Bose adds Auracast support to QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 — The Verge

Bose has released firmware update 10.12.12 for the $449 QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2. It adds beta support for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast, a technology for broadcasting audio to compatible headphones or speakers. As The Verge reports, this is the first Bose headphone model with Auracast support.

What Auracast offers

Auracast allows one device to transmit audio simultaneously to an unlimited number of compatible devices. The technology can be used, among other things, to broadcast announcements at airports, audio from performances at venues, or lectures. At home, it can be used to watch TV without disturbing others, as well as an additional hearing support tool.

Auracast technology was officially introduced in 2022, but its rollout has been gradual. Support is available on select headphone and wireless earbud models from Sony, JBL, Samsung Galaxy Buds, and Sennheiser. Sennheiser has also released an Auracast transmitter, while some smaller manufacturers, including EarFun, are also adding support for the technology.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

Other changes in the update

Firmware version 10.12.12 has been rolling out over the past several weeks. In addition to Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast, it improves audio playback over a wired USB connection: it adds a balance between gaming audio and voice chat and also improves compatibility with web conferencing applications.

Bose spokesperson Tim Williams told the publication by email that the beta update is expected to arrive later for the QC Headphones Gen 2 model as well. The company plans to add support for the audio-sharing technology to its other devices.