The Bluetooth SIG (the team behind the tech) is appealing for Auracast Advocates to come forward – people who want to spread the word about the benefits of the exciting new technology.
While the Auracast codecs have been around for a couple of years, they are taking a while to reach the market. That means many people haven’t heard of it yet.
We’ve already covered problems with shop assistants not having training on Auracast meaning they don’t know how to show consumers how to check if a Windows computer can pair with hearing aids, or if a television can become an Auracaster.
There is more to be done.
For example, if a public building is upgrading its audio systems and the team behind it are unaware of systems such as Ampetronic’s Auri, then it won’t include it in the specification when requesting quotes.
If a lecture hall isn’t aware they could create an Auracast simply by giving their lecturer a microphone such as the GN ReSound Multi Microphone+, then they won’t add it to their kit box.
If a place of worship or a small group doesn’t know it’s possible to add a small box to their sound output, they won’t know how to Auracast.
And if a business doesn’t know it’s possible to buy table microphones that can pick up people’s voices and Auracast it directly to hearing aids, headphones and earbuds, they won’t invest in the system.
If Auracast is to take off, it needs Advocates to champion it – something that we at Aurahear.co.uk are very keen to do.
What has Bluetooth SIG produced for Auracast Advocates?
The Bluetooth SIG, which owns and operates the Auracast technology, has created a special section of its Auracast website so people can find out more about becoming an Auracast Advocate.
It can be found at: https://www.bluetooth.com/auracast/advocates/
Here, there are resources, support, and suggestions to help anyone become an Auracast Advocate.
The website states: “You will find resources here to better understand the technology, communicate its potential benefits, and assist locations in determining if Auracast broadcast audio is the right fit for their accessibility needs.
“You are not expected to have all the answers; our goal is to ensure you feel informed, prepared, and confident in your advocacy efforts.”
Getting started as an Auracast Advocate
The Bluetooth SIG’s Auracast Advocate website has sections to help people prepare for advocating.
There is a checklist of information that can be used to prepare for conversations, and there is a presentation detailing the benefits of adding Auracast in public locations.
Case studies have been set out, showing the benefits of adding the Bluetooth LE Audio technology into venues. They include the Sydney Opera House, two churches, and the University of the Arts in London.
Conclusions
This website is a great resource for Auracast Advocates, or Auracast Evangelists.
Until Auracast becomes a mainstream technology, it is going to need people to champion the benefits of installing an Auracast system.
And as we are Aurahear.co.uk are attempting to prove, installing an Auracast solution doesn’t need a lot of money.
It might be investing around £50 in an Auracaster such as the FlooGoo FMA120, or the Homespot BA210. That is all a small group or place of worship needs to be able to help people tune in to the technology.
Companies won’t flinch at paying £300 or so for a microphone capable of Auracasting.
And when they update their AV kit, they need to know how to take advantage of the technology to benefit everyone.
Don’t forget that systems such as the Auri have a form of backwards compatbility added into them so hearing aid users who do not have Auracast-enabled ears can use the Auri pebble as a transmitter to their telecoil/loop setting.
We are delighted that the Bluetooth SIG has launched this Auracast Advocate scheme and hope that people make use of this great, and free resource.
