What is Auracast and how does it work?
Have you ever wished you could directly share your music to friends’ headphones, or tune in to a tour guide’s commentary into your Hearing Aids? Auracast is a game-changing audio tech that makes this possible. But what exactly is it and how does it work?
What is Auracast?
Auracast transforms a compatible audio source device – such as a compatible Hearing AId, smartphone, laptop or TV – into a wireless audio transmitter, allowing it to stream sound to multiple receivers simultaneously.
Unlike traditional Bluetooth, which limits you to one-on-one pairing, Auracast is all about shared listening in private or public.
Auracast-enabled devices can join the audio stream with no pairing required, whether you’re watching a movie with friends, following a museum tour, busting moves at a silent disco, or listening for gate updates at a noisy airport.
How does it work?
At the heart of Auracast is Bluetooth LE Audio, a more energy efficient version of Bluetooth. Bluetooth LE Audio delivers better sound quality at lower bitrates, which means source devices use less power while still sounding great. It’s particularly handy for compact devices like true wireless earbuds and even hearing aids. When an Auracast broadcast is transmitted, such as playing music on your phone, others in the vicinity can find it on their device – much like joining a Wi-Fi network – and simply tune in with a tap.
What are the benefits and advantages?
Auracast can (theoretically) support an unlimited number of connected, compatible devices – from enjoying music, podcasts or movie audio with a few friends (each using their own headphones) to wider broadcasts like public transport announcements, tour commentaries, and more.
It also benefits those with hearing loss, enabling them to stream clear audio directly to compatible hearing aids or earbuds in venues like churches, classrooms, or theatres. And because it’s a feature of Bluetooth LE Audio, Auracast uses less energy than traditional Bluetooth, which means longer battery life for your ear gear.
Ultimately, Auracast makes wireless audio more social, inclusive, and practical.
How do I get Auracast and Bluetooth LE Audio?
Auracast is a feature of Bluetooth LE Audio, so both the source and receiving devices must support Bluetooth v5.2 or later versions, as well as the Public Broadcast Profile (PBP) within the Bluetooth LE Audio standard. Some Bluetooth v5.2 (and above) devices may not support LE Audio, so always check the specs first to confirm compatibility.
Home theatre applications
Auracast isn’t just for personal listening; it can also be used for home theatre entertainment by enabling wireless multi-speaker setups, letting you create a surround sound experience.
However, to work seamlessly, all devices – soundbar, speakers, headphones –must support Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast.
Since the tech is not backwards compatible, older generation devices won’t automatically sync. However, a workaround can be a central media hub or receiver that bridges classic Bluetooth with Auracast to link different generations of audio gear.
Public Venue applications
Auracast commercial Transmitters are becoming more mainstream in places like Theatres (Like the Moncrieff Theatre) and public venues (Like the Multiplex).
You can simply patch into the feed by generally scanning a QR Code in the building or looking for the correct Bluetooth signal using your phone Bluetooth settings. That way whether you are wearing Auracast enabled Hearing Aids or Auracase enabled earbuds, everyone can simultaneously enjoy the sounds of the performance with complete clarity.
Until venues catch up, a partner or table microphone does much the same job today. See the assistive listening devices in Bundaberg we keep in the clinic to try.