Bluetooth Auracast is one of the new features planned with Bluetooth LE Audio. It should considerably improve the possibilities of connection to a multipoint device, including in a public space.
Imagine walking into a museum and being able to connect your wireless headphones to an audio tour without asking anyone. This is the small revolution that wireless headsets and Bluetooth headphones are probably about to experience. Android Police tells us that the organization behind the Bluetooth standard, the SIG (Special Interest Group), is working on the integration of new functionalities, gathered under the name of Auracast, former “Audio Sharing”.
What is Auracast?
Auracast is part of Bluetooth LE (Low Energy), an energy-efficient feature set already deployed on many devices. SIG is currently working on a set of new Bluetooth LE features, including Auracast.
The first interesting addition of Auracast is that it allows the use of several headphones – or earphones, speakers, etc. — at the same time in a simpler way. It should be able to broadcast sounds to a multitude of devices, much like a mini radio that would be able to broadcast sounds all around it. Be careful though, when we talk about multipoint Bluetooth, it’s the opposite: the same headset can connect to several sources. There, several helmets can connect to the same source.
Android Police cites, for example, relatives or friends who could connect more easily on the same device. We can also imagine a television in a waiting room to which anyone could easily connect. The example of an audio tour of a museum can also be considered.
Easy accessibility
The other interest remains in the accessibility options that this new protocol opens up. The Bluetooth SIG writes as well as “While visiting a public place such as a transit center, cinema, conference center or place of worship, visitors will be able to receive audio broadcasts from the sound system directly to their Bluetooth headsets or Auracast-enabled hearing aids. » This considerably improves the options for the hearing impaired.
Don’t expect to see these features coming to your devices right away, though. Bluetooth LE audio should be deployed in the coming months and it will then be necessary to wait for the technology to be implemented by the brands and their developers.
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