Google’s Auracast will soon let you stream public announcements into earphones, hearing aids

Imagine sitting in a crowded restaurant, trying to listen to a public announcement across the room. Sounds stressful in itself, doesn’t it? But an upcoming Android feature could stream it directly into your ear or hearing aid. Yes, you read right. Auracast, Google’s Bluetooth-based technology, has been in the works for a while. However, only last week, the brand quietly made it available for free to Auracast-supported Android devices. Wondering what this means and if your device makes the cut? Check it out below:

What is Android Auracast and how does it work?

Auracast, powered by the latest Bluetooth LE technology, is the latest game-changing feature that promotes audio sharing. Released in 2022 as part of Bluetooth LE Audio, it allows devices to broadcast sound without traditional pairing — essentially turning a device into a radio station that others can tune into.

This means sharing music with friends’ earbuds, listening to muted TVs in public spaces, or catching audio from presentations becomes seamless. With improved energy efficiency and reduced latency compared to standard Bluetooth, Auracast marks a significant advancement in wireless audio technology. 

ALSO READ: Android 15 may soon let you share audio wirelessly with nearby devices via Auracast

Auracast operates through three key roles in the Bluetooth ecosystem. Transmitters broadcast audio signals over Bluetooth LE — think of your phone sharing music or a TV sending out its audio. Receivers tune into these broadcasts, like wireless earbuds, or hearing aids, picking up the signal.

Assistants help users discover and connect to broadcasts when receivers can’t do this independently, typically through smartphone apps that act as intermediaries. This means if you start an Auracast from your Android phone (transmitter), your friend’s Auracast-compatible earbuds (receiver) could want to connect but need their iPhone’s companion app (assistant) to find and establish the connection. Some sophisticated devices can perform multiple roles, while others specialise in just one or two functions.

Which Android devices will support Auracast with the new update?

In a press release shared by Google, people with GN Hearing, Starkey or Jabra hearing aids will be able to make the most of Auracast using their compatible smartphone. Currently, only Samsung Galaxy smartphones running OneUI 7 or Android 15, as well as Google Pixel 9 series running the Android 16 beta are compatible with Auracast.

This means a huge leap in accessibility, but Auracast is not just for people with a hearing impairment. The feature is helpful to just about anyone hoping to tune into something in a crowded space. In other cases, users can also scan a QR code to tap into Auracast. This is especially helpful in public venues, such as malls, public parks and even airports. The technology will also remain quite similar to that of joining a public Wi-Fi network. Intrigued? Make sure you are subscribed to Unboxed by Croma for more such updates.