Bluetooth LE Audio improves wireless audio quality, introduces Auracast broadcast audio to let a TV broadcast audio to many more headsets, and adds supports for hearing aids.
The next generation of Bluetooth has arrived. LE Audio, or Low Energy Audio, is an umbrella term for a range of new technologies under the Bluetooth standard.
- "Today is a proud day for the Bluetooth SIG member community," said Mark Powell, CEO of the Bluetooth SIG. "Our members overcame the many challenges placed on them these past few years to complete the largest specification development project in the history of the Bluetooth SIG. LE Audio extends the boundaries of what’s possible for the wireless audio market, including the introduction of Auracast broadcast audio, a new Bluetooth capability that promises to deliver life-changing audio experiences to consumers, bringing friends and family closer together and making public locations more accessible and enjoyable for all. I can’t wait to see the innovation LE Audio brings."
New audio codec
First and foremost, Bluetooth LE Audio switches from the old SBC codec to a new audio codec called LC3 that should provide better audio quality at a much lower bitrate or higher audio quality at the same bitrate.
In one example, the group said that LC3 can provide slightly better audio quality at 50% lower bitrate, which at the same time improves power efficiency for longer battery life.
You can listen for yourself and compare below:
Auracast for TVs
A new feature relating to TVs and other source devices is Auracast, a broadcast audio system under the Bluetooth standard.
In the past, Bluetooth only supported point-to-point communication so connecting a BT headset to a TV was typically limited to one pair, or two pairs with limitations. With Auracast, a TV can broadcast one or more audio streams to as many headsets as needed, and the user will be able to select the source much like he/she would select a WiFi network (see example to the right). Alternatively via a QR code or NFC tag.
The Bluetooth SIG explains:
An unlimited number of in-range Auracast receivers will be able to join an Auracast broadcast from a nearby Auracast transmitter.
Auracast transmitters (e.g., smartphones, TVs, PA systems, etc.) will broadcast advertisements, notifying Auracast assistants (e.g., smartphones, smartwatches, etc.) that there is an Auracast transmission available in the area. The advertisement includes a name, whether the transmission is secured or open, and other information about the Auracast transmission.
Auracast assistants scan for these advertisements and provide a user interface (UI) to enable users to select an Auracast transmission, similar to the UI commonly used to connect to Wi-Fi networks in public spaces.
In addition, Bluetooth LE Audio will add support for hearing aids so they can seamlessly connect to, for example, TVs as well as Multi-Stream Audio to send perfectly synchronized audio streams separately to the right and left earbud in truly wireless earbuds.
First devices coming this year
The first devices to take advantage of Bluetooth LE Audio will launch in the coming months – supposedly this fall.
- "Initial consumer products supporting LE Audio, including those with Auracast broadcast audio, are expected to come to market in the coming months, and the Bluetooth SIG anticipates LE Audio product availability to ramp up as we approach the holiday season and end of the year," the Bluetooth SIG said.
