Auracast Explained
Auracast is a revolutionary Bluetooth feature that promises to transform how we share and experience audio. Auracast represents a significant advancement in Bluetooth technology, offering more flexible and inclusive audio sharing options.
Eventually Auracast will replace loop systems with newer and smarter features available as the newer technology displaces the old.
The framework is there, the rudimentary beginnings of something great will be available. However, the technology is very new, only released in 2023 and has yet to develop and mature to a point of mass adoption.
The best way to think about Auracast (an enhanced version of bluetooth wireless technology) is that it’s the more modern, up to date equivalent / replacement of the old induction loop systems that have been around for around 100 years!
Currently, classic Bluetooth is a one to one communication requiring individual pairing whereas Auracast is a one to many broadcast system not necessarily requiring pairing.
Fixed loop systems right now in the present are the most universal and widely available (but limited) of wireless connectivity solutions for hearing aid wearers.
Loop systems can be found in places like post offices, banks, theatres, retirement and care sector settings and other public places. Often broken, often not working optimally, often not switched on, and not widely known about.
Auracast as an idea is a much more up to date and flexible technology showing great promise in comparison or in addition to loop systems.
What is delaying the widespread adoption of Auracast technology?
In relation specifically to hearing aids the biggest drag on adoption is hearing aid technology catching up. In the UK around 80% of hearing aids worn are NHS supplied.
Auracast is starting to become available in hearing aids in the private sector, and within a few years will be available within the NHS supply chain.
Hearing aids already in circulation that are not capable of receiving an Auracast audio stream need eventually to be replaced with Auracast ready hearing aids.
Waiting for the replacement cycle to follow through means for mass adoption and compatibility of the majority of hearing aids out there, realistically we are estimating it could be 10 years before the majority of hearing aids in circulation are Auracast ready. We think certainly 5 years plus before Auracast as a technology becomes viable and meaningful.
There is another aspect to consider – the need to update the infrastructure of Auracast. It is very early days in respect of the introduction of viable Auracast transmitters, as these become available and cost effective, they need to be in place transmitting audio to technology that can receive the audio.
A good analogy is electric cars and the lack of volume of available chargers outside of metropolitan areas – making electric cars less viable without the structure to back up the growth.
To summarise, the general principles of Auracast are promising, it is tempting to imagine it’s all just around the corner, but there is some way to go before widespread adoption is viable.
Our synopsis is this; loop systems are the past, Auracast is the future, and Room Systems are the present. We envisage a future that combines the best of Room Systems in combination with the best future functionality of Auracast.
Over years we expect Auracast to replace fixed loop systems as the technology develops.
