US Patent 11586413 Synchronous sounds for audio assistant on devices

The various implementations described herein include methods and systems for synchronous audio playback. In one aspect, a method is performed at each of a plurality of electronic devices, each having an audio system, an internal clock, processors and memory storing programs for execution by the processors. Each device is configured for two-way communications with a server and associated with a user account. The device receives an identification of a first device as a common clock device that has a first internal clock being designated as a master clock. The device receives a synchronized audio playback command that includes audio data to be output and a future playback time. In response to receiving the audio data, the device determines a synchronized audio playback time. If the determined synchronized audio playback time has not yet occurred, the electronic device outputs the audio data based on the determined synchronized audio playback time.