Audio
What is Bluetooth LE Audio, and what is Auracast?
Bluetooth LE Audio is the new way to send sound over Bluetooth: it uses the LC3 codec, which keeps good quality with less data and lower battery use. Auracast is one of its features: it lets one device broadcast the same audio to several earbuds or speakers at once, like a radio station.
What LE Audio improves
The LC3 codec delivers quality comparable to the basic SBC codec with less data, which helps save battery and keep the connection stable.
It can send an independent stream to each earbud (multi-stream), improving sync on true wireless earbuds, and it was also designed with hearing aids in mind.
What Auracast is
With Auracast, a phone, TV, or speaker can broadcast audio to any number of compatible receivers nearby. It is useful for sharing music with friends or in public places such as airport screens or gyms.
Both the broadcaster and the receiver must support LE Audio and Auracast. Older devices cannot get it from a software update alone if their hardware does not allow it.
What to check before you buy
- Check that both your phone and your earbuds list LE Audio or LC3.
- If you want to share audio with several people, look for Auracast support.
- Until all your devices have it, classic Bluetooth keeps working as usual.
Frequently asked questions
No. The phone needs compatible hardware and software. If it is not compatible, the earbuds connect over classic Bluetooth as always.