Copyright newsbytesapp
Microsoft is testing a new feature for Windows 11 that will allow users to share audio between two pairs of wireless headphones, speakers, earbuds, or hearing aids. The capability uses the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) audio codec and is currently being rolled out in preview mode to Windows 11 Insiders on the Dev and Beta channels. The shared audio feature comes in handy when watching a movie on a laptop with someone else or sharing new music. To use this feature, users need to connect Bluetooth LE-supported devices to their Windows 11 PC and select the Shared audio (preview) button in the quick settings menu. Back in August, Microsoft had introduced an LE Audio feature on Windows 11 to improve the audio experience of wireless headsets during games or calls. Other device makers have also adopted Bluetooth LE technology, with Google leveraging the Bluetooth LE-based Auracast feature to stream the audio from Android 16 devices to compatible hearing aids. Currently, the shared audio feature is available only on select Copilot Plus PCs such as the 13.8-inch and 15-inch Surface laptops and the 13-inch Surface Pro. It will be expanded to more devices including Samsung Galaxy Book5 360, Galaxy Book5 Pro, and others in due course. Do note that this feature only works with Bluetooth LE-compatible devices like Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro/Buds3/Buds3Pro or Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones.
