Nexum's AERO true wireless earbuds are one of the first designs to be promoted based solely on the benefits of Bluetooth 5.3 and Auracast technology and its short range, one to many broadcast audio possibilities. Of course, having just TWS earbud receivers serves no purpose until Auracast public sources and smartphones with Auracast support becomes available.
Nexum has already some experience in this domain, since it previously designed a clever dual-mode Auracast transmitter/receiver device that also supported line-in and microphone features. So, the next natural step would be to design TWS earbuds that are Auracast-enabled and promote the advantages of a complete system for all the many applications of Auracast, from guided tours to assistive listening in classes, watching TV at home, or simply to share music with others.
Available now on Kickstarter, the AERO earbuds will be sold separately, or as part of an exclusive bundle that includes the company’s VOCE Auracast adapter and transmitter, which can turn any television, laptop, or phone into a multi-stream audio source. This AERO bundle promises to be one of the first integrated Auracast solutions on the market (Nexum is targeting shipments already in August/September 2024), allowing users to enjoy the benefits of audio sharing before the technology is widely implemented in both listening and broadcasting devices.
According to Nexum, the AERO operates similarly to conventional Bluetooth earbuds and expands to support Auracast technology. When the users connect the earbuds to a smartphone - the way we would any other similar device - in the Bluetooth settings there will be the option to select "Auracast station". Here, users will be able to view any public Auracast audio sources, and with just one tap, they'll be instantly connected to the audio stream. An Auracast station doesn't need to actively "pair" with each new device, allowing new headsets to receive audio effortlessly, while listeners can switch between audio feeds without the need to repeatedly reconnect — the way we do with conventional Bluetooth devices. When used with the VOCE Auracast transmitter, AERO earbuds will be able to listen to the Auracast source up to a distance of 30 meters (around 98 feet) in ideal conditions.
For simple audio sharing, such as sharing a playlist with friends or partner during a flight, the VOCE transmitter can be plugged into the 3.5mm aux out or USB-C on a tablet, laptop or smartphone, and everyone simply connects two or more sets of AERO earbuds. And because the VOCE Auracast transmitter also has a built-in microphone, it can be used by a teacher or tour guide to communicate directly with a group of students or participants wearing AERO earbuds. The VOCE can be used as any lapel microphone
Nexum is also promoting the merits of this solution for people with mild hearing loss or for situations where a user is having hearing difficulties. The VOCE adapter boasts a High Sensitivity Boost Mode which captures faint sounds from its built-in microphone with a 9dB gain, allowing it to act as remote microphone when paired with the AERO earbuds or Auracast-enabled hearing aids. This is particularly useful in noisy environments where capturing essential sounds is crucial. The low latency feature also ensures audio sources are synchronized, reducing the risk of missing critical information in public broadcasts due to delays, while on the other hand, ensuring that contexts like watching a movie feel seamless and natural.
The AERO earbuds are a Bluetooth 5.3 design with a dual mode radio that still supports classic Bluetooth sources using the SBC and AAC codecs, switching to LC3 when connected to an LE Audio source. The earbuds are able to achieve full charge in 1.5hrs using the USB-C charging case, and will last for approximately 7 hours.
The Kickstarter package goes from a simple set of AERO earbuds for only US $49, all the way to bundles with one VOCE and two, five or ten sets of AERO earbuds for US $163, $302, or $529, respectively. Each set of AERO earbuds comes with a charging case and a USB-C charging cable. The first 200 backers will also receive a USB transmitter dongle.
The Kickstarter campaign is now live here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/nexumaudio/aero-auracasttm-headset
www.nexum-design.com
