Auracast is a groundbreaking technology that implies one of the most significant changes in the development of wireless audio.
Imagine that from now on, you can transmit audio from a single device to multiple compatible receivers simultaneously, without the need to pair each one separately. For years, Bluetooth has been the foundation of wireless audio transmission, but traditionally it connected a source primarily to one receiver or a few previously paired devices. Auracast expands this model, enabling the broadcasting of a single audio stream to multiple compatible receivers simultaneously. This solution can significantly impact how audio is used both at home and in public spaces.
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What exactly is Auracast technology?
Auracast is an audio broadcasting technology developed within the Bluetooth LE Audio standard. It enables transmitting a single signal to multiple receivers simultaneously. Instead of a traditional point-to-point connection, a user can join a selected broadcast on compatible wireless headphones, a speaker, or a hearing aid. Such audio streaming facilitates both shared listening and the reception of announcements, translations, or audio descriptions in public places.
The technology uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and the LC3 codec, allowing it to provide high-quality audio, stable sound transmission, and low power consumption. In practice, this means that compatible Bluetooth devices can receive the same Bluetooth audio without the need for separate pairing with each receiver.
Bluetooth LE Audio and the LC3 codec – the foundation of the new solution
Bluetooth LE Audio uses the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio, which was previously associated mainly with sensors, fitness trackers, and low-power devices. The new architecture has also been designed with audio transmission in mind. Its key element is the LC3 codec, which stands for Low Complexity Communications Codec.
The LC3 codec allows for high-quality audio to be maintained at a lower bit rate than solutions previously used in classic Bluetooth. The manufacturer can allocate the achieved savings to better quality, a more stable connection, or low power consumption. However, this does not mean that every LC3-enabled device automatically sounds better than every model using SBC, AAC, aptX, or LDAC. The final result also depends on the transducers, tuning, and electronics.
For broadcast applications, low latency is also important. When a user listens to a speaker standing a few meters away or receives audio from a TV, the signal in the headphones should not noticeably deviate from the image or directly audible sound. The LC3 codec and LE Audio mechanisms facilitate real-time audio and precise synchronization.
Multi-stream audio in headphones
One of the more important changes is multi-stream audio. In classic TWS headphones, the signal often went to one earbud first, and then was relayed to the other. Bluetooth LE Audio allows the source to transmit independent, synchronized streams directly to the left and right receivers.
Such multi-stream audio can improve stability, channel balance, and audio synchronization. It also facilitates the design of devices where the left and right earbuds operate more independently. In the case of a hearing aid, a similar mechanism allows a suitably tailored channel to be delivered to each ear.
Auracast extends this concept beyond a single headset. The transmitter can share one or more streams with multiple people. For TV, these could be, for example, different language versions, a track with clearer dialogues, or audio description. Thus, multi-stream audio does not mean only stereo, but also the ability to choose the appropriate version of the same program.
What is ANC in headphones?
How does Auracast work in Bluetooth headphones?
To start reception, the user searches for available Auracast broadcasts on a compatible phone, TV, or other assistant. Then, they select the broadcast name, and the device transmits the necessary reception information to the headphones. Public broadcasts can be open, while private broadcasts may require an access code.
Auracast Audio enables multiple receivers to join without separately pairing each set with the transmitter. This is an important difference compared to the classic model, where each audio device creates its own point-to-point connection. Auracast Audio provides more scalable audio sharing within a group and allows for separate volume settings on each receiver.
Shared listening can work at home, while traveling, or in a public place. Two people can receive the same movie on their headphones, a group of participants can listen to a presentation, and a hearing aid user can receive a signal from a microphone. In each case, the audio broadcast originates from a single source but is received by multiple devices.
Is Bluetooth 5.2 compatibility sufficient?
No. Bluetooth 5.2 compatibility alone does not guarantee support for LE Audio or Auracast. The Bluetooth version indicates the capabilities of the technology used, but manufacturers are not required to implement all available features. A device may have Bluetooth 5.2, 5.3, or 5.4 and still only support classic audio profiles.
