Windows 11's Game-Changing Feature: Bluetooth Audio Sharing Rolls Out!
Microsoft is rolling out one of the most requested quality-of-life updates to Windows 11 Insiders: Shared Audio. This feature, built on Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), finally allows a single PC to broadcast audio across two pairs of wireless headphones, speakers, or even hearing aids simultaneously.
Imagine effortlessly watching a movie on your laptop with a friend, or sharing a new album without handing your headset back and forth. This simple yet powerful addition makes the PC a much better collaborative entertainment hub.
The entire system relies on the **Bluetooth LE audio codec, which is designed for higher quality, lower latency, and better battery efficiency. Users can activate the feature easily by connecting their two Bluetooth LE-supported devices and selecting the "Shared audio (preview)" button located in the quick settings menu.
- Technology: Bluetooth Low Energy (LE)
- Windows Build: Insider Preview (Dev/Beta)
- PC Support: Requires Copilot Plus PC Hardware
- Use Case: Dual-Headset Streaming, Media Sharing
Current Compatibility
It's important to note that while the feature is exciting, its rollout is currently limited by hardware:
- Initial PC Availability: The feature is currently restricted to select Copilot Plus PCs, including the 13.8 and 15-inch Surface Laptops and the 13-inch Surface Pro.
- Headphone Requirements: You can only use this with devices compatible with Bluetooth LE, such as the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Buds 3, Buds 3 Pro, and the Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones.
Industry Context: The Auracast Movement
This move by Microsoft aligns with broader industry trends leveraging Bluetooth LE's broadcasting capabilities (known globally as Auracast):
- Google previously brought this functionality to Pixel 8 phones or newer, allowing them to connect to two pairs of headphones.
- Samsung began building Auracast into its phones starting with the Galaxy S24 launch.
Source: Kinghacks365 News. This feature is currently in preview and may change before general release.
