Bose starts adding Auracast to its headphones

Bose has started distributing a firmware update (10.12.12) that adds beta support for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast to its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2. The update has been rolling out quietly over the past few weeks and marks the first time Bose has enabled Auracast on its headphones. Bose told The Verge it plans to extend Auracast support to more devices in the future.

Auracast, first announced in 2022, allows a source device to broadcast Bluetooth audio to multiple supported receivers simultaneously. Use cases include public announcements in transit hubs, live performances, classroom or lecture audio, and private listening at home — for example, watching TV without disturbing others. Some TV makers such as Samsung and LG have already tucked Auracast functionality into their menus.

Until now, Auracast adoption has been limited to a subset of manufacturers and select models. Brands that have included the feature so far include Sony, JBL, Samsung (Galaxy Buds), and Sennheiser — which also released an Auracast transmitter this year — along with smaller players like EarFun. Bose’s addition is significant because of the company’s prominence in the headphone market.

Alongside wireless broadcasting features, the 10.12.12 update brings improved wired USB audio performance to the QuietComfort Ultra headphones, adding balance controls for gaming audio and chat and enhancing compatibility with web conferencing applications. A Bose spokesperson indicated that the QC Headphones (Gen 2) are expected to receive the beta firmware as well.