Bose Adds Auracast and Bluetooth LE Audio Beta to QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2

Bose has begun rolling out beta support for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast broadcast streaming to its flagship $449 QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2, according to reporting from The Verge (https://www.theverge.com/tech/1001522/bose-headphones-get-auracast-support). The additions make the QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 the first Bose headphones to support Auracast.

The firmware update, designated build 10.12.12, has rolled out gradually over recent weeks. While Bose is treating the Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast features as beta functionality, the company plans to expand support across additional hardware. Bose spokesperson Tim Williams confirmed to The Verge via email that the standard QuietComfort Headphones (Gen 2) will receive the beta firmware next.

Auracast allows a single audio source to broadcast streams simultaneously to an unlimited number of nearby compatible headphones or speakers. Practical applications include hearing gate announcements in airports, listening to audio feeds at venues or lectures, and tuning into public or home television sets—features already integrated into select Samsung and LG TV menus.

Although Auracast was announced in 2022, consumer adoption has remained gradual. Support across major audio brands is currently limited to select models from manufacturers including Sony, JBL, Samsung with its Galaxy Buds, Sennheiser—which introduced an Auracast transmitter this year—and budget makers such as EarFun.

In addition to broadcast audio, firmware 10.12.12 improves wired USB performance by adding audio balancing between gaming sound effects and voice chat. The update also delivers compatibility improvements for web-based video conferencing applications.