Bluetooth® technology stripped away the hassle of wires on headphones, speakers, and more, revolutionizing audio and changing the way we consume media and experience the world. Now, we stand on the threshold of another major Bluetooth audio innovation.
Bluetooth LE Audio, the next generation of Bluetooth audio, will not only support development of the same audio products and use cases as Classic Audio, but it will also enhance audio performance, add support for hearing aids, and enable the creation of new products and use cases.
In a virtual presentation delivered earlier this year at Embedded World 2021, Nick Hunn, CTO of WiFore Consulting, provided insight into what we can expect from this next generation of Bluetooth audio. Hunn, an integral contributor to the new Bluetooth LE Audio specifications, has worked with Bluetooth technology for more than 20 years and provides a key perspective on this revolutionary audio innovation.
Why We Need Bluetooth LE Audio
The concept of Bluetooth LE Audio began several years ago when hearing aid companies proposed the idea of developing a low-power version of Bluetooth® audio using the Bluetooth Low Energy radio to be compatible with hearing aids. But the need and use cases for a low-power audio solution expands well beyond those with hearing loss.
“Last year, about 500 million wireless earbuds were manufactured. It’s incredible growth.”
– Nick Hunn, WiFore Consulting
According to Hunn, market demand and changes in audio capability created new use cases for voice and audio streaming — such as voice assistance, true wireless stereo, and noise cancellation — beyond what Bluetooth audio was initially developed to support.
Currently, most of these capabilities are proprietary extensions built on top of the Bluetooth specification. While proprietary extensions may support new use cases, they create challenges when it comes to ensuring devices manufactured by one company work with devices from another.
Bluetooth LE Audio will support use cases in demand today as well as emerging use cases. Auracast™ broadcast audio is one such use case. “We see manufactures and users coming to us and saying we actually want to be able to wear our earbuds and move from one product to another product,” said Hunn. “People want a whole new ecosystem where they use audio flexibly, and that will be a mix of voice and media. We’ve tried to provide that capability, making audio far more encompassing.”
FEATURED INNOVATION
Auracast™ Broadcast Audio
A new, global consumer service, Auracast™ broadcast audio will deliver audio accessibility and enhanced listening experiences for everyone, improving the way you engage with others and the world around you.
Auracast™ Broadcast Audio
Traditionally, Bluetooth® audio devices supported a one-to-one connection, such as a smartphone paired with a headset. Hunn says there’s a strong demand for flexible audio experience capable of connecting to multiple devices to share music.
There is also a desire to see better solutions for audio support in public venues beyond telecoil. Auracast™ broadcast audio will enable the next generation of assistive listening systems (ALS) and allow public venues — such as airports, bars, gyms, cinemas, conference centers, places of worship, and more — to use Bluetooth audio to enhance experiences for people with hearing loss.
The wider consumer industry is also looking for new ways to share music. With Auracast™ broadcast audio, users in public environments will be able to tune directly into a venue’s music or announcements rather than just listening in the background.
According to Hunn, in addition to Auracast™ broadcast audio, the market needs low power, low latency, higher quality, and support for new topologies and use cases. All these features are part of Bluetooth LE Audio.
FEATURED INNOVATION
Bluetooth LE Audio
Bluetooth® LE Audio will enhance the performance of Bluetooth audio, add support for hearing aids, and introduce Auracast™ broadcast audio, an innovative new Bluetooth capability with the potential to once again change the way we experience audio and connect with the world around us.
New Market Forecasts for Bluetooth Audio
Building on nearly 25 years of audio Bluetooth® innovation, Bluetooth LE audio and Auracast™…
2024 Bluetooth® Market Update
The 2024 Bluetooth® Market Update examines the direction and adoption of Bluetooth technology.
Now Available: New Bluetooth Market Research
The Latest Bluetooth Market Research For the last few years, the Bluetooth Special Interest…
Auracast™ Broadcast Audio, The Next Generation of Assistive Listening in Public Spaces
Hearing loops and telecoils have long been the standard for assistive listening in public…
Auracast™ Broadcast Audio Continues to Make Headlines With Major Media
Auracast™ broadcast audio is a new Bluetooth® capability that will deliver life-changing audio experiences.…
Auracast™ Broadcast Audio Retrofit Solutions and Opportunities
This report by ABI Research delves into the opportunity for public spaces to offer…
Bluetooth Technology Is Pioneering the Hearing Aid Innovations of the FutureBluetooth技術が切りひらく補聴器イノベーションの未来
In an industry where innovation and accessibility intertwine, Panasonic has emerged as a pioneering…
![packetcraft logo tagline[1]](https://www.bluetooth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/packetcraft_logo_tagline1.png){kind=logo}
Auracast Vision Catches Mainstream Wind at CES 2024 - Bluetooth LE Audio Highlights
At CES 2024 in Las Vegas earlier this year, LE Audio-enabled products were showcased…
3 Most Frequently Asked Questions at The Auracast™ ExperienceAuracast™ Experienceで多く寄せられた3つの質問
Within the last year, Auracast™ broadcast audio has created quite a stir throughout the…
ReSound Nexia - Made for Auracast
ReSound Nexia is the industry-first hearing aid to connect to Bluetooth Low Energy Audio…
Developing Auracast™ Receivers with an Assistant Application for Legacy Smartphones
This guide describes a standards compliant approach to developing Auracast™ receivers that work with…
Packetcraft Enables First-to-Market Auracast Broadcaster from Ampetronic and Listen Technologies
Ampetronic and Listen Technologies have rolled out the first Auracast audio broadcaster.
What's the Range of Auracast™ Broadcast Audio?
Get the answer to the question everyone’s asking. Find out what the coverage area…
![2312 CES Handout Images FINAL existing pdf 464x600[1]](https://www.bluetooth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2312_CES_Handout-Images_FINAL-existing-pdf-464x6001-1.jpg)
Can You Add Auracast™ Support to Existing Devices?
Are you waiting for native Auracast™ support? You might not have to. Find out…
![2312 CES Handout Images FINAL unlimited pdf 464x600[1]](https://www.bluetooth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2312_CES_Handout-Images_FINAL-unlimited-pdf-464x6001-1.jpg)
Is the Number of Auracast™ Receivers Really Unlimited?
Not convinced? Learn how an unlimited number of Auracast™ receivers can join a single…
Auracast™ Simple Transmitter Best Practices Guide
This paper provides a set of clear, concise, and useful recommendations for product makers interested in building Auracast™ transmitter products.
AuracastTM Broadcast Audio Demo from EUHA Conference
In this video, Andrew Bellavia shares his experience demoing the new Auracast™ broadcast audio…
Advancing Audio Accessibility For All
How can we make hearing more inclusive and accessible for all? Get the key…
The 2023 State of Sound Report: A global analysis of audio consumer behaviors and desires
The State of Sound report compiles key findings from extensive audio research with consumers…
2023 Bluetooth® Market Update
Featuring new market insights and industry forecasts from ABI Research and other analyst firms...
Introducing Bluetooth® LE Audio
Now available for free digital download, get your copy of this in-depth, technical overview of the LE Audio specifications.
