Unlock Auracast on iPhone with This Bluetooth Transceiver
▼ Summary
– Auracast’s mainstream adoption is hindered by a lack of support from major companies like Apple, which has not enabled native support on its widely used iOS devices.
– The audio company Atitan is developing a MagSafe-compatible transceiver called the splitR, which can attach to an iPhone to give it Auracast transmission or reception capabilities.
– The accompanying connectR app will allow users to find broadcasts, manage devices, create listening sessions, and interact with streaming platforms, while also adding a social component.
– The splitR adapter can also connect via cable to any non-Auracast device, like a speaker or turntable, to grant it Auracast functionality and create a whole-home system.
– Beyond social music sharing, Auracast technology has significant potential for hearing assistance in public venues and at home, with the splitR aiming to be an easy-to-use solution to expand its reach.
One significant barrier preventing Auracast from reaching a broader audience is the absence of support from major technology players, most notably Apple. Given that iOS commands a dominant 58 percent of the smartphone market in North America and nearly 28 percent globally, Apple’s decision to integrate native Auracast support could instantly place millions of compatible devices into users’ hands through a simple software update. However, Apple has remained silent on the matter, leaving many to seek alternative solutions for this promising Bluetooth audio technology.
The audio technology firm Atitan believes it has developed an effective workaround. The company is creating a compact, disc-shaped transceiver called the splitR, designed to attach to an iPhone via its MagSafe connector. This small device effectively transforms the phone into a fully functional Auracast hub, capable of both broadcasting and receiving Auracast audio streams. To manage this functionality, Atitan will release its companion connectR app on the Apple App Store and Google Play this summer. This application will provide a central interface for discovering nearby broadcasts, managing connected devices, and creating personal Auracast channels or group listening sessions. It will also integrate with popular streaming platforms to play music and playlists directly, while incorporating a social layer for sharing posts and chatting with friends.
While MagSafe compatibility offers a sleek solution for iPhone users, the splitR’s utility extends far beyond Apple’s ecosystem. The current prototype fits a MagSafe connection, though early versions may require a slight adjustment for a perfect fit. More importantly, the device can connect to any non-Auracast audio product using a USB-C or 3.5mm audio cable, instantly granting that gear Auracast capabilities. Atitan has also confirmed that the next version will feature wireless pairing, allowing it to convert a standard Bluetooth connection into a low-energy Auracast transmission seamlessly.
The practical applications for the splitR are extensive. It can link to a standard speaker to play audio from an Auracast-enabled TV or a smartphone. Conversely, it can connect to a source like a turntable to broadcast that audio wirelessly to any Auracast headphones or speakers. With multiple units, users could theoretically construct a whole-home audio system using the open Auracast standard. A key advantage of the splitR is its commitment to an open ecosystem, unlike some proprietary solutions that lock users into a single brand. Broadcasts from the splitR are accessible to any Auracast-certified receiver, promoting universal compatibility.
Early demonstrations at CES revealed considerable potential. Beyond social music sharing, Auracast technology holds profound promise for accessibility. It could provide discrete, personalized audio amplification in public venues like concert halls, airports, places of worship, or lecture theaters, as well as in the home for television viewing. The wider adoption of Auracast, whether through native hardware support or adapters like the splitR, is crucial for making these assistive listening features commonplace.
Existing Auracast transmitters on the market can often be cumbersome, but Atitan is focused on delivering a streamlined user experience. The goal is to unify various services and devices within a single, intuitive application. The company plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign for the splitR transceiver in the coming months and has already opened a waitlist for early access to the connectR app.
(Source: The Verge)
