STACK #249 July 2025

TECH FEATURE

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Home theatre applications

audio with a few friends (each using their own headphones) to wider broadcasts like public transport announcements, tour commentaries, and more. It also benefits those with hearing loss, enabling them to stream clear audio directly to compatible hearing aids or earbuds in venues like churches, classrooms, or theatres. And because it’s a feature of Bluetooth LE Audio, Auracast uses less energy than traditional Bluetooth, which means longer battery life for your ear gear. Ultimately, Auracast makes wireless audio more social, inclusive, and practical. How do I get Auracast and Bluetooth LE Audio? Auracast is a feature of Bluetooth LE Audio, so both the source and receiving devices must support Bluetooth v5.2 or later versions, as well as the Public Broadcast Profile (PBP) within the Bluetooth LE Audio standard. Some Bluetooth v5.2 (and above) devices may not support LE Audio, so always check the specs first to confirm compatibility. Auracast isn’t just for personal listening; it can also be used for home theatre entertainment by enabling wireless multi-speaker setups, letting you create a surround sound experience. However, to work seamlessly, all devices – soundbar, speakers, headphones –must support Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast. Since the tech is not backwards compatible, older generation devices won’t automatically sync. However, a workaround can be a central media hub or receiver that bridges classic Bluetooth with Auracast to link different generations of audio gear.

Have you ever wished you could directly share your music to friends’ headphones, or tune in to a tour guide’s commentary? Auracast is a game-changing audio tech that makes this possible. But what exactly is it and how does it work. Let’s break it down. Words Scott Hocking CAST AWAY

What is Auracast? Auracast transforms a compatible audio source device – such as a smartphone, laptop or TV – into a wireless audio transmitter, allowing it to stream sound to multiple receivers simultaneously. Unlike traditional Bluetooth, which limits you to one-on-one pairing, Auracast is all about shared listening in private or public. Auracast-enabled devices can join the audio stream with no pairing required, whether you're watching a movie with friends, following a museum tour, busting moves at a silent disco, or listening for gate updates at a noisy airport.

How does it work? At the heart of Auracast is Bluetooth LE Audio, a more energy efficient version of Bluetooth. Bluetooth LE Audio delivers better sound quality at lower bitrates, which means source devices use less power

while still sounding great. It’s particularly handy for compact devices like true wireless earbuds and even hearing aids. When an Auracast broadcast is transmitted, such as playing music on your phone, others in the vicinity can find it on their device – much like joining a Wi-Fi network – and simply tune in with a tap. What are the benefits and advantages? Auracast can (theoretically) support an unlimited number of connected, compatible devices – from enjoying music, podcasts or movie

Tune in to Auracast!

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14 JULY 2025

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