Bluetooth is a standard that is being used for things that its original creators never imagined possible; As a result, its limitations are very clear, as anyone who has looked for the best sound quality in headphones knows
Currently, Bluetooth cable is not capable of providing the bandwidth required for transmission lossless audio (‘Harmless’); So whenever we use wireless headphones, we have a worse experience than wired ones, it’s inevitable.
However, that may be about to change. Bluetooth SIGThe company responsible for developing this technology is working on a new standard that promises to finally achieve lossless audio in wireless headphones and portable speakers.
Based on the current version Bluetooth Low Energy(LE Audio) allows the transfer of max 2MbpsWhich isn’t bad considering the data rate of a CD-quality audio signal About 1.4 Mbps.
However, these transfer rates are almost never achieved in real environments due to interference and the need to transmit data other than audio.
Manufacturers’ solutions have varied. sony introduced LDAC codecable to reach 990kbpsWhich loses data along the way but is generally the best option and the best supported by almost all brands of headphones
Qualcomm One that has come close to ideal with aptX losslessAble to reach within 1.1Mbps and 1.2Mbps Under ideal circumstances; But with the exception of any mobile phone that doesn’t use a modern Qualcomm chip, the sending and receiving devices must be compatible. And appleIt’s Apple and it’s going its own way, but it’s nowhere near lossless wireless audio.
HDT values, solutions
To unite all manufacturers and offer a single solution, the Bluetooth SIG specification is being developed Bluetooth high data throughputHDTWhich promises up to the highest transfer rate An impressive 7.5 Mbps.
The bad news is that the transition to HDT will be slow and possibly expensive, ie You’ll need a new Bluetooth chip To connect both mobile phones and headphones.
Because of that HDT requires a new radio mode integrated into the chip itself; The software can only use features that the chip supports, so an update won’t be able to add those capabilities.
The good news is that it will be a standard associated with Bluetooth, and therefore, Any manufacturer can use it; This could end the fragmentation of the sector once and for all.
All modern smartphones already have Bluetooth; So brands simply have to adopt new standards with new chips without developing their own technology or implementation.
Even Apple might get on the bandwagon. Bluetooth SIG confirms this Company representatives have participated in discussions regarding the development of HDT.
So the new iPhone, Pixel, Galaxy, Xiaomi and any other device will be able to play lossless audio, with enough quality to take advantage of services like Apple Music or Spotify, which already offer lossless streaming songs.
