Recognized as Bluetooth LE stack experts, the Packetcraft team designed, developed and integrated Bluetooth LE Audio software features since 2018, even before the company's official launch out of Arm Holdings. For that reason, Packetcraft's software is shipping with solutions from finished product companies as well as semiconductor companies and is now enabling Auracast broadcast audio in new commercial products, including from some of the top hearing aid companies. Available on popular chips including Nordic's nRF52 and nRF5340 and EM Microelectronic's EM9305, and licensed to Synopsys, Packetcraft's LE Audio software is being used by chipset, IP, and product manufacturers.
The AURI solution, announced at ISE 2024 by Listen Technologies, a provider of advanced wireless listening solutions, and Ampetronic, an audio induction loop systems specialist, includes Auracast-based networked installation transmitters for multichannel broadcast for any size or space, with the option for open or secure transmission. The Auracast transmitter device is also the first design purposely built for assistive listening system in public spaces. It will enable restaurants, gyms, transportation terminals, or place of worship to deliver a whole new customizable, accessibility-enabled, listening-enhanced environment.
The AURI transmitter harnesses the power of Bluetooth LE Audio and is the first solution to let venues adopt Auracast broadcast audio technology for large and small spaces. Targeting commercial deployments before widespread availability of Auracast receiving devices, AURI includes dedicated receivers and charging bases, and a complete line of accessories, including headphones, neck loops, and network management and configuration software.
This way, venues can provide guests compatible dedicated receivers to use if they do not have Auracast compatible devices, helping meet global accessibility compliance requirements. Auracast broadcast audio technology will also enable Auracast compatible devices to connect to these AURI transmitters in public spaces and receive the same high quality, low latency audio. The transmitters can be configured for open or secure audio transmission depending on the environment and application.
"At Listen Technologies we’re leading the evolution of assistive listening. Leveraging Packetcraft’s proven LE Audio software has empowered our engineers to quickly and efficiently develop market leading assistive listening solutions that will increase accessibility and improve listening experiences," sates Tracy Bathurst, Listen Technologies Chief Technology Officer.
"It is exciting to be pioneering LE Audio for large public spaces with our new products, coming to market just as the very first hearing aids have appeared from GN Resound and the first earbuds from Samsung. It is also a major challenge to be early to market when the whole ecosystem is completely new and evolving – our partnership with Packetcraft has really helped us to navigate that with confidence and speed," adds Julian Pieters, Ampetronic Managing Director.
Packetcraft software engineers have been very engaged behind the scenes working with both product and semiconductor companies, helping bring Bluetooth LE Audio to market. As this first Auracast broadcaster device is unveiled, Packetcraft confirms that it is already enabling Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast broadcast audio in some of the assisted hearing market’s most innovative solutions, including assistive listening, and TV streaming.
"It has been our privilege to work closely with market leaders including Ampetronic, Listen Technologies and others to ensure the future of wireless audio is compelling and inclusive," says John Yi, Packetcraft CEO. "Packetcraft's work with Ampetronic and Listen Technologies has been an exciting one. Knowing that we are part of the roadmap that opens doors to the next generation of assisted listening and accessibility is an exciting team to be on," he adds.
Packetcraft first announced Bluetooth 5.3 Qualification with support for isochronous channels, which enable multi-stream audio and Auracast broadcast audio, back in October 2021. Today, Packetcraft's comprehensive and fully-integrated Bluetooth LE Audio solution includes Packetcraft Host, Packetcraft Controller, and Packetcraft LC3, shipping along with Packetcraft BLE software test tools. This first-to-market Auracast broadcaster is an exciting demonstration of Packetcraft's early-access, leading-edge viability.
www.ampetronic.com
www.listentech.com
www.bluetooth.com/auracast/how-it-works/
www.packetcraft.com
