Here's why you shouldn't buy new headphones without Bluetooth multipoint
The feature is a must-have, but some modern headphones and earbuds still don't offer it.
Bluetooth multipoint is a feature that enables a wireless audio device to maintain connections with multiple audio sources simultaneously, swapping between them as needed. This becomes particularly useful when switching between devices, such as when using headphones with a laptop for music and then receiving a phone call. While multipoint can simplify device switching, it's not without its drawbacks.
The feature is not part of the standard Bluetooth specification but rather implemented by device manufacturers. This means that the quality and functionality of multipoint can vary significantly between different brands and models. Furthermore, multipoint can introduce new issues. For instance, it may prioritize one audio stream over another, causing interruptions when switching between devices.
Apps on your phone might also output audio that multipoint headphones cannot handle, leading to unwanted background noise. High-end headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM6 often include multipoint support, but it's by no means a universal feature. While some budget headphones may offer multipoint, the quality and practicality of the implementation can vary greatly.
Therefore, when shopping for headphones, it's crucial to test multipoint functionality if possible and consider whether it's a critical feature for your needs.
Written by urgent.news from Engadget's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
