Auracast – The Lowdown

So….what’s all this hoo haa about Auracast, it seems to be a buzz word in certain circles and lots of people seem to be talking about its endless possibilities – is it all it is cracked up to be?

We think the answer is – it could be some or all we believe it could be, but not now, not next year and very much in years to come.

The framework is there, the rudimentary beginnings of something great is there … but … in our opinion there is too much hyperbole and unfeasibly optimistic marketing floating about for a technology only released in 2023 and an idea that has yet to develop and mature to a point of mass adoption.

We think the best way to think about Auracast (a souped up iteration of bluetooth wireless technology) is that it’s the more modern, up to date equivalent of the old induction loop systems that have been around for around 100 years!

Currently, Bluetooth is a one to one communication requiring individual pairing whereas Auracast is a one to many broadcast system not necessarily requiring pairing.

Fixed loop systems right now are the most universal and widely available (but limited) of wireless connectivity solutions for hearing aid wearers and can be found in places like post offices, banks, theatres, retirement and care sector settings and other public places.

Let’s face it they have been around a long time and are by no means perfect – loop systems are basically an old hat technology to broadcast typically in a wide area from one to many. Often broken, often not working optimally, often not switched on, often not known about etc.

Auracast as an idea is a much more up to date and flexible prospect which shows great promise in comparison or in addition to loop systems.

However there are more than a few flies in the ointment holding back Auracast barging into the loop space with sharp elbows and offering universal connectivity.

In relation specifically to hearing aids one of the biggest drags on adoption is hearing aid technology catching up. In the UK around 80% of hearing aids worn are NHS issue.

Auracast is starting to become available in hearing aids in the private sector, and within a few years will be available within the NHS supply chain. Already supplied non Auracast hearing aids need to get old and be replaced with newer Auracast ready hearing aids.

Just waiting for this cycle to follow through means for mass adoption and compatibility of the majority of hearing aids out there, realistically we are looking at possibly approaching 10 years before the majority of hearing aids in circulation are Auracast ready. We think certainly 5 years plus before we even start to make a dent to the masses.

That’s one aspect, one circle that needs squaring. There is then also the need to update the infrastructure (the best analogy being electric cars and the lack of critical mass of chargers outside of metropolitan areas making electric cars less viable without the structure to back up the growth).

To summarise, the general principles of Auracast are very enticing and it’s tempting to imagine it’s all just around the corner, a bright new future of Auracast magic.

The reality is we can be positive and look forward to the undoubted benefits to be had with Auracast as a technology as it develops, but there is a lot of rolled up sleeves, hard work and water to flow under the bridge before we get anywhere near to this new panacea that is Auracast.

Our synopsis is this; loop systems are the past, Auracast is the future, and Room Systems are the present. We envisage a future that combines the best of Room Systems in combination with the best future functionality of Auracast.

Actually as Auracast as a technology develops, it is entirely feasible that we will see Loop and Auracast systems sitting side by side until mass penetration of Auracast technology comes to fruition.

Over time (years not months!) we expect Auracast to replace fixed loop systems as the technology develops, and ideally there will be a common standard, the equivalent of open source that means all devices can interoperate in the Auracast space regardless of brand.

For this to happen, vested commercial interests will need to be put aside for the greater good. Speaking as an idealist wouldn’t that be a fantastic scenario?