Bluetooth audio is ubiquitous, and ultra-convenient, but it has two downsides: audio quality and latency.
Algorithms work out which parts of the audio can be thrown away without affecting the quality too much.
In most cases, listeners cant tell the difference between a good MP3 and the original.
Akhil Yerabati / Unsplash
Lossless audio conversion also results in smaller files, but it does so without losing any information.
you could convert back to the original format, and the result should be identical.
And while its smaller than the original file, its a lot bigger than lossy compression.
With 5G networks coming online, streaming lossless audio from the cloud is practical.
Now, you’re free to send that audio to your ears without wires.
The aptX Lossless codec runs at 16 bit 44.1kHz, aka CD quality.
It can stretch to 24-bit 96kHzlossy, too, which seems a little pointless.
“The challenge is in maintaining a high level of audio quality in all operating environments.”
In those cases, the sound will lag ever-so-slightly behind your keypresses, and its enough to be annoying.
This is why gamers and musicians still use wired headphones and speakersbecause they have a latency of zero.
The challenge is in maintaining a high level of audio quality in all operating environments.
“The decoders that expand compressed files back into audio will get faster and faster.
So, we should expect to see continual improvement, albeit slower than all of us would like.”
But can it ever be as good as a wire?
Latency is a tough sell.
You never notice it when listening to music.
When watching movies, the video is also delayed, so it all syncs up.
AirPods
Apple Musics recent lossless option doesnt work over AirPods.
But would Apple license this tech from Qualcomm?
That part is tricky because the two companieshave been fighting in the courts for years.
One thing is certain, thoughBluetooth audio is about to sound much better.
