Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 gains Auracast support via beta firmware update

Key points

• Firmware update 10.12.12 adds Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast as beta features to the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2.
• The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 are the first Bose headphones to support Auracast, a technology that enables one-to-many audio broadcasting.
• The update also improves audio balance over wired USB connections for gaming and chat, and enhances compatibility with web conferencing applications.
• Bose plans to bring Auracast support to other devices, including the QuietComfort Headphones Gen 2, in subsequent updates.
• Auracast adoption has been slow since its 2022 announcement, with only a few major manufacturers like Sony, JBL, Samsung, and Sennheiser offering support on select products.

Background

Bose has recently refreshed its QuietComfort lineup, with the QuietComfort Headphones 2nd Gen introducing refined comfort, smarter ANC, and immersive audio features at a $359 price point. The company also released its first wired earbuds in 11 years, which include noise cancellation. In the broader headphone market, competitors like Sonos have been enhancing their audio ecosystems with features like Wi-Fi integration and TV audio swapping. Auracast, while announced in 2022, has seen limited adoption, with only a handful of major manufacturers supporting the technology on select devices.

Why it matters

Bose's entry into Auracast support is significant because it is one of the most recognizable names in the headphone industry. Auracast enables one-to-many audio broadcasting, which can improve accessibility in public spaces like airports, venues, and lecture halls, as well as at home for shared listening or hearing assistance. The slow adoption of Auracast since its 2022 announcement has been a barrier to its potential, but Bose's involvement may help accelerate its integration into mainstream consumer devices. The firmware update also enhances the overall user experience for the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 by improving wired audio balance and web conferencing compatibility.

What to watch

Bose plans to bring Auracast support to more of its devices, including the QuietComfort Headphones Gen 2, in upcoming firmware updates. The company has not specified a timeline for these updates, but the beta nature of the current update suggests that further refinements and broader rollout are expected. As more manufacturers adopt Auracast, the technology may become more common in public spaces and consumer electronics, potentially changing how audio is shared and accessed.