Audio manufacturer Bose is equipping its over-ear QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2) with modern transmission technologies. Through the rollout of firmware version 10.12.12, the company is enabling Bluetooth LE Audio and the Auracast audio-sharing feature as beta capabilities.
What’s New in Firmware 10.12.12
The update to version 10.12.12 is rolling out to the second generation of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. The focus is on newer Bluetooth features that Bose currently classifies as beta. This suggests that the features are still undergoing fine-tuning for everyday use.
What Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast Offer
Bluetooth LE Audio—short for Low Energy Audio—is a modern audio transmission standard designed for lower power consumption alongside a stable connection and reduced latency. The technology also serves as the technical foundation for advanced audio capabilities on modern source devices.
This includes Auracast: The feature allows users, for instance, to share audio from a compatible smartphone with an unlimited number of headphones. Furthermore, Auracast enables receiving audio streams in supported public venues such as theaters, churches, or stadiums—useful for live commentary at sporting events, sermons, or theater performances.
Practical Notes
Owners of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2) can install the firmware update via the manufacturer’s Bose app. Because Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast are explicitly labeled as beta, users experiencing incompatibilities with certain playback devices or minor bugs may want to wait until Bose releases these features in a final version.
Sources: Stadt-Bremerhaven
