#76: Next-Generation Bluetooth: Exploring Auracast
The first edition of series 10 of Audio Talks is a special one. We went to IFA Berlin to learn about Auracast, the new revolution in connected audio!
Explore how Auracast is set to transform audio experiences and connectivity across various devices. In this episode, Chuck Sabin, Senior Director of Market Development at Bluetooth SIG, and Mikael Herje, Director of Global Category Communication for Headphones and Wearables at HARMAN, discuss the latest in Bluetooth innovation – recorded live from IFA in Berlin. Together with host Oisin Lunny, they’re exploring the revolutionary Auracast technology and its impact on the future of audio.
More links
Auracast: https://www.bluetooth.com/de/auracast/
JBL Tour PRO 3: https://news.jbl.com/en-GB/240388-enjoy-everywhere-entertainment-with-jbl-tour-pro-3-leading-the-next-generation-of-tws-earbuds
About Auracast
Auracast™ broadcast audio is a new Bluetooth®capability that will deliver life-changing audio experiences. It will let you share your audio, unmute your world, and hear your best, enhancing the way you engage with others and the world around you.
About Bluetooth SIG
The Bluetooth SIG is a global community of over 40,000 companies serving to unify, harmonize and drive innovation in the vast range of connected devices all around us.
Through collective creation and shared technical standards, Bluetooth® technology simplifies, secures and enriches the technology experience of users worldwide.
JBL Tour Pro 3
Sound, like you never heard before
Introducing JBL Tour PRO 3, the most advanced True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds yet. With the introduction of dual drivers, JBL Spatial 360 with Head Tracking, True Adaptive Noise Cancellation 2.0, and a Smart Charging CaseTM packing truly unique features, JBL Tour PRO 3 redefines the TWS listening and user experience.
Seamless Convenience with ‘Everywhere Entertainment’
At the forefront of the JBL Tour PRO 3’s innovations is the second-generation Smart Charging CaseTM. The case not only provides full control of the earbud features, but also acts as a wireless audio transmitter, enabling ‘Everywhere Entertainment’ from any USB or analog source such as an inflight entertainment system. Simply plug in the charging case for an instant and automatic connection to your earbuds.
Better yet, the direct connection between case and earbuds is more stable, and lower latency, than Bluetooth, making it the perfect companion for gaming, calls*, movies and music.
JBL Tour PRO 3 is JBL’s first TWS model with full AuracastTM functionality. Easily share audio content with any AuracastTM-enabled device using the AuracastTM button on the Smart Charging CaseTM display. Or join an existing broadcast by simply tapping in with the case and accompanying app.
The redesigned Smart Charging CaseTM now features a 30% larger screen than its predecessor, all wrapped in a smaller, more pocketable package. The screen provides seamless control over music playback, call management, access to ID3 Tag, caller ID and media file information, and more without needing to access your phone.
Immersive JBL Spatial 360 with Head Tracking
The JBL Tour PRO 3 brings JBL Spatial 360 and Head Tracking technology from any audio source. This feature transforms stereo sound into a fully immersive experience, in particular when watching movies or playing games. Head Tracking deepens the immersive experience by making sounds appear to come from outside your head and stay fixed in space, even when you move your head.
Legendary JBL Pro Sound
No matter what you are listening to, enjoy it in excellent quality. JBL Tour PRO 3 boasts a hybrid dual driver system in each earbud, a first for JBL TWS, delivering JBL’s legendary Pro Sound. The balanced armature driver handles the high notes with enhanced clarity, freeing the 11mm dynamic driver to provide powerful, cleaner bass and vivid vocals. With a dedicated DAC for each driver reproducing a specific part of the frequency range from 20Hz to 40kHz, enjoy every detail in stunning definition, closer than ever to studio sound reproduction.
Further enhancing audio quality, the Hi-Res certified wireless audio codec LDAC**, delivers three times more data than the standard Bluetooth codecs, resulting in exceptional high resolution sound.
“JBL Tour PRO 3 introduces a brand-new audio platform developed for sonic excellence as it sets new standards in customization, performance, and convenience. I am particularly excited by the new generation Smart Charging CaseTM because the new audio transmitter technology is unique as it unlocks so many potential scenarios for improving audio quality and enhancing the listening experience,” said Carsten Olesen, President of Consumer Audio at HARMAN.
Customized Listening Experience
Earbuds that fit to your lifestyle. Most features of the JBL Tour PRO 3 are fully customizable, including the True Adaptive Noise Cancellation 2.0 technology. This advanced system measures over 50,000 times per second, adapting to environmental changes and compensating for sound leakage.
For the best comfort and performance, JBL Tour PRO 3 ships with an extensive selection of ear tip options. Find your perfect fit with five different sized silicon and one additional set of foam ear tips.
With six microphones and a hydrodynamic windproof design, Tour PRO 3 ensures clear and undistorted voice transmission during calls. The earbuds use a new, proprietary, JBL Crystal AI call algorithm to enhance clarity even in noisy environments. Your voice will now not only be clear in places with low frequency stationary noises such as traffic and in a subway, but also in situations with more sudden high frequency noises such as coffee shops.
Further enhance your calling experience with the new smart call equalizer, Voice Call. This features a sound level optimizer which helps reduce the volume of loud talkers or amplify quiet talkers.
Personalized, Inside and Out
For a fully personalized sound, the Personi-fi 3.0 hearing test offers a customized sound profile. This JBL algorithm accurately measures and adjusts for individual hearing profiles using 12 bands for EQ compensation and 14 warble tones. The adjustments are now made separately for each ear, providing the most personalized listening experience to date.
Additionally, Tour PRO 3 allows users to personalize the display lock screen and wallpaper with any photo and supports display commands in 13 languages.
JBL Tour PRO 3 will be available in Black and Latte colorways from mid-September 2024 for €299,99. For more information, visit JBL.com.
* JBL Tour PRO 3 is Zoom Certified
** LDAC available with all Android phones running Android 8.0 or above, but no iOS support
Audio Talks
A podcast on all things audio presented to you by HARMAN and our family of audio brands including JBL, Harman Kardon and AKG. Host Oisin Lunny, music journalist and audio enthusiast, will interview expert guests, legends of the music industry, and audio scientists to discuss the power of music and audio in all its facets.
Audio Talks is presented by Harman.
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