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Have you ever faced this scenario? Engrossed in a PC game with Bluetooth headphones, when a friend suggests starting a voice