English English A lot is happening in the world of assistive listening, including new ways to access audio. Auracast™ is the latest technology in the industry, which means there’s a lot of talk and new language around it. Two common terms you may have already heard are “Auracast-ready” and “Auracast-enabled.” Although they sound similar, they actually have very important differences. Below, we dive into these differences and what they mean for your devices.
Auracast™ is a new Bluetooth® technology that makes it easy for everyone to hear clearly in shared spaces. Traditional Bluetooth supports one-to-one connections, but Auracast™ enables a single transmitter to broadcast audio to multiple listeners at the same time. People can tune in using their own Auracast-enabled hearing aids, personal hearables, or by using a dedicated receiver.
As Auracast becomes more widely adopted, you’ll start seeing both terms appear on product packaging and marketing materials. So, what’s the difference between these two terms, and what does it mean if your device is ready vs. enabled?
If you have an Auracast-ready device, its hardware already supports the necessary standards for Auracast. However, the functionality isn’t enabled yet. It might require a firmware update or an app update. If your device is “ready,” it means the future capability is built in, but you don’t have Auracast working today.
Auracast-enabled means your device is already capable of using Auracast™ features or technology. The hardware supports it, and both the software/firmware are active, so it can join Auracast™ streams out of the box with no further major updates needed. In other words, “enabled” means you can use the Auracast™ capability.
If your hearing aids are Auracast-ready, they have the right hardware for Auracast™, but they may need an update before you can use them. Most of the time, hearing aids will need a firmware update. To do this, first make sure your hearing aids can receive Auracast™ updates. Then, set an appointment with your audiologist to update your hearing aids’ firmware. Some brands of hearing aids can be updated via mobile apps. If you have any trouble updating in a mobile app, your audiologist may be able to help you.
If your hearing aids don’t have an update available yet, don’t worry. Manufacturers are launching Auracast™ updates in stages, so you may get the feature soon.
Manufacturers are introducing new devices with Auracast™ capabilities to provide a better listening experience for everyone. If your device is Auracast-enabled, you’re ready to enjoy the full benefits of Auracast™ broadcast audio right away. If it’s Auracast-ready, the necessary hardware is already in place; however, it can’t connect to an Auracast™ system quite yet.
Talk with your audiologist if you have questions about your hearing devices or want to learn how Auracast-enabled products can improve your listening experience.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. The Auracast™ word mark and logos are trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Any use of such marks by Listen Technologies Corporation is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
