Copyright CNET
Want to watch the same movie with family members on a plane but still allow each person to use their own audio device? Microsoft is previewing a new feature that will allow Windows 11 users to share audio over Bluetooth LE. The audio sharing feature should support any headphones, speakers, or hearing aids with Bluetooth LE compatibility, and will allow users to share the same audio stream to two sources at once. Bluetooth LE refers to Bluetooth Low Energy, which uses significantly less power than traditional Bluetooth. Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source. "Built on top of Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology, shared audio lets your supported Windows 11 PC transmit an audio stream to two Bluetooth audio accessories at the same time," Microsoft said in a blog post. "Shared audio lets students share music with a friend while studying or brings family members closer by watching a movie together on an airplane." Insiders will get a new shared audio preview tile in Windows Quick Settings that will enable the feature. Users then connect their Bluetooth device and add a second one. The PC will transmit audio to both devices once both are connected. Microsoft is rolling out the update for supported Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices starting today and will roll out to other devices in the coming weeks. You can also check settings to determine if your Bluetooth device is compatible with Bluetooth LE, which will make it compatible with audio sharing. Your Bluetooth device must support Bluetooth LE to use the feature. Fortunately, most of the best headphones on the market today do, which will make the transition easier if you already own top-tier Bluetooth headphones. Doing more with Bluetooth LE The preview comes amid a larger push from Microsoft to bolster its Bluetooth audio offerings. Part of that included a super wideband stereo profile for gamers, which uses better audio compression and a higher sample rate to improve audio quality over Bluetooth LE while allowing users to keep using their microphones. Microsoft has also recently rolled out spatial audio support over Bluetooth in Teams, which will add some new functionality for your favorite work-from-home headphones.
