acceptable but Use case 3 is not.
It is worth noting the same thing happened last year with my Nexus 7 after a major update that introduced this (Use Case 2) behaviour. It behaved like Use Case 3 with my DA-E670 speakers but after a while Android fixed it, now it acts like Use Case 1.
When PC is disconnected from BT device, sound is played from inbuilt speakers. Headphones connected Desktop or laptop work as expected.
All sound and Bluetooth troubleshooters have been run, multiples times.
I have latest update today.
I should work for MS at this rate, now I need to reset all my BT paired settings. Hope all this helps.