Muffled voices in the exhibition hall, music from the neighbouring stand, the air conditioning humming – and in the middle of it all: a presentation. While most visitors can still follow the presentation, it is difficult for someone with a hearing aid to understand. Despite all the technology, the sound remains difficult to understand. The background noise drowns out what is being said, making it sound unclear. Auracast, a newly developed Bluetooth standard, opens up a new avenue: audio is no longer distributed via loudspeakers, but sent directly to the ears of visitors – without interference, individually and efficiently. Whether at trade fairs, in conference centres, at concerts or city festivals, Auracast is bringing about a noticeable improvement in the way audio content is distributed and heard. Events are becoming more accessible and can be experienced in a more personal way.
What is Auracast?
Auracast is a feature of the new Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) audio specification. Developed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), Auracast enables audio transmission in broadcast mode. This means that a device – such as a smartphone, microphone transmitter or audio interface – sends audio that can be received by a variety of compatible receiving devices. No pairing is required, as with conventional Bluetooth connections.
The technology uses the licence-free, open Opus codec, which is optimised for both speech and music. The combination of efficiency, sound quality and low latency makes Auracast particularly interesting for real-time transmission at events.
Technical advantages at a glance
Auracast offers a range of features that are particularly relevant to the requirements of the event industry:
- Unlimited number of receivers: A single transmitter can transmit audio to any number of compatible devices.
- Low latency: Synchronous audio transmission is possible thanks to Bluetooth LE Audio and Opus.
- No pairing required: Users can activate audio channels on their devices at the touch of a button or via a QR code.
- Multi-channel capability: Parallel transmission from multiple sound sources is technically possible – e.g. for multilingual events.
- Energy efficiency: LE technology consumes significantly less power than traditional Bluetooth connections.
How Auracast works in detail
How Auracast works. Image: Opus Technologies
Auracast is based on the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) standard, which was developed specifically for low energy consumption and stable connections. Unlike conventional Bluetooth, which requires a separate connection for each receiver, Auracast transmits an audio stream to multiple devices simultaneously. Establishing a connection is very easy: users simply select the desired Auracast source on their smartphone, tablet or compatible device – without any manual pairing. The system is based on a specially optimised protocol that ensures low latency and high sound quality even with many simultaneous receivers – ideal for noisy or busy environments such as train stations, trade fairs or concert halls.
OPUS Technologies showcases Auracast solution
At Prolight + Sound 2025, OPUS Technologies presented its Auracast integration Aura by Opus to a wide audience of industry professionals. The French company, known for its accessible audio and induction solutions, demonstrated at the MIPRO joint stand how Auracast can be seamlessly integrated into existing sound systems.
Auracast can be used in a variety of event scenarios, such as guided tours, multilingual presentations or as support for people with hearing impairments. This technology has the potential to make events more accessible than ever before. The goal is that in future, every visitor will be able to use their own device, whether it’s a smartphone, headphones or a hearing aid.
Martin Lutz, General Manager & Head of Export Sales MIPRO Germany
Application scenarios at events
Opus Technologies presented its Aura by Opus system at Prolight + Sound 2025.
Auracast has a wide range of applications that go far beyond classic sound reinforcement solutions. The technology really comes into its own where individual audio experiences are required or accessibility is an issue. Below are some typical scenarios in which organisers and participants alike can benefit.
- Multilingual conferences: Conference participants will be able to receive the audio channel in their preferred language via their own Bluetooth headphones – without the need for rental equipment or infrared receivers. This significantly reduces effort and costs for organisers.
- Accessible events: People with hearing impairments benefit particularly from Auracast: the technology enables audio to be sent directly to hearing aids, provided they are LE Audio-compatible. This makes accessibility at events easier to implement and a matter of course for many participants.
- Silent events and trade fair tours: At so-called silent events, i.e. events without external loudspeakers, visitors receive the sound directly through their headphones. Guided trade fair visits or tours through exhibitions can also be tailored to individual needs and made disturbance-free.
- Crowd management & safety: Auracast can also be used for safety announcements or evacuation announcements. Visitors receive important information directly on their smartphone or headset, regardless of ambient noise.
Google is also involved in the development. The vision is to have an application on Google Maps that allows users to select locations where Auracast is available. Development is currently underway.
Martin Lutz, General Manager & Head of Export Sales MIPRO Germany
Compatibility and market availability
Many major manufacturers – including Samsung, Xiaomi, Google and Sony – already support the new standard in their current devices. The first headphones, smartphones and audio devices with Auracast support have been on the market since 2023. The trend is clear: Auracast will become a standard feature in the next generation of devices.
Many brands have now adopted the standard, including hearing aid manufacturers. It will certainly take a few more years before Auracast-enabled devices become standard, but we are well on our way.
Martin Lutz, General Manager & Head of Export Sales MIPRO Germany
However, not all Bluetooth devices automatically support Auracast yet. Event organisers should therefore pay attention to LE Audio capability when selecting their event technology, especially for transmitters and audio interfaces.
New opportunities for event technology providers
Auracast opens up new business opportunities for event technology service providers. Instead of complex setups with radio links, infrared or Wi-Fi-based systems, audio can be transmitted more easily and cost-effectively via Auracast.
For example, an event service provider offers a rental system consisting of an Auracast transmitter and a selection of compatible Bluetooth headphones – ideal for lectures, guided tours or temporary installations. Integrators can also integrate Auracast into existing AV systems.
Practical challenges
Like any new technology, Auracast also presents challenges:
- Device compatibility: Not all smartphones or headphones are Auracast-ready yet. An information strategy for visitors is essential.
- Range and interference: Although Bluetooth LE is efficient, technical limitations may occur in large areas or with many parallel sources.
- Data protection and frequency management: Event organisers must ensure that no sensitive content is unintentionally transmitted or recorded.
Outlook: Long-term changes in the event landscape
Auracast has the potential to permanently change traditional sound distribution at events. In combination with event apps, this opens up new possibilities for interaction: visitors can select the appropriate audio channel directly in the app, control the volume and view additional content such as transcripts or presentation slides.
The technology will also help to enhance inclusion and the user experience. Hybrid formats are also conceivable, in which Auracast signals are made available both on site and via live streams.
