Jada Jones/ZDNET
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET's key takeaways
If Apple enables LE Audio on its devices, it would bring several improvements.
They already have the necessary hardware to support LE Audio.
Even if Apple greenlights LE Audio, don't count on it supporting Auracast.
On the docket for this year's Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), are a potentially more capable, conversational Siri and anticipation of this fall's iOS big update. Though hardware announcements are more robust in the fall, Apple analyst Mark Gurman asserted that Apple was working on a new AirPods model with integrated cameras to feed environmental images to Siri.
Also: If Samsung's Galaxy Buds 4 bore you, I hope you're ready for camera-equipped earbuds
Though integrated infrared cameras open a world of possibilities for increased earbud capabilities, there's one small AirPods upgrade I'm more interested in: LE Audio. Apple's current AirPods lineup, AirPods Max 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4, all have the basic hardware for LE Audio; all that's missing is for Apple to pull the lever and enable it via over-the-air firmware update.
LE Audio in AirPods would deliver improved battery life, lower latency, standardized latency and audio quality, and better performance for hearing aids.
... continue reading