For more than 25 years, developers around the world have relied on Bluetooth® technology’s tremendous flexibility to create a wide range of full-stack, fit-for-purpose solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of wireless connectivity.
Thanks to the support of a dedicated community of wireless innovators, the same wireless platform can stream high-quality audio between a smartphone and a speaker, transfer data between a tablet and a medical device, and send messages between thousands of nodes in a building automation solution. The technology has become so ubiquitous that, often, we forget it is Bluetooth technology that powers key features in our favorite wireless devices.
Almost every year, new and better versions and features of the technology are released, driving the development of a whole host of cutting-edge wireless devices, and 2024 was no exception. This year, the Bluetooth community broke new barriers through the ongoing proliferation of Auracast™ broadcast audio and the adoption of Bluetooth® Channel Sounding.
Helping Your World Sound Better
Auracast™ broadcast audio is a new Bluetooth® capability that will let you share your personal audio experience with family and friends, unmute silent TVs in public venues like sports bars and gyms, and help you hear your best in supported Auracast™ locations, such as conference halls, transit centers, and places of worship – creating new scalability options for assistive listening solutions that better support hearing aid users while also opening audio accessibility opportunities for visitors with all levels of hearing health.
“The most exciting development in 2024 for our industry was the advancement of Auracast™ broadcast audio,” said Kim Franklin, VP of global marketing for Listen Technologies. “Connecting personal Bluetooth® devices and professionally manufactured receivers directly to a shared audio source is transformative for assistive listening. This means providing solutions that make audio more accessible in public spaces, from theaters and classrooms to museums and corporate settings.”
“The most exciting development in 2024…was the advancement of Auracast™ broadcast audio.”
– Kim Franklin, Listen Technologies
Already, there is a range of Auracast™ enabled transmitters, receivers, and retrofit solutions available, or soon-to-be available, on the market. Auracast™ broadcast audio is even being deployed in real-world locations to enhance visitor experiences across conference centers and festivals, and the response from those who have experienced it has been overwhelmingly positive.
“In 2025, we anticipate two key trends shaping Bluetooth® technology in assistive listening,” said Franklin. “First, expanded Auracast™ adoption will enable multiple users to connect to a single audio source, making it ideal for widespread use in public venues and significantly enhancing accessibility. Additionally, broader industry integration is expected to extend audio accessibility globally, aligning with our mission to make audio available everywhere.”