A brand new firmware replace for the $449 Bose QuietComfort Extremely Headphones Gen 2 provides help for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast as beta options. The flagship Extremely headphones are the primary from Bose to help the audio sharing know-how, which the corporate plans to convey to extra units quickly.
Only some main producers embody Auracast, and solely on choose headphones or earbuds — together with Sony, JBL headphones, Samsung Galaxy Buds, and Sennheiser, which additionally launched an Auracast transmitter this yr. Some smaller corporations, like EarFun, have added help. However Bose is without doubt one of the most recognizable names in headphones, so the truth that it’s lastly leaping in is huge information for Auracast.
Auracast was formally introduced again in 2022, however the adoption course of has been sluggish. The know-how permits a tool to broadcast Bluetooth audio to any variety of supported headphones or audio system on the similar time. This might be for gate bulletins whereas ready on the airport, a efficiency at a neighborhood venue, or a school lecture. You may even use Auracast at residence to look at TV whereas children are asleep or for further listening to help — some Samsung and LG TVs have the performance buried of their menus.
The firmware replace, labeled 10.12.12, has been quietly rolling out the previous few weeks. Alongside Bluetooth LE and Auracast, it provides improved audio over wired USB connections, together with steadiness for gaming audio and chat, and higher compatibility for internet conferencing apps.
