Direct-to-ear audio delivers clearer, more immersive sound, allowing everyone, regardless of hearing ability, to fully engage in any environment. To advance audio accessibility, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) is equipping local advocates with the knowledge and tools to introduce Auracast™ broadcast audio where it can make the most impact.
Recently, the Bluetooth SIG hosted a new webinar that explained how to successfully advocate for Auracast™ broadcast audio in public venues. Avi Negrin, senior technical marketing manager, joined by Andrew Bellavia, AuraFuturity, discussed the impact Auracast™ deployments can have in public spaces, looked at real-world Auracast™ success stories, and shared resources and helpful tips for advocating for Auracast™ broadcast audio in local communities.
The impact of Auracast™ broadcast audio in public spaces
Auracast™ broadcast audio is redefining how audio is accessed in private and public environments. Instead of pairing one device to another, an Auracast™ transmitter can broadcast audio to an unlimited number of in-range Auracast™ devices; anyone with Auracast™ enabled earbuds, headphones, hearing aids, or speakers can tune in instantly and directly.
This capability opens up a wide range of use cases, such as enabling an airport terminal, conference center, or train station to make announcements available to everyone in range. It also allows venues like concert halls or theatres to create controlled audio streams to enhance audio accessibility or provide multi-language translation. Imagine being at a gym and streaming audio from the TV above straight to your earbuds or being in a stadium and choosing which language commentary you want to hear in real time.
Auracast™ broadcast audio is also positioned to be the next-generation assistive listening system (ALS). For someone with hearing loss, walking into a space supported by Auracast™ broadcast audio can be life changing. Instead of relying on clunky, specialized equipment that venues must manage, and that many people hesitate to use, anyone with hearing loss can use their personal Auracast™ enabled device, such as a hearing aid, earbuds, or headphones, to get direct-to-ear audio without barriers.
Real-world Auracast™ success stories
There are already more than 115 Auracast™ options on the market, and that number continues to accelerate as more companies build Auracast™ broadcast audio into their latest products. Even major consumer brands, like Google and Android, as well as some of the biggest names in headphones, earbuds, and hearing aids, are actively supporting Auracast™ broadcast audio in their devices. That means, when you go to buy your next pair of earbuds or update your hearing devices, there’s a good chance that Auracast™ broadcast audio will already be built in.
Additionally, Auracast™ transmitters are already being deployed in public venues. Large venues, such as stadiums, theaters, opera houses, etc, use Auracast™ broadcasts to provide audiences with clear announcements, better audio experiences, and reliable assistive listening. Smaller venues, such as houses of worship and community spaces, where accessibility solutions are needed most, use Auracast™ broadcast audio to connect more directly to their visitors and congregations.
Some of these real-world deployments include theatres, houses of worship, stadiums, and universities around the world.
- The Sydney Opera House deployed Auracast™ broadcast audio across multiple theatres, using it for live audio, audio description, and assistive listening. Now, patrons can enjoy performances with clearer sound or access descriptive audio right on their own devices. This is a major step forward in making the performing arts more inclusive.
- The Sydney International Conference Center became one of the first major convention spaces to adopt Auracast™ broadcast audio. Their focus has been on creating multi-purpose audio experiences from large conventions and small conferences to ballroom events. They have even added live language translation, opening the door to audiences who might not otherwise be able to participate fully.
- Christ Presbyterian Church in Minnesota, US introduced Auracast™ broadcast audio, using it for live worship, audio music streaming, multi-language/multilingual services, and assistive listening. For a smaller congregation, this kind of technology makes participation easier and more inclusive for everyone.
- God First Church in the UK, with a seating capacity of nearly 500, deployed Auracast™ broadcast audio to expand access for members. Like many houses of worship, they run a wide variety of programs and events, so the ability to offer direct-to-ear audio has immediate value.
- Grace Lutheran Church in Illinois, US deployed Auracast™ broadcast audio to support a range of applications, including live worship services, music events, meetings, and other programs. Members can connect directly using their own audio devices, eliminating barriers and making participation feel more natural.
- Stadium Taranaki in New Zealand, with a seating capacity of more than 21,000, uses an Auracast™ solution that allows fans to access real-time commentary, multi-language broadcasts, and assistive listening all directly in their own earbuds or hearing aids. This transforms the stadium experience, giving every attendee the chance to follow the action in the way that works best for them.
- The University of Arts London rolled out an Auracast™ deployment for its creative computing space to support live audio streaming and collaborative events. Whether it’s a course being taught or a workshop, students can connect instantly and hear every detail, no matter where they are in the room.
- The University of St. Andrews in the UK introduced Auracast™ broadcast audio in a key student affairs buildings. Their focus has been on meetings, rehearsals, and events where clear, reliable audio is critical, supporting high-quality audio, greater accessibility, and a more engaging experience for everyone.
Opera houses, theatres, conference centers, houses of worship, and universities all have different audiences and requirements, but Auracast™ broadcast audio seamlessly adapts to each space. And, Auracast™ broadcast audio is not just for large, high-profile venues. It is equally powerful in community-focused spaces. The result is the same across all of them — better accessibility and a richer audio experience.
Advocating for Auracast™ broadcast audio
Auracast™ broadcast audio can dramatically enhance audio accessibility, improve audio quality, and elevate visitor experiences in private and public spaces, but the challenge now is awareness. Not enough venues know about this technology, yet. Some may have heard of it but do not understand how easy it is to deploy. Others have yet to realize the difference it can make for their audiences. This is where advocacy comes in.
Advocacy is how we connect the promise of Auracast™ broadcast audio with the places where it can have the greatest impact. To advance audio accessibility, the Bluetooth SIG is equipping local advocates with the knowledge and tools to introduce Auracast™ broadcast audio where it can make the most impact.
To make advocacy easier, the Bluetooth SIG launched a dedicated Auracast™ advocacy resources hub where you can find a wide range of ready-to-use tools and guidance designed to give you exactly what you need to start conversations with venues and decision makers. And, it is open access, so anyone can use it; membership is not required, and you don’t need special permissions.
If you are interested in advocating for Auracast™ broadcast audio in your community, the resource hub is your starting point for the tools and practical guidelines that will help you make the case for Auracast™ broadcast audio.
Check out the webinar, How to successfully advocate for Auracast™ broadcast audio in public venues, to learn more.
