Bose starts adding Auracast to its headphones

Bose has announced a major Bluetooth upgrade for its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) with the upcoming 10.12.12 firmware update. Among the new features, the headphones will support Bluetooth LE Audio, enabling Auracast and audio streaming via the LC3 codec. This update also brings expanded USB-C audio support, allowing for higher-quality audio streaming during voice calls and while using the headphones' voice microphone for gaming.

Additionally, the firmware update introduces 5.1 spatial audio support for compatible Android devices.

Among industry peers such as Apple, Sony, Sennheiser, and Sonos, Bose is one of only two brands offering Auracast support, powered by Bluetooth's LE Audio standard. Auracast allows users to connect to audio streams in supported venues like theaters, churches, and stadiums, while its LC3 codec provides higher-quality audio with lower power consumption than the traditional SBC codec.

However, only select Android phones currently support LE Audio, Auracast, and the LC3 codec, meaning Android users can take full advantage of these technologies.

The headphones supported 24-bit/48kHz lossless audio streaming, which can now reach a 48kHz sample rate for drivers and a 16kHz sample rate for the microphone during gaming or video calls. These audio upgrades are exclusive to PCs and mobile devices, not wired to gaming consoles. Overall, Bose's new connectivity upgrades position its flagship headphones as a well-rounded competitor in the Bluetooth audio category, matching or exceeding the performance of Sony, Sennheiser, and Apple in various aspects.