Bluetooth 5.2’s Possibility-Filled Auracast™
In the 20+ years it has been around, Bluetooth has transformed how we work, play, and live by enabling wire-free audio streaming to headphones, earbuds, and speakers. Now, this point-to-point streaming technology has expanded its horizons. According to Bluetooth SIG (Special Interest Group), the future of Bluetooth—or at least the next evolution—lies in larger, public venues.
Auracast
Auracast, initially introduced as Audio Sharing, is a part of the Bluetooth LE Audio standard. Among other things, it enables:
- Personal sharing of a Bluetooth stream with someone close by
- An unlimited number of audio devices to simultaneously receive the same Bluetooth transmission; ideal for public spaces
- Multiple audio streams between Bluetooth devices; for example, it provides simultaneous streams to both TWS earbuds
As Bluetooth SIG explains it:
“Auracast broadcast audio is a new Bluetooth capability that will deliver life-changing audio experiences. It will let you share your audio, unmute your world, and hear your best, enhancing the way you engage with others and the world around you.”
It should be noted that, as with all Bluetooth upgrades, all devices in the loop must have the same Auracast technology to reap the benefits.
How It Works
There are several steps and new terms associated with Auracast that help define the technology.
- An Auracast Transmitter is a Bluetooth-streaming device (TV, smartphone, tablet, laptop, PA system, etc.) that can transmit an Auracast Broadcast.
- The Auracast Broadcast is made up of stereo audio streams as well as the necessary technical info called “Advertisements.” The Broadcast meets a set of designed configurations within the Public Broadcast (PBP) specification.
- An Auracast Assistant is a Bluetooth-capable device (smartphone, smartwatch, hearing aid remote, etc.) capable of deciphering the Advertisements and accepting the audio streams in order to pass them along to—or ”assist”—the destination Auracast Receiver. The Assistant provides a user Interface of some kind in order for the listener to join the Broadcast.
- The Auracast Receiver (headphones, earbuds, speakers, hearing aid, etc.) is a Bluetooth destination device capable of receiving an Auracast Broadcast through the Auracast Assistant.
How to Join an Auracast Broadcast
Bluetooth SIG envisions 3 easy ways to join a broadcast.
- One would be very similar to how we currently search and connect to a WiFi network
- Another might be a QR code
- The third would be similar to Tap to Pay except it would be Tap to Hear
The Future of Bluetooth in Public Locations
From airports to movie theaters, conference centers to gyms and doctors’ offices, Auracast can make it easier to hear what matters most.
- Muted TVs. Ever wish you could hear what’s on that TV playing in the airport, bar, gym, or doctor’s office? With Auracast, you can.
- Multi-language support. Conference and meeting centers with simultaneous translation services can let participants use their own Auracast hearing devices to follow along in their own language.
- Understandable PA systems. Poor acoustics and noisy backgrounds go hand in hand with many PA systems. Auracast will broadcast the audio feed into an individual’s own Auracast-enabled device, eliminating these problems. And there’s no limit as to how many devices in the area can receive the feed! This makes it ideal for airports, movie theaters, lecture and concert halls, houses of worship, etc. Those with hearing loss and compatible assistive listening devices will especially benefit. In fact, Bluetooth SIG made it a point to work with the hearing aid industry to develop this technology.
How feasible is this Future of Bluetooth vision?
Strategy Analytics put together data and research about the various possibilities of Auracast in public places. Their report identifies more than 60 million public locations in North America, Western Europe, and Asia Pacific that could benefit from Auracast as well as 7 million with a “clear strength-of-fit for deployment.”
Their conclusion?
“The future is brimming with innovation in envisioned use cases as well as many augmented listening experiences that have not yet been imagined.”
The Auracast Evolution—It Takes a Village
The development of Bluetooth 5.2’s Auracast involved many industry leaders. Here are quotes from three of them. These quotes and more can be found here:
Peter Liu, Pixel Ecosystem Products, Google:
“Bluetooth technology is extending its track record of innovation with the launch of Auracast broadcast audio. We are proud to work with the Bluetooth SIG and are excited to see this capability provide consumers with new, imaginative ways to connect with each other and hear their world.”
Zeng Xuezhong, Senior Vice President and President of Smartphone Department, Xiaomi Corporation:
“The introduction of Auracast broadcast audio will enable us to move from personal wireless listening experiences to shared wireless listening experiences, unlocking the full potential of wireless audio and bringing even more value and delight to our customers.”
Andrew Zignani, Research Director, ABI Research:
“Auracast broadcast audio is set to transform the way the world engages with wireless audio, enabling innovative new user experiences while delivering the next generation of assistive listening technology across a wide range of public venues. ABI Research expects the wireless and assistive listening industries to rapidly embrace LE Audio and Auracast technology, enabling more and more people to share their audio experiences with others, tune in to public broadcasts, and provide the hearing impaired with an easy to use, standardized, interoperable, and consistent assistive listening experience.”
Auracast Frequently Asked Questions
How long it takes for Auracast to roll out to the consumer remains to be seen. Bluetooth SIG has some relevant FAQs that address this very question as well as others surrounding the technology requirements:
“When do you expect products with Auracast broadcast audio to reach consumers?
We expect to see a few consumer products come to market quickly and anticipate product availability will then ramp up as we approach the holiday season and end of the year.
“What version of Bluetooth technology is required to implement Auracast broadcast audio?
Technically, for any product to support Auracast broadcast audio it must support specific features that were introduced in version 5.2 of the Bluetooth Core Specification as well as the Public Broadcast Profile within the set of LE Audio specifications.
“Will existing Bluetooth devices be able to transmit or receive Auracast broadcasts? Or will new software or hardware be required?
The new specifications allow for upgradability of existing products in the field. Whether field upgrades occur will depend on the underlying Bluetooth capabilities already in a device and the supplier’s product strategy. We do expect some product types will be upgradeable, but do not have visibility into specific product strategies. For certain Auracast transmitter categories such as TVs, we expect many will require a hardware upgrade. However, we also expect to see plug-and-play aftermarket Auracast transmitters used to add support for Auracast broadcast audio to TVs and other Auracast transmitter product types.
Auracast for Manufacturers and Retailers
So, for the near term, the Future of Bluetooth is Auracast, thanks to Bluetooth 5.2 LE Audio.
Keep your eyes—and ears—open to this next evolution in Bluetooth technology. If you’re a manufacturer, explore the possibilities. If you are a retailer or etailer, carry Auracast products when they become available.
We may first see Auracast in smaller scale applications such as True Wireless earbuds and speakers and Bluetooth headphones. Hopefully it won’t take too long for TVs, smartphones, and computers to follow—or at least the addition of an aftermarket plug-and-play Auracast transmitter as mentioned above.
As for the public space application, it may be a while longer. Its success will depend on the affordability of integrating it within existing systems as well as easy consumer access to compatible earbuds and headphones. In the meantime, if you’re not yet a Petra customer or vendor partner, see what we can do right now to help your business grow. Visit petra.com today!