Bose adds Auracast beta to QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2

Bose has begun rolling out a firmware update that adds beta support for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast to its $449 QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2. The flagship headphones are the first Bose product to support Auracast, an audio-sharing technology that broadcasts Bluetooth audio to any number of supported headphones or speakers at once.

The update, version 10.12.12, has been rolling out over the past few weeks. It also improves audio over wired USB connections, adds balance controls for gaming audio and chat, and improves compatibility with web conferencing apps.

Bose plans to bring Auracast to more devices soon. The technology was announced in 2022, but adoption has been slow. The Verge notes that Auracast is available on selected products from manufacturers including Sony, JBL, Samsung and Sennheiser; Sennheiser also released an Auracast transmitter this year. Some smaller companies, including EarFun, have added support.

Bose spokesperson Tim Williams told The Verge by email that the QC Headphones (Gen 2) are expected to receive the beta firmware next. The technology can be used for shared listening in places such as airports, venues and lecture halls, as well as at home with compatible TVs.