● Covered by 2 sources · 2 reportsLow impact2 neutral
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Receive Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast Support
Key points
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones get firmware update 10.12.12.
- Update adds Bluetooth LE Audio, Auracast, and LC3 codec support.
- Refined USB-C audio and 5.1 spatial audio for Android are included.
- LE Audio features are restricted to compatible Android and Windows devices.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 cost $449.
- Bose plans to bring Auracast to more devices soon.
- Auracast was officially announced in 2022.
New Firmware Update for Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose has released firmware update 10.12.12 for its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). This update introduces several new audio features and performance enhancements, nearly a year after the headphones' initial release. The update is available in beta starting this week and can be applied via the Bose app.
Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast Integration
The core of the update is the addition of Bluetooth LE Audio, which enables Auracast and audio streaming via the LC3 codec. Auracast allows users to connect to public audio streams in venues like theaters or stadiums, and also facilitates sharing audio from a compatible phone with multiple headphones. The LC3 codec offers higher-quality audio with lower power consumption compared to the older SBC codec.
Enhanced USB-C Audio and Spatial Audio
Beyond Bluetooth improvements, the firmware update refines USB-C audio performance. This includes support for higher-quality audio streaming during voice calls and the ability to use the headphones' voice microphone while gaming. Additionally, the update brings 5.1 spatial audio support to compatible Android devices.
Compatibility and Industry Context
The new LE Audio features, including Auracast and LC3 codec support, are currently restricted to compatible Android and Windows devices. Bose joins Sony as one of the few premium headphone manufacturers to offer Auracast support. While other brands like JBL and Google also support Auracast, Bose's implementation places it among high-end over-ear headphone options.
Updates
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 cost $449.
- Bose plans to bring Auracast to more devices soon.
- Auracast was officially announced in 2022.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Primary sources
GitHub newrelic/newrelic-browser-agentHow outlets covered it
Bose released a firmware update (10.12.12) for its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2, adding beta support for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast. This marks Bose's entry into Auracast technology, which allows a single device to broadcast audio to multiple headphones or speakers simultaneously, potentially increasing its adoption.
Bose is rolling out firmware update 10.12.12 for its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, adding Bluetooth LE Audio, Auracast, and LC3 codec support. This update also refines USB-C audio performance and introduces 5.1 spatial audio for compatible Android devices. The upgrade allows for public audio streaming and improved audio quality, primarily benefiting Android and Windows users with compatible devices.