A new firmware update for the $449 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 adds assistance for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast as beta features. The flagship Ultra headphones are the archetypal from Bose to assistance the audio sharing technology, which the business plans to bring to additional devices soon.
Only a few important manufacturers contain Auracast, and lone on choose headphones or earbuds — including Sony, JBL headphones, Samsung Galaxy Buds, and Sennheiser, which additionally released an Auracast transmitter this year. Some smaller companies, akin EarFun, have added support. But Bose is among the most recognizable names in headphones, so the fact that it’s eventually jumping in is big news for Auracast.
Auracast was officially announced rear in 2022, but the adoption procedure has been slow. The innovation allows a equipment to broadcast Bluetooth audio to any figure of supported headphones or speakers at the identical time. This could be for entrance announcements during waiting at the airport, a achievement at a local venue, or a university lecture. You can equal use Auracast at residence to observe TV during kids are idle or for additional hearing aid — several Samsung and LG TVs have the functionality buried in their menus.
The firmware update, tagged 10.12.12, has been quietly rolling out the former few weeks. Alongside Bluetooth LE and Auracast, it adds improved audio complete wired USB connections, including balance for gaming audio and chat, and improved compatibility for web conferencing apps.
Bose spokesman Tim Williams told The Verge via email that the QC Headphones (Gen 2), which I lately reviewed, should get the beta firmware next.
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