Microsoft is finally taking the wraps off its long-awaited Bluetooth audio sharing feature in Windows 11. This innovative feature, built using the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) audio codec, allows users to stream high-quality audio across two pairs of wireless headphones, speakers, earbuds, or hearing aids simultaneously.
The feature is now available in preview to Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels. To use it, simply connect your device to a PC via Bluetooth LE-supported devices, select the "Shared audio (preview)" button in your quick settings menu, and you're good to go.
This technology has been around for a while, with other manufacturers like Google using its Auracast feature to broadcast audio from Android devices to compatible hearing aids. However, Microsoft's implementation is slightly different. Unlike the competition, which allows users to connect one pair of headphones at once, Windows 11 offers true multi-device support, allowing users to stream audio across two pairs of wireless headsets or earbuds simultaneously.
Currently, shared audio in Windows 11 is only available on select PCs, including the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro lines. However, it's expected to roll out to other devices at a later date. Users will need compatible Bluetooth LE-enabled devices like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro or Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones to take full advantage of this feature.
The rollout of shared audio in Windows 11 is seen as a major step forward for Microsoft's vision of a more connected and immersive computing experience. With its ability to stream high-quality audio across multiple devices, users can now enjoy an unparalleled level of convenience and entertainment on their PCs.
The feature is now available in preview to Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels. To use it, simply connect your device to a PC via Bluetooth LE-supported devices, select the "Shared audio (preview)" button in your quick settings menu, and you're good to go.
This technology has been around for a while, with other manufacturers like Google using its Auracast feature to broadcast audio from Android devices to compatible hearing aids. However, Microsoft's implementation is slightly different. Unlike the competition, which allows users to connect one pair of headphones at once, Windows 11 offers true multi-device support, allowing users to stream audio across two pairs of wireless headsets or earbuds simultaneously.
Currently, shared audio in Windows 11 is only available on select PCs, including the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro lines. However, it's expected to roll out to other devices at a later date. Users will need compatible Bluetooth LE-enabled devices like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro or Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones to take full advantage of this feature.
The rollout of shared audio in Windows 11 is seen as a major step forward for Microsoft's vision of a more connected and immersive computing experience. With its ability to stream high-quality audio across multiple devices, users can now enjoy an unparalleled level of convenience and entertainment on their PCs.