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ZDNET's key takeaways
The Bluetooth SIG is preparing for lossless and spatial audio formats.
Standardization reduces proprietary requirements and licensing fees.
These formats are unlikely to appear until the next decade.
Wireless headphones and speakers are a staple in our tech arsenals, but there's one major drawback to Bluetooth audio transmission: lossy playback. For those who enjoy higher-resolution audio, Bluetooth isn't an option. However, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) is working on several wireless audio innovations, including standardized wireless lossless audio, spatial audio, and surround sound.
How could Bluetooth standardize lossless audio?
Bluetooth's default codec is SBC, which provides the lowest audio quality and prioritizes connection stability. Other codecs, such as LDAC, AAC, and AptX, provide more data transmission and can deliver near-lossless quality. The issue is that these codecs aren't standard; AAC can be inconsistent on Android, and LDAC and AptX codecs require manufacturers to pay licensing fees.
Thus, the Bluetooth SIG's goal is to enhance its LE Audio Bluetooth radio to support hi-res and lossless audio via high-data throughput, thereby standardizing the technology across brands and manufacturers.
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