The Future of Audio with Bluetooth Auracast
Bluetooth technology has undergone a remarkable evolution since its inception in the 90s. What began as a means for wireless headsets and file transfers between devices has now transformed into something far more extraordinary. From wireless speakers and keyboards to wearables and beacons, Bluetooth has become an integral part of our daily lives. And now, there’s a new player in the game—Bluetooth Auracast.
What Is Bluetooth Auracast?
Bluetooth Auracast is a groundbreaking feature within the Bluetooth LE Audio standard. It redefines the way we experience audio by allowing a single source to transmit to an unlimited number of listeners simultaneously. This opens up a world of exciting possibilities in wireless audio.
Key Features of Bluetooth Auracast
- Audio Sharing: Say goodbye to huddling around a single speaker. With Auracast, you can effortlessly share audio from your devices with multiple listeners, all enjoying it through their headphones or earbuds.
- Public Broadcasts: Imagine tuning in to audio from silent TVs in public places like bars, airports, and gyms. Auracast enables public audio broadcasts, transforming your listening experience.
- Assistive Listening: Auracast is a boon for those with hearing impairments. It can transmit directly to hearing aids or receivers, overcoming background noise in public areas. It also offers multi-language broadcasts in theaters and conference centers.
- Unlimited Listeners: Unlike traditional Bluetooth pairing, which is one-to-one, Auracast has no limits on the number of devices it can connect to. The only limitation is the transmitter’s range.
- CD-Quality Audio: Auracast broadcasts audio in uncompressed CD quality, ensuring a high-fidelity wireless audio experience.
- Encrypted Broadcasts: Protect your privacy with password-encrypted Auracast streams, ensuring only intended listeners can tune in. Public broadcasts remain open to nearby listeners.
- Low Latency: Bluetooth LE Audio significantly reduces latency, making it ideal for gaming, video streaming, and live music monitoring.
- Longer Battery Life: LE Audio is energy-efficient, conserving power for both transmitter and receiver devices.
- Translations: In venues with multiple language tracks, Auracast provides real-time translations through your headphones, making it a handy travel companion.
Auracast is set to revolutionize Bluetooth audio and introduce a plethora of new use cases.
How Does Bluetooth Auracast Work?
At the heart of Auracast is its ability to broadcast audio from a single transmitter to an unlimited number of receivers simultaneously. This is achieved through Bluetooth LE Audio, a part of the Bluetooth 5.2 specification.
Unlike classic Bluetooth, where audio transmission is one-to-one, Auracast creates an audio “bubble” where compatible receivers within range can tune in to the broadcast. The audio is transmitted in an uncompressed format, thanks to the advanced audio encoding scheme LC3plus, which ensures high fidelity while minimizing latency and power consumption.
Receivers scan for available Auracast streams, which can be open for anyone or encrypted for private listening. Once a receiver locks onto a stream, it decodes the audio in real-time, delivering it to headphones or speakers.
Multiple Auracast streams can coexist in the same area on different “channels” without interference, and the transmitter’s range varies based on its broadcasting power class.
Auracast also offers bidirectional communication, enabling features like volume control, track information display, and group muting. Private listening is secured with 128-bit AES encryption, preventing unauthorized access.
Which Devices Support Bluetooth Auracast?
While support for Auracast is still growing, any device equipped with Bluetooth LE Audio capabilities and proper software integration can transmit or receive Auracast broadcasts. Some of the early adopters include:
Transmitters:
- Select Samsung TVs (e.g., Neo QLED 8K, 2023 microLED TVs)
- Tablets (e.g., Samsung Galaxy Tab S8)
- Smartphones (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S23, Google Pixel 7, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, OnePlus 10T)
- Laptops (e.g., Dell XPS 13 Plus)
Receivers:
- Earfun Air Pro 3
- OnePlus Buds Pro 2
- Technics EAH-AZ60
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
- 1More ComfoBuds Mini
- Select hearing aids (VOCE by Nexum)
- Bluetooth 5.2 speakers or earphones with Auracast support
While the selection is currently limited, the future holds great promise. Any product with Bluetooth 5.2 can potentially support Auracast with a software update. Devices featuring Bluetooth 5.3 or later will likely come with LE Audio/Auracast by default.
Auracast Opens New Possibilities for Bluetooth Audio
As more devices embrace Bluetooth 5.2 and enable Auracast support, we are on the brink of witnessing novel use cases becoming a reality. While it’s still early days, the future is bright for shared, immersive wireless audio experiences.
Auracast breaks the boundaries of classic Bluetooth and ushers in a new era of seamless, high-quality audio streaming to an unlimited audience. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a frequent traveler, or someone with hearing impairments, Bluetooth Auracast is poised to enhance your audio world like never before.
