Microsoft has joined the Wireless Speaker and Audio Association, also known as WiSA, to bring support for wireless HD audio to Xbox One.

Wireless HD audio
WiSA was established in 2011, with one of the first members being Bang & Olufsen, maker of high-end audio. WiSA is a protocol for wireless HD audio that supports up to 7.1 surround in 24-bit uncompressed format with less than 5 milliseconds of latency.

Microsoft has joined the initiative with the goal of bringing wireless HD audio to gamers around the world.

- “We are excited to welcome Xbox and have them work alongside our speaker brand members to increase the inmarket system offerings that can be created through the interoperability of WiSA technology,” said Tony Ostrom, President of WiSA. “Xbox delivers a fantastic gaming experience with premier audio alongside a significant amount of content into the homes of consumers, including TV shows, movies and music. Together, we can create simple high-performance audio solutions through the integration of high definition wireless audio for all Xbox fans.”


Microsoft did not comment on its plans for Xbox but it is worth noting that any WiSA-capable speaker can enter into the wireless setup. Besides Microsoft Xbox, members of WiSA include Bang & Olufsen, LG, JBL, Pioneer, Onkyo, and Harman Kardon.

Xbox is the first video gaming brand to join the initiative, the group noted in its announcement. WiSA technology operates in the unused 5.2 to 5.8 GHz frequency spectrum and supports up to 7.1 surround.

Xbox One X launches on November 7 so we suspect that Microsoft has more to say on the matter very soon.

- Source: WISA