First Bluetooth LE Audio-compatible devices to hit the market this year

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The Bluetooth LE Audio specification was announced in early 2020. Sequel to the announcement, there were reports that compatible devices would arrive before the end of the year. However, the Bluetooth SIG organization’s hopes did not materialize. The main reason for this is due to the outbreak of the pandemic. Brands had to postpone the plan to launch Bluetooth LE Audio devices. According to recent reports, the Bluetooth SIG organization reveals that the first Bluetooth LE Audio-compatible products should be available before the end of this year.

“Today is a proud day for the Bluetooth SIG member community as our members overcame many of the challenges they faced over the past few years to complete the largest specification in Bluetooth SIG history,” said Mark Powell, CEO of the Bluetooth SIG. A development project, Bluetooth LE Audio expands the possibilities of the wireless audio market.”

Bluetooth LE Audio-compatible devices

Bluetooth LE Audio, a new generation of Bluetooth audio technology standards, can not only improve the performance of standard Bluetooth audio but also have a variety of new application cases. Its main feature is the inclusion of a new high-quality, energy-efficient  LC3 audio codec.

The LC3 encoder transmits data via LE Isochronous Channels and utilizes new middleware to deliver and control audio content. For consumers, LE Audio technology can be more energy-efficient, can support smaller Bluetooth audio devices, and extend battery life.  It is also compatible with the existing aptX protocol. LE Audio enables audio listening, video playback, voice/video calling and intelligent voice assistant control. Furthermore, it aggregates multi-stream audio capabilities and broadcast audio capabilities. This allows users to share audio with multiple devices, to multiple Bluetooth speakers or headphones. In addition, location-based audio sharing allows group visitors to listen to shared Bluetooth audio explanations in public spaces such as museums and galleries. This feature can work effectively in conference centres.