Microsoft announces support for Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio on Windows 11. The update enables high-quality stereo sound during voice calls and in-game chat when using compatible Bluetooth LE Audio devices. To do this, the system will feature "super wideband stereo," which is based on the Bluetooth LE Audio standard.
The essence of the update is the support of a new compression algorithm, which allows transmitting high-definition audio signals in stereo format even with an active microphone.
Previously, using a microphone on Bluetooth Classic Audio devices triggered a switch to mono playback with reduced audio quality. This limitation affected spatial audio and immersion in games, music, and video calls. The Hands-Free Profile (HFP) used in these scenarios supported only wideband audio at 16kHz, resulting in less clarity and no stereo separation.
Now, thanks to the new technology, the sampling rate will increase to 32 kHz, which will provide significantly higher-quality sound.
Users of Microsoft Teams gain access to Spatial Audio over Bluetooth LE Audio for the first time, allowing voice sources to align with on-screen video positions. This means that the voices of video conference participants will be heard from the side where their image is on the screen, creating a sense of presence.
To use the feature, users need a Windows 11 device with LE Audio support, a compatible headset or hearing device, updated Bluetooth drivers, and Windows 11 version 24H2. Support will expand through driver updates and new hardware releases starting in late 2025.
Thanks to thecommunity for the tip.
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