Do You Know? Auracast can broadcast Bluetooth audio to multiple supported headphones or speakers at the same time. Bose is now bringing the feature to its flagship QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2.
What changed
Bose has begun rolling out firmware update 10.12.12 for the $449 QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2. The update adds support for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast as beta features.
The headphones are the first Bose model identified in the report to support Auracast. Bose says it plans to bring the technology to more devices soon.
How Auracast works
Auracast allows a device to broadcast Bluetooth audio to any number of supported headphones or speakers simultaneously. Potential uses mentioned in the report include hearing airport gate announcements, following audio at a performance or lecture, and listening to television without disturbing others.
The technology may also provide additional hearing assistance. Some Samsung and LG televisions reportedly include Auracast functionality in their menus.
What the update includes
- Bluetooth LE Audio support
- Beta Auracast support
- Improved audio over wired USB connections
- Balance adjustments for gaming audio and chat
- Improved compatibility with web conferencing apps
What happens next
The firmware update has been rolling out quietly over the past few weeks. Bose spokesperson Tim Williams told The Verge by email that the second-generation QC Headphones are expected to receive the beta firmware next.
Auracast adoption has been slow since the technology was officially announced in 2022. The report says support remains limited to select headphones, earbuds and other devices from manufacturers including Sony, JBL, Samsung, Sennheiser and EarFun.
Why it matters
Bose is a widely recognized headphone brand, so its addition of Auracast could expand awareness of a feature designed for shared and accessible listening. However, using Auracast still requires compatible broadcasting and receiving devices.
Bottom Line
Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 are the company’s first headphones reported to support Auracast. Firmware update 10.12.12 adds the feature in beta, along with Bluetooth LE Audio and several USB audio improvements, while Bose prepares support for additional devices.
Source
This report is based on information published by The Verge.
