Jada Jones/ZDNETBluetooth Auracast is a Bluetooth feature that allows devices like smartphones, TVs, or public announcement systems to broadcast audio to unlimited audio receivers, such as hearing aids. Also: Turn your AirPods Pro 2 into hearing aidsLast week, Google announced Android support for Auracast, and users with Auracast-supported smartphones can use them to connect their compatible earbuds or hearing aids to broadcasts via Bluetooth. Android phones that support AuracastIn a press release, Google highlighted the importance of Auracast to help those who are hard of hearing better interact with the world around them, using Auracast to tune into classroom lectures, public broadcasts, or concerts. People who wear GN Hearing, Starkey, or Jabra hearing aids can access this feature, provided they have a compatible smartphone. Currently, Samsung Galaxy smartphones running UI 7 or Android 15, and Google Pixel 9 smartphones running the Android 16 beta, are Auracast-compatible. In addition to Android support for Auracast, Google included that hearing aid presets can be applied to Auracast streams, allowing users to customize their audio settings. Real-world use casesAlthough Auracast has significant assistive capabilities for those with hearing impairments, this technology has real-world use cases for everyone. Imagine you’re in a sports bar and want to tune into a muted TV playing the primetime game. Connect your Auracast-compatible smartphone and earbuds or hearing aids, then use your phone to find the TV broadcast in your Bluetooth settings. The long-term goal is eliminating the need to access your settings to tap into an Auracast broadcast. To achieve this goal, the Google Pixel 9 family will be the first smartphones to support scanning QR codes to connect to Auracast audio streams. Also: I tried smart glasses with built-in hearing aids – and they worked surprisingly wellPlenty more Auracast-compatible earbuds and Bluetooth speakers are on the market, including the Sony WF-1000XM5, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, JBL Charge 6, and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. More