Bluetooth® technology has become such a mainstay that it’s hard to imagine a time without it. The reality is that it’s only been 20 years since Bluetooth cut the audio cord and powered a wireless revolution that connected people around the world — reaching across borders, cultures, interests, and generations.
Now, with more than two decades of innovation behind it, Bluetooth technology is once again changing the way we connect. Bluetooth LE Audio, the next generation of Bluetooth audio, will not only enhance audio performance, but it will bring all its benefits to people with hearing loss. Bluetooth LE Audio will also introduce Auracast™ broadcast audio, enabling us to enjoy music the way it was meant to be experienced – shared.
Auracast™ Broadcast Audio
Auracast™ broadcast audio holds the potential to significantly enhance your engagement with the world around you.
Imagine sharing the music you listen to on your smartphone with family and friends, broadcasting it directly to their headset, speakers, or earbuds. Auracast™ broadcast audio will help you connect with those who matter most.
With Auracast™ broadcast audio, public venues will be able to share audio that enhances your experience. You’ll be able to tune into TVs in airports, bars, and gyms. Cinemas, conference centers, and lecture halls will use Auracast™ broadcast audio to assist hearing-impaired visitors as well as provide simultaneous interpretation into multiple languages.
Bluetooth Hearing Aids
Wireless calling, listening, and watching have made people safer, more productive, and more entertained. Thanks to its low power, high quality, and multi-stream support, Bluetooth LE Audio enables the development of hearing aids that will bring all the benefits of Bluetooth® audio to the hearing loss community.
“Bluetooth® LE Audio will be one of the most significant advances for users of hearing aids and hearing implants.”
Stefan Zimmer, Secretary General of the European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association
A Better User Experience
From power savings to audio quality to improved usability, developers can use Bluetooth LE Audio’s features to significantly enhance the user experience. Extensive listening tests show that LC3 provides superior audio quality over the SBC codec included with Classic Audio for typical use cases such as listening to music, even at a 50 percent lower bit rate.
Leveraging the power savings provided by Bluetooth LE Audio, developers can design products that provide longer battery life or, in cases where current battery life is enough, reduce the form factor by using a smaller battery. And the new Multi-Stream Audio feature can improve the user experience in scenarios where multiple audio streams are in use; truly wireless earbuds can experience less latency, voice-control services can be more seamless, and switching audio between devices in multi-source situations can be much smoother.
Wireless audio is the largest Bluetooth® market, and, though mature, it’s hardly done growing. As the market continues to demand more — whether it’s longer battery life, smaller devices, higher quality, or lower latency — the introduction of Bluetooth LE Audio is evidence that the Bluetooth community will continue to deliver.
Learn more about what you can expect from Bluetooth LE Audio.
