Windows Phone 8.1 also has independent volume for Bluetooth and headphones

Windows Phone 8.1, released yesterday through the Preview for Developer program, sure has a lot of new features. We tried to document most, if not all, of those in our colossal review/overview of the OS, but as suspected some items will fall through the cracks.

Reader of the site Nicholas M. brought to our attention that 8.1 not only has independent volume levels for Ringer + Notifications versus Media + Apps, but also a separate volume slider for headphones. We looked into the finding and also discovered that there’s a fourth volume slider, one for Bluetooth.

If you were to plug in headphones into your 8.1 device and hit the volume key, you’ll be presented with the familiar volume control display but it now should read ‘Headphones’ near the top. That volume can then be set, and the device will remember it for the next time you plug in your ear cans.

Likewise for Bluetooth, which will show that particular connection near the top. It too has its own setting for volume, and like headphones, it will be remembered later when re-connected. Both Headphones and Bluetooth are independent of Ringer + Notifications versus Media + Apps, giving users technically four selections for volume.

We’re guessing those new features should make many of you even happier with Windows Phone 8.1, as it really makes things easier in our increasingly ‘connected’ world. Sound off in comments how you’ll make the best of this feature!

Daniel Rubino
Editor-in-chief

Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central. He is also the head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007, when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and watches. He has been reviewing laptops since 2015 and is particularly fond of 2-in-1 convertibles, ARM processors, new form factors, and thin-and-light PCs. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.