Qualcomm's aptX Adaptive to put an end to latency issues on Bluetooth streaming

Qualcomm has recently announced its aptX Adaptive codec technology. The new codec combines enhancements in robustness, premium audio quality, scalability, low-latency and low-bitrate audio transmission to support an improved wireless listening user experience for most popular and demanding applications including mobile gaming, watching video and music listening. aptX Adaptive technology is engineered to automatically adjust to provide optimum audio quality or latency depending on the type of content being played on the device while also taking into account the external RF environment to support a robust connection.

The type of content that is being consumed on mobile devices is rapidly changing and consumers are doing much more than just listening to audio. Optimised audio for a phone call is very different than for music, or for applications where latency is critical such as gaming. A massive uptake in mobile gaming and mobile video consumption means that wireless audio devices need to deliver fully synchronised audio and video content. Qualcomm’s 2018 State of Play report found that 30 per cent of consumers surveyed said they want to use their wireless headphones for gaming or to watch video content, in addition to listening to music and making calls.

“Most audio codecs available today are largely static in nature with fixed bit-rates which can lead to wireless connectivity issues in challenging RF environments,” said Jonny McClintock, director, product marketing, Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd. “Many of these codecs were designed for music listening and are simply not suitable for low-latency gaming and audio/video applications. aptX was one of the first technologies to really help make a difference to the Bluetooth music listening experience and we’ve continued working hard to create a technology that will help transform the listening experience for the next generation of consumers who want to replace the wire completely.”

The aptX Adaptive decoder, for devices such as headsets, headphones and speakers, is scheduled to be available to customers on the Qualcomm CSRA68100 and the Qualcomm QCC5100 series Bluetooth Audio SoCs from September 2018. A version of the aptX Adaptive encoder for devices such as smartphones and tablets is scheduled to be available to run on Android P from December 2018.