Are you curious about the differences between Classic Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE), Bluetooth® LE Audio? Interested in the hype around AuracastTM?
Almost all of us use a Bluetooth® enabled device every day. It’s a technology that has revolutionized the way we connect to our world. And it’s getting a much-needed upgrade with Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio.
You are not alone… Understanding the benefits of this new connectivity standard takes time. To expand your knowledge and empower you to make informed choices, we’ve compiled common questions about Bluetooth® LE Audio and AuracastTM.
Let’s dive in and explore the exciting possibilities!
#1 – What is Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio, and how does it differ from classic Bluetooth audio?
Bluetooth LE Audio is the next generation of Bluetooth audio. Bluetooth LE Audio uses a new codec called Low Complexity Communication Codec (LC3) that changes how audio is transmitted via Bluetooth and replaces the Bluetooth Classic codec, which is called SBC (Sub-band Codec). The LC3 codec is designed to be a more efficient codec for transmitting audio. The result is a Bluetooth standard that improves efficiency (meaning less battery power is required to use it), as well as audio quality, because it’s a more modern codec. According to Bluetooth SIG (the special interest group that governs Bluetooth technology), it provides higher quality at the same data rates as SBC. The top line benefits according to Bluetooth SIG are: “improved audio quality, reduced power consumption and improved interoperability.” It is being described as one of the largest developments projects in the history of the Bluetooth SIG.
#2 – What is Auracast and how does it work?
Auracast is a groundbreaking feature of Bluetooth LE Audio that will allow a single source device, like a phone, to share and broadcast audio to an unlimited number of nearby compatible devices, including hearing aids, ear buds or headphones. Imagine entering a public space like an airport, gym, church or cinema, and being able to seamlessly tap into the venue’s audio system directly through your hearing aids or headphones. Auracast facilitates this by enabling public venues to broadcast audio that can be picked up by any compatible device within range, offering a personalized and inclusive listening experience for everyone.
Auracast is an inclusive type of technology as it is made for people with any hearing profile using earbuds, headphones, cochlear implants or hearing aids.
#3 – How do you connect to a broadcast? Is it possible to join a broadcast through a QR code?
The process of accessing an Auracast broadcast is actually very simple:
- An Auracast transmitter, such as a TV screen in a gym, starts a broadcast providing information to a compatible Bluetooth device.
- Then, you can tune into a broadcast using a compatible device, such as your smartphone or tablet, scanning for Auracast broadcasts. A list of the available broadcasts will appear on your smartphone.
- Finally, you select the broadcast you want to listen to, and you can begin listening to the audio immediately through your Auracast enabled receiver, which could include hearing aids, cochlear implants, or earbuds.
Bluetooth is finalizing the standardization of information that’s associated with being able to join a broadcast via a QR code.
#4 – What are the benefits of Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast for individuals with hearing loss?
The introduction of Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast brings a number of benefits for individuals with hearing loss, including:
- Improved audio quality: clearer and richer sound offering, enhancing the listening experience for individuals with hearing aids.
- Longer battery life: the low-power consumption of Bluetooth LE Audio means hearing aids can last longer between charges, reducing anxiety about battery life.
- Universal connectivity: Auracast enables users to connect their hearing aids to various audio sources in public spaces, making it easier to enjoy movies, announcements and music, thereby improving accessibility and participation in social settings.
- Simultaneous connections: users can connect their hearing aids to multiple devices at once.
#5 – How will Auracast change public spaces for individuals with hearing loss?
Auracast has the potential to transform public spaces into more inclusive environments for people with hearing loss. For example, in venues equipped with Auracast transmitters, individuals with compatible hearing aids or other devices can directly stream audio from live performances, lectures or public announcements. This direct streaming can greatly improve the clarity of sound and speech understanding in noisy environments. Auracast can also offer stereo and multistream like simultaneous translations, so people will be able to tune into a relevant stream for their preferred language.
#6 – Are there any challenges or limitations with Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast that we should be aware of?
While Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast offer many benefits, there are a few considerations:
- Adoption rate: the widespread adoption of Auracast in public and private spaces will take time. The full benefits of these technologies will be realized as more venues and devices become equipped with Auracast capabilities.
- Learning curve: some users may require assistance and education to understand how to connect to and navigate between different audio streams effectively.
#7 – What is next for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast?
Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast are poised to revolutionize the hearing care industry, ushering in a new era of connectivity and inclusion. As we look to the future, the potential of Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast in transforming the lives of people with hearing loss is truly exciting.
While it’s still early days, Auracast is expected to connect 3 billion devices and 2.5 million places by 2030, according to Bluetooth SIG. Hearing aids are a multi-year investment so it’s important that those buying hearing aids now are ready to connect in the future.
6 thoughts on “The future of connectivity: Understanding Bluetooth® Low Energy Audio and Auracast™”
What will the cost of these new hearing aids?
Hi Grafstrom. Thank you for reaching out to us and for your interest in the new hearing aids! Each hearing care clinic and professional provide their own pricing for new hearing aids and other fees. To find one near you, please visit: https://www.resound.com/en-us/find-a-professional. Thank you so much!
So I assume these will only be supported on newer devices and not be backwards compatible for my Quattro Lynx?
Hi Michael! Thank you for getting in touch with us. It’s a great question! Our latest hearing aids, the ReSound Nexia family, are our only line that features Auracast and Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio. For more questions, please contact your hearing care professional or visit https://www.resound.com/en-us/hearing-aids/resound-hearing-aids/resound-nexia or https://www.resound.com/en-us/hearing-aids/auracast-hearing-aids. Thank you so much!
Sounds great! Do you have any idea when Bluetooth LE and Auracast will be made available to the ReSound ENZO Q model?
Hi WJ. Thank you for reaching out to us! As of now, our ReSound ENZO line of hearing aids does not offer Bluetooth Low Energy Audio and Auracast compatibility. I would be happy to pass on feedback on your behalf that we’d like to see this added to a future ENZO product. Thank you so much!