Microsoft is expanding the audio capabilities of Windows 11 by introducing shared audio functionality, enabling users to stream audio simultaneously to two pairs of wireless headphones, speakers, earbuds, or hearing aids. The feature leverages the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) audio codec and is currently being tested in preview with Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels.
This new shared audio feature offers practical benefits for users, whether it’s for watching a movie with a friend on a laptop or sharing music that can be enjoyed through individual wireless headsets. To utilize shared audio, users need to connect compatible Bluetooth LE-supported devices to their Windows 11 PC and then access the “Shared audio (preview)” option in the quick settings menu.
Microsoft initially introduced an LE Audio feature for Windows 11 earlier, focusing on enhancing audio quality when using wireless headsets during gaming or calls. Additionally, other tech companies like Google have embraced shared audio capabilities through Bluetooth LE-based features like Auracast, enabling audio transmission from Android 16 devices to compatible hearing aids and later expanding to support dual headphone connections on Pixel 8 phones or newer models. Samsung has also integrated Auracast into its devices, starting with the Galaxy S24 lineup.
While shared audio on Windows 11 is currently limited to specific Copilot Plus PCs, including select Surface Laptops and the Surface Pro, Microsoft plans to extend this feature to more devices like the Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 and Galaxy Book5 Pro in the future. Notably, compatibility with Bluetooth LE devices like Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Buds 3, Buds 3 Pro, and Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones is required to utilize this functionality.
Source: The Verge