Auracast™ is Coming. Are We Ready?
The list of communication access technologies is growing. Besides FM, IR, hearing loops and WiFi access, we now add a new option: Auracast™. Although everybody can take advantage of this evolving technology, especially those with hearing loss look forward to the new sound and listening experience. However, all of the current assistive listening choices listed above will coexist way into the future because it will take some time for venues, large and small, and for all of us to become Auracast-ready.
What is Auracast™
Auracast™ is a new trademark Bluetooth® listening technology for public and private use. Also referred to as “Auracast™ Broadcast Audio,” this refined special feature uses Bluetooth Low Energy (L.E) Audio for transmitting sound wirelessly from one Auracast™ transmitter to multiple Auracast-compatible receivers (listening devices).
The advantages of Auracast™ broadcasting include audio sharing between listeners with Auracast-compatible devices, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants (CIs), ear buds, headsets etc., improved sound clarity and quality as well as a wider signal reach without sound delays. It is said that Auracast™ will make for “life-changing audio experiences.” It can even unmute a specific Auracast-enabled TV for personal use at the gym or in a sports bar, for instance. And there are many more creative ways of using this technology for both broadcasting and listening. Yet, people who are hard-of-hearing may wonder how well the system manages background noise, their archenemy.
And so, yes, this is a big deal. It sounds easy and magical. But it is also a complicated deal with plenty of confusion, not only for consumers and venue operators but also for manufacturers and AV (Audio Visual) specialists and installers. However, it is hoped that in the not-so-distant future, Auracast™ will be the hearing and listening solution wherever we go.
Lots of questions while waiting to connect
So far media attention and customer expectations run ahead of the production of Auracast™ transmitters and receivers – which is at least partially responsible for the lag in local Auracast™ broadcast installations. This has caused misunderstandings and frustration, especially among the hard-of-hearing. There are plenty of questions to ask the audiologists as Auracast™ has become a major selling point for hearing instruments.
People with existing Bluetooth features in their hearing aids wonder if their technology can be upgraded to Auracast.™ Do they need to switch brands or get new instruments?
Meanwile, others are informed that their hearing aids and cochlear implants are Auracast-ready, enabled or compatible. But where are the public venues where they can enjoy flawless Auracast™ transmissions? Although the technology is fast gaining in interest, there are still few local opportunities for Auracast™ listening. Venues that prominently feature Auracast™ still make headline news – like the Sydney Opera House in Australia.
And so, no matter how Auracast-enabled or ready hearing aids and other listeners (receivers) are, if there is no Auracast™ broadcasting (transmitting), there is nothing to listen to. This is a system of transmitting and receiving sound signals.
Check on the Auracast™ status
That said, those in-the-know recommend that people “Future-proof” electronic purchases. While there are still few Auracast-broadcasting public venues, Auracast™ options could be closer to reality on a smaller scale and for private or personal use. One might also hope that smaller community places, like churches, libraries and local theatres, will be at the forefront of taking a chance on Auracast™ technology.
There are already Auracast™ products on the market. Those who are interested – privately or professionally – might check this product list. https://www.bluetooth.com/auracast/find-a-product/
Going forward, it is important for consumers to check on the Auracast™ status of their hearing and listening technologies, their electronic purchases and assistive listening installations. Do you install Auracast™? Are my hearing aids, CI, TV, earbuds, laptop, smartphone, headsets etc. ready for Auracast™? Can Bluetooth devices that we already have be upgraded? I just found out that my rather newish smartphone is not!
Coexisting technologies and slow transition
And so, we are getting ready for Auracast™ to come to a venue near us. However, two very important issues of costs and of finding locally trained technicians who can install and calibrate the systems remain.
In the end, this is a worldwide effort and an open market with plenty of competition and pressure for manufacturers and installers. There is plenty for all of us to learn and understand. Public education and training for professionals are essential for success.
As the latest Assistive Listening System, Auracast™ will coexist for now and for the future with other assistive technologies that are currently available. We still need it all. One can imagine that this will be a slow and gradual transition. Meanwhile, patience is a good strategy because new technology launches of this magnitude and miracles do not happen overnight.