The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the industry association responsible for developing Bluetooth technology, announced today that it has completed the development of a full set of specifications for the next generation of Bluetooth audio, Low Energy Audio (LE Audio). Low-power audio improves wireless audio performance, adds support for hearing aids, and introduces Auracast broadcast audio, a new Bluetooth feature that will allow us to better connect with others and the world around us.
Mark Powell, CEO of the Bluetooth SIG, said: "Today is a proud day for the Bluetooth SIG member community. Our members have overcome many challenges over the past few years to complete the largest specification development in the history of the Bluetooth SIG Project.Low-power audio expands the possibilities of the wireless audio market by introducing a new Bluetooth feature, AuracastTM, to broadcast audio, bringing consumers a new life-changing audio experience, bringing family and friends closer together, and making the experience in public places more accessible Convenience and pleasure. I can’t wait to see the innovation that low-power audio brings.”
The Bluetooth SIG also announced that qualification is now open to products interested in adding low-power audio support. The first consumer products to support low-power audio, including broadcast audio with Auracast™, are expected to be available in the coming months. The Bluetooth SIG expects the number of products that support low-power audio to increase as the holidays and the end of the year approach.
Hiroshi Nakamura, Head of the Mobile Products Division, Home Entertainment and Audio Products Division, Sony Corporation, said: "Sony is proud to be part of the Low Power Audio Specification project to drive innovative use cases that are revolutionizing the industry. Today, we are pleased to Announcing that this project has been successfully completed and ushered in a new era of wireless audio applications. It brings us many advanced features, such as an enhanced gaming experience with low latency and a stable connection, and the convenience of Auracast™ broadcast audio."
In addition to introducing new capabilities for Bluetooth audio, low-power audio provides a new flexible architecture that provides an ideal platform for future wireless audio innovations. The Bluetooth SIG has already begun work to bring more low-power audio features and capabilities to market.
