Back in March, we told you about a Bluetooth technology called Auracast. It's a new feature for Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) that allows a single source of audio, like your phone, to broadcast a high-quality audio stream to an unlimited number of nearby Bluetooth receivers. Instead of having Bluetooth offer a one-to-one connection (for example, your phone to a pair of Bluetooth earbuds), with Auracast, your phone turns into a radio station delivering a one-to-many broadcast.
Google first provided Auracast support for hearing aids with the Pixel 9 series half a year ago. This support included several presets designed to help those with hearing issues. Last week, Google added Sony headphones to the list of hearing aids and earbuds that work with Auracast. That list includes the JBL Tour One M3, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless.
Google announced expanded phone and headphones support for Auracast. | Image credit-Google
Phones that have the capability to use Auracast to broadcast audio include the Google Pixel 8 and later, the Samsung Galaxy S23, S24, and S25 lines, and the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Fold 6, and Z Fold 7. Not available from U.S. carriers, but equipped with Auracast support are certain Xiaomi and Poco phones.
A group can join an Auracast broadcast by scanning a QR code. | Image credit-Google
Where Auracast could come in handy is at airports, museums, bus and train stations, and any location where announcements are made to the public. The feature also works well in a scenario where you're listening to a song that you want a friend standing nearby to listen to. The current protocol is to share one of your earbuds with your pal. Some might not consider this sanitary and might consider sharing earwax to be somewhat distasteful.
Does Auracast sound like a promising technology to you?
Yes. This is something I'd definitely use.
71.43%
No. Another new feature that I don't need or want.
0%
Too early to say.
28.57%
Auracast will allow you to broadcast that song to your friend's headphone or earbuds, or even a hearing aid if it is compatible with the platform. Users will also be able to share what they are listening to with those members of a nearby group that have a compatible Bluetooth listening device. Using their phones to scan a QR code or making a single tap using Google's Fast Pair will allow these group members to listen in on the broadcast.
While limited right now to certain phone models and Bluetooth-enabled audio gear that features Auranet support, the future looks promising for this technology.
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Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.
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