Bose Adds Auracast to $449 QuietComfort Ultra Headphones in 10.12.12 Update
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Sep 28
Bose Adds Auracast to $449 QuietComfort Ultra Headphones in 10.12.12 Update
3 articles · Updated · The Verge · Sep 28
Summary
$449 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 gained Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast in firmware 10.12.12, with both features arriving as beta additions.
Auracast lets one device broadcast Bluetooth audio to unlimited compatible headphones or speakers, opening uses such as airport announcements, lectures, TV listening and hearing assistance.
Bose said the Ultra Gen 2 are its first headphones with Auracast support and that it plans to extend the technology to more devices; the QC Headphones Gen 2 should get the beta firmware next.
The update has been rolling out quietly for weeks and also improves wired USB audio, including game-chat balance and better web-conferencing compatibility.
Auracast was announced in 2022 but adoption has been slow, with support still limited to select products from brands including Sony, JBL, Samsung, Sennheiser and some smaller makers.