Auracast™ broadcast audio, based on Bluetooth LE Audio, is now available for public locations. As public venues begin to implement Auracast™ in 2023 and beyond, it will revolutionize the future of audio for use cases such as:

• Silent screens
• Tour systems
• Multi-language support options

With registered Auracast™ transmitters for public use, the next generation of augmented/assistive listening is occurring in large and small venues such as:

• Airports
• Conference centers
• Gymnasiums
• Cinemas
• Houses of worship

What is Auracast™ Broadcast Audio

Per the Bluetooth SIG, “Auracast™ broadcast audio enables audio transmitters, such as smartphones, laptops, televisions, or public address systems, to broadcast audio to an unlimited number of nearby receivers, including speakers, earbuds, or hearing devices.

Auracast™ assistants, such as smartphones, smartwatches, or hearing aid remotes, will scan for Auracast™ advertisements and provide a user interface (UI) to enable users to select an Auracast™ broadcast to join, similar to the UI commonly used to connect to Wi-Fi networks in public spaces.”

Qualify an Auracast™ Product

Broadcast audio includes a set of defined configurations of Bluetooth® broadcast audio which are specified within the Public Broadcast Profile (PBP) specification. To qualify an Auracast™ product, you need to complete the Bluetooth Qualification Process through Launch Studio.

Product developers who qualify their products to the PBP through the Bluetooth Qualification Process and meet the additional requirements of use that are detailed in the Brand Guide for Bluetooth Trademarks can be licensed to use the Auracast™ trademarks in association with those qualified products.

The Basic Audio Profile (BAP) and the Common Audio Profile (CAP) describe how a device can advertise and transmit broadcast Audio Streams. And to ensure interoperability, certain broadcast audio stream configurations are required for synchronizing the broadcast.

Other, higher-quality broadcast audio stream configurations are also possible, collectively defined as a group of High-Quality Public Broadcast Audio configurations in the specification.

Work with Qualified Consultants for Product Development

If you have questions about Auracast™, contact Michael Kirwan at michael@blueconnectglobal.com or 913-207-8226. He is a recognized Bluetooth SIG Bluetooth Qualification Consultant (BQC) and can help you navigate the process and save you thousands of dollars in future qualifications.

Getting your electronic device from idea to reality requires the guidance and support of the right people. Voler Systems has been helping businesses get their products to market for over four decades. Contact us today to discuss your device design.

Authored by Michael Kirwan, a USA-based Bluetooth Qualification Consultant, Continua Certified Expert in Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring, an expert in LoRaWAN technology and certification, and an expert in CSA Matter and Zigbee technology and certification, michael@blueconnectglobal.com, 913-207-8226.