Auracast: The Groundbreaking Bluetooth Technology

Auracast: The Groundbreaking Bluetooth Technology

Auracast is a revolutionary feature of Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio that will change how we hear in homes and public venues. It's great for hearing aid wearers who use Bluetooth with their devices. Here's a summary of Bluetooth to Auracast.

What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a form of wireless communication between electronic devices, typically used to transmit audio. Bluetooth is everywhere, on the TV at home, playing your music in the car, your audio book through your earphones, and even taking phone calls through your hearing aids.

Bluetooth for Hearing Aids
Bluetooth was first introduced for hearing aids in 2005 by a big hearing aid manufacturer, Starkey. Years later, iPhone and Google created a Bluetooth feature, MFI for iPhone users, and ASHA for Android users. This allowed users to connect devices to their hearing aids via their device settings. However, hearing manufacturers wanted more for their cochlear implant and hearing aid users.

The Setbacks of the Current Bluetooth
Bluetooth as we know it has a transmission range of 30 feet or so, meaning walking too far from the device can weaken the signal and cause the user to hear crackling in their ears. One major drawback of Bluetooth has always been its 1-1 connection. E.g., You can stream to a car stereo, headphones, or hearing aids, but never all three at the same time, but Bluetooth Low Energy Audio aims to change that.

What is Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio?
Bluetooth 5.3 LE (Low Energy) Audio is a protocol that will become the new standard for the next 4-5 years. It hopes to make it easier for users to connect hearing aids.

Better sound quality, clarity, transmission range, & battery life
This Low Energy Bluetooth is more efficient & offers a way to send better quality audio signals from one device to another. It is predicted to improve sound quality & clarity, while significantly reducing the battery drainage of your headphones/hearing aids.

What is Auracast?
Auracast is transforming how we experience audio in the home. Auracast will allow multiple users to connect to a single audio source, like a TV, sound system, or any other audio source at the same time using their own Bluetooth devices (hearing aids, Bluetooth headphones, wireless earbuds, etc. This reduces the need for physical connections and avoids traditional Bluetooth limitations like the 1:1 connection. Whether you're watching TV, listening to music, or enjoying a movie night with family, Auracast makes it easier, more flexible, and more enjoyable to access audio with personalised control over the volume and sound. It’s a breakthrough that enhances convenience, accessibility, and the overall listening experience for everyone in the household.

Accessibility for Hearing Aid Users
Auracast is a game-changer for individuals with hearing aids. The direct audio feed from the TV or audio system eliminates the need for external microphones or hearing loops. This direct connection ensures clearer, better quality sound.

How Will Auracast Shape Listening to Television and Audio in the Home?

Multiple Listeners, Personalized Audio
Auracast enables friends or families to watch TV or listen to music without sharing headphones or using splitters. This is especially convenient for those wanting to enjoy high quality audio without compromising on comfort or worrying about disturbing others.

Enhanced Sound Quality and Range
Bluetooth LE Audio improves sound clarity and extends the range of audio transmission to 300 feet, unlike traditional Bluetooth (approx. 30 feet). This means users can move freely around the house without the signal dropping and continue listening as they go about their tasks. This means that no matter if you're sitting in the living room or moving around the house, you will still experience a more immersive home entertainment experience..

Reduced Background Noise & Distractions.
When using Auracast, you can turn off the TV speakers to reduce background noise in the house. Late-night TV watchers can enjoy their shows without disturbing others, or parents can prioritise tasks while their kids watch their show.

Simplified Setup and Compatibility
Setting up Auracast is straightforward now that most modern devices support Bluetooth LE Audio. First, ensure your audio source has an Auracast-enabled transmitter. Then easily connect and stream audio to multiple devices by selecting the audio source from your device’s settings.