Before purchasing, look for clear information: Bluetooth LE Audio, LC3 codec, Broadcast Audio, or Auracast. It is also worth checking whether the feature works immediately or requires a software update. OTA updates can activate a pre-prepared solution, but they are not always able to add it to a device lacking the appropriate components and manufacturer implementation.
Bluetooth 5.2 compatibility is therefore only an indication, not a confirmation. Equally important is compatibility with audio devices on both sides of the connection. The transmitter must be able to initiate the broadcast, and headphones, a speaker, or a hearing aid must support its reception.
The “Bluetooth 5.2” label on the packaging should not be treated as a synonym for Auracast. Information about Bluetooth 5.2 compatibility should be sought together with the names of specific profiles, codecs, and broadcast functions.
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Auracast audio broadcasts at home
Multiroom systems and Auracast can complement each other, but they solve different problems. Multiroom distributes music throughout a home or facility and typically uses a Wi-Fi network. Auracast allows a listener to join a local broadcast on their own headphones, speaker, or hearing aid.
In a home installation, multiroom systems can be responsible for room sound reinforcement, while Auracast can provide private TV listening. In a hotel or conference center, multiroom systems can play background music, and a separate Auracast broadcast can transmit a presentation, announcement, or sports commentary.
Therefore, it should not be assumed that Auracast will replace all multiroom systems. It is rather a new layer of audio access that can operate alongside existing installations. The future of wireless audio will likely rely on the cooperation of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and wired solutions, depending on the application.
| Solution | Main application | Connection method |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Bluetooth audio | Headphones, speaker, calls | Most often one receiver or multipoint |
| Auracast | One broadcast for many receivers | Local broadcast transmission |
| Multiroom systems | Music in multiple rooms | Usually Wi-Fi network and application |
Public spaces, audio guides, and audio accessibility
Auracast’s greatest potential can be revealed where many people want to listen to a single source. Airports, train stations, museums, lecture halls, cinemas, sports facilities, and places of worship can provide speech, public announcements, commentary, translation, or audio descriptions without distributing a separate receiver to each guest.
In a museum, audio guides can be broadcast in several languages, and visitors select the appropriate stream on their own device. In a cinema or theater, audio descriptions and a hearing-assisted track can be provided. In a conference room, broadcast audio from a microphone can go directly to headphones and hearing aids.
Such applications increase audio accessibility. A person using a hearing aid does not have to rely solely on the room’s speakers. They can receive speech directly, with a volume adjusted to their own needs. Auracast audio also provides the option to choose a different language or a version with enhanced dialogue.
The technology also fits the silent disco format. Instead of a closed set of transmitters and rented headphones, the organizer can prepare several channels, and participants join the chosen music on devices supporting Auracast technology. However, implementation depends on the availability of compatible equipment and how transmissions are managed.
What devices support Auracast?
Devices supporting Auracast are now available for regular sale. The technology primarily appears in portable Bluetooth speakers, wireless headphones, TWS models, and hearing assistance devices. Compatible equipment is offered by JBL, Creative, Samsung, Sennheiser, Sony, Jabra, and Technics, among others.
One of the more affordable examples is the JBL Go 4, available from Partner Tele.com. Auracast allows connecting two such speakers to achieve stereo sound, or creating a larger setup with several compatible JBL models. This allows music to be played simultaneously in several locations without separately connecting each speaker to a smartphone.
Among headphones, an example is the Creative Zen Air Plus, which can receive Auracast transmissions. The user can therefore join a shared audio stream without classic pairing with the source. Compatible headphone and earbud models from brands like Samsung, Sony, and Sennheiser operate similarly.
Auracast performs various functions depending on the type of equipment. A speaker can broadcast sound to other devices, headphones receive the selected transmission, and a smartphone or TV can help in finding and launching it. This allows the technology to be used both for shared music listening and for receiving audio from a TV, presentations, announcements, or translations.
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