Qualcomm offers next-gen Bluetooth audio
A prototype of the Open Interface (now Qualcomm) SoundAbout Lossless Bluetooth audio board.
(Credit: Donald Bell/CNET Networks)Despite its widespread adoption, the current Bluetooth audio standard (A2DP) isn't pretty. The lackluster audio quality currently achievable using Bluetooth is fine for noisy applications such as car audio or wireless workout headphones, but degraded Bluetooth audio has kept the technology from crossing over into the world of high-end audio and home theater components. With any luck, 2008 will be the year that the A2DP Bluetooth audio standard gets pushed aside by a superior audio codec called SoundAbout Lossless.
Watch the Qualcomm Soundabout Lossless video on CNET TV.
Developed by Open Interface (recently acquired by Qualcomm), the Soundabout Lossless Bluetooth audio codec offers low-latency (as low as 2 milliseconds), low-complexity, lossless audio streaming. We had a chance to demo the Soundabout Lossless for ourselves and were blown away by the audio quality and wireless performance.
With the increasing share of Bluetooth audio products on the market, it makes sense that the concerns over streaming audio quality will need to be addressed eventually. If nothing else, Soundabout Lossless could be the key to finally creating the perfect pair of high-end, wireless headphones.
Topics:
MP3 and portable video players
Recent posts from CES 2008
CES COVERAGE
MORE FROM CES
Thanks,
The CNET TV Team
CES COVERAGE
CES AWARDS AND NOMINEES
Best of CES and People's Voice Award
Since 2006, CNET has presented the Best of CES Awards, given to the top product in 10 categories as well as one coveted Best in Show award. See the gadgets that topped our list for this year, and find out the People's Voice winner, decided by more than 10,000 member votes.
BACKSTAGE CREW
CNET Blog Network members plus two lucky international writers offer you their perspectives on what's hot at CES 2008. Find out who they are and which gadgets they find most drool-worthy from the show floor.
Also, if A2DP has experienced poor adoption in mobile products (Hello Apple?!), what will differentiate this product?
Join the CNET community
To continue, we ask that you first complete the free registration.