New Audio Streaming Technology For Public Places
Hearing aids, headphones, and all kinds of devices now have a new technology called Auracast for clear audio in public places. And it’s easy to connect.
What is Auracast?
Auracast is a newer—and frankly quite revolutionary—version of Bluetooth where one device can broadcast audio to other devices without needing the connect through the usual ‘pairing’ process.
All kinds of hearing devices can receive the audio (ear buds, headphones, hearing aids, etc.), not just those for hearing loss, meaning that it’s useful for everyone.
The transmitter can be a computer, TV, or other device that you can control yourself, becoming useful within the home or even work.
Where this technology really comes into its own, however, is in a public place where you need to hear announcements, such as train stations.
Auracast vs Bluetooth
Bluetooth is the technology, and Auracast is a feature of recent devices with Bluetooth.
Bluetooth began with just two features: One for making calls and another for streaming music. There have been many since, but the new one for public broadcasting is the revolutionary new feature that you may well use in the near future.
Auracast vs Hearing Loop
While both Auracast and hearing loops help users to hear nearby sounds more clearly, the technology and the way you connect to them is very different.
Hearing loops are an electrical current passing through a coil of wire nearby and a small one is also in your hearing device. Once the audiologist has enabled this functionality for you, a hearing loop will require you to switch your device to a ‘T’ mode and stand close to the hearing loop.
Multiple Auracast devices can transmit audio at the same time nearby without having to stand in any specific spot. This allows you to select which broadcast you’d like to listen to at that time. This is possible using the settings for your hearing device on a phone.
Some hearing aid users may still opt for hearing loop, but for those who do try Auracast will have more choice in what they listen to and more physical freedom.
Which Devices Have Auracast?
Recent models of hearing aids with Bluetooth may well already support Auracast, but not all of them. The same goes for earbuds, headphones, phones, etc.
Before a device can be advertised as Auracast compatible, it must undergo certain tests to make sure that it will work flawlessly.
This means that not all new devices are required to be compatible with the newest feature of Bluetooth, so it’s worth checking before you purchase.
