Google has officially announced that it will bring Auracast broadcasts directly to hearing aids on Android. The good thing is that Samsung Galaxy users can now utilize this Auracast feature with One UI 7.0. This integration enables individuals with compatible hearing aids to access public event audio more easily, provided the venue offers Auracast broadcasts.
Auracast enhances accessibility for hearing aid users
In a blog post, Balaji Ganesan, a Product Manager at Android, wrote, โStream Auracast broadcasts directly to hearing aids with Android. For people who use hearing aids, the inability to stream directly to hearing devices can leave people out or create barriers to important information, whether itโs in a classroom, train station or concert.โ
If you are not aware, Auracast is a new Bluetooth technology. It uses your phone to create a direct connection from a personโs hearing aid to audio broadcasts from crowded and public venues. If you have any hearing aid presets, you can directly apply them from within your phone settings and get personalized streams. Google is also expanding its work with Bluetooth SIG to use the latest LE Audio technology.
To run Auracast, you need Bluetooth 5.2 or higher, as it requires a low latency for effective synchronization between sound and visuals. This technology has a lot of future potential โ We can get silent public TVs, where users can just unmute via their personal devices. Eventually, future developments of the Auracast technology could include spatial audio and surround sound capabilities.
If you want to use Auracast on your device, you just have to pair it with an LE Audio compatible hearing aid โ GN Hearing and Starkey companies sell compatible ones. You can then tune into Auracast broadcasts from compatible TV streamers or public venues. Note that it works with Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI 7.0. It also works for phones with Android 15 or Pixel 9 devices running the Android 16 beta.
For Pixel 9 series users, Google has added a feature that allows them to connect to broadcasts via a QR code without opening the Settings app.
