The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), which oversees updates to the Bluetooth standard, said it has completed work on the new LE Audio specification.
The new specification adds a number of new capabilities including Auracast (an audio-sharing feature) and the LC3 codec, which will improve audio quality and battery life while reducing latency. Bluetooth LE Audio is also fully backward-compatible with older Bluetooth versions.
“Today is a proud day for the Bluetooth SIG member community,” said Mark Powell, CEO of the Bluetooth SIG. “Our members overcame the many challenges placed on them these past few years to complete the largest specification development project in the history of the Bluetooth SIG.
“LE Audio extends the boundaries of what’s possible for the wireless audio market, including the introduction of Auracast broadcast audio, a new Bluetooth capability that promises to deliver life-changing audio experiences to consumers, bringing friends and family closer together and making public locations more accessible and enjoyable for all. I can’t wait to see the innovation LE Audio brings.”
According to the Bluetooth SIG, initial consumer products supporting LE Audio, including those with Auracast broadcast audio, are expected to come to market in the coming months, LE Audio product availability “to ramp up as we approach the holiday season and end of the year.”