Implementing Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast on Linux Systems
17 days ago
- #LE Audio
- #Linux
- #Bluetooth
- Bluetooth® audio has evolved significantly since its inception in 2001 with HSP and HFP.
- LE Audio, introduced with Bluetooth® 5.2 in 2020, offers lower power consumption and latency compared to classic Bluetooth®.
- LE Audio uses the Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) stack, providing a modular framework with profiles like BAP, VCP, MICP, CSIP, CCP, and MCP.
- Auracast™, enabled through the Public Broadcast Profile, allows audio broadcasting to multiple receivers simultaneously.
- Linux supports LE Audio through BlueZ for the Bluetooth® host stack and PipeWire for audio routing.
- Configuring LE Audio on Linux requires specific kernel versions, BlueZ, and PipeWire, with hardware compatibility varying by vendor.
- Challenges include switching between Bluetooth® classic and LE Audio stacks, which currently requires disconnecting and reconnecting devices.
- Future developments include improved usability tools, unified call control APIs, and official qualification testing by the Bluetooth® SIG.
- LE Audio and Auracast™ represent a significant advancement in wireless audio for Linux, with ongoing community-driven development.