Reimagining Audio Experiences in the Event Sector: Auracast Leads the Way in Innovation
Auracast Technology Transforms Audio Experiences at Events
A new Bluetooth standard, Auracast, is revolutionizing the way audio content is distributed at events, offering a more personalized and accessible experience for attendees. Developed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, Auracast enables devices to transmit audio in broadcast mode, which can be received by various compatible devices without the need for pairing. The technology utilizes the open Opus codec, known for its optimization for both speech and music, promising low-latency, efficient, and high-quality real-time transmission.
Technical Advantages of Auracast
Several appealing features make Auracast particularly relevant for the event industry:
- An unlimited number of receivers can connect to a single transmitter, providing a seamless audio experience across multiple devices.
- Low latency ensures synchronous audio transmission, making it ideal for noisy or busy environments like train stations, trade shows, and concert halls.
- Users can activate audio channels on their devices quickly by simply selecting the desired Auracast source or using a QR code, eliminating the need for pairing.
- Multi-channel capability allows parallel transmission from multiple sound sources, catering to events like multilingual presentations.
- Energy efficiency reduces power consumption, making Auracast an attractive choice for long events and those utilizing many transmitters.
How Auracast Works
Auracast operates using the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) standard, designed for low energy consumption and stable connections. Unlike traditional Bluetooth, which requires a separate connection for each receiver, Auracast simultaneously transmits an audio stream to multiple devices. The process is straightforward: users select the desired Auracast source on their smartphones, tablets, or compatible devices, establishing a connection without pairing. The system is built upon a specially optimized protocol, ensuring low latency and high sound quality even with multiple simultaneous receivers.
Auracast Integration Showcased at Prolight + Sound
At Prolight + Sound 2025, French company OPUS Technologies displayed its Auracast solution called Aura by Opus to industry professionals. The company demonstrated how Auracast can seamlessly integrate into existing sound systems, offering various event scenarios such as guided tours, multilingual presentations, and improved accessibility for people with hearing impairments.
Potential Application Scenarios at Events
Auracast offers numerous application scenarios at events:
- Multilingual conferences enable participants to receive audio channels in their preferred language via Bluetooth headphones without rental equipment or infrared receivers, significantly reducing costs and effort for organizers.
- Accessible events benefit people with hearing impairments, as the technology sends audio directly to hearing aids compatible with LE Audio technology, making accessibility more straightforward.
- Silent events and trade show tours provide a tailored, disturbance-free experience by transmitting audio directly to visitors' headphones.
- Crowd management and safety measures ensure that visitors receive important information directly on their smartphones or headsets, regardless of ambient noise.
Google is also involved in Auracast's development and is working on an application for Google Maps that will allow users to locate spots where Auracast is accessible. Auracast's compatibility expands beyond smartphones, with major manufacturers, including Samsung, Xiaomi, Google, and Sony, already supporting the new standard in their devices. The first headphones, smartphones, and audio devices compatible with Auracast have been available since 2023, indicating a growing trend in its adoption.
Challenges and Opportunities
Like any new technology, Auracast presents challenges, including ensuring compatibility, managing range and interference in large areas, and addressing data protection and frequency management concerns. However, the technology also opens up new business opportunities for event technology providers, whom can now easily and cost-effectively transmit audio via Auracast, rather than relying on complex setups consisting of radio links, infrared, or Wi-Fi systems.
Hybrid formats combining in-person and virtual events using Auracast signals are also conceivable, further transforming the event landscape. By integrating Auracast audio streams with event apps, visitors can direct their individual audio channels, control volume, and access additional content, fostering interactivity and an enhanced user experience.
- In the realm of lifestyle and outdoor-living events, Auracast technology promises to transform sound experiences by offering seamless, personalized, and accessible audio distribution.
- With Auracast, home-and-garden enthusiasts can enjoy technology-driven product demonstrations without the hassle of traditional bluetooth pairing, making shopping for home improvement gadgets more convenient.
- The sports industry could extensively leverage Auracast to deliver real-time, multilingual commentary to attendees during international events, enhancing the fan experience.
- Data-and-cloud-computing professionals might find Auracast useful for distributing audio presentations during conferences, making it easier for attendees to follow along and access relevant data on their smartphones.
- Besides events, Auracast's integration with Google Maps app could provide entertainment and location-based information, making it a must-have technology for any mobile-centric lifestyle.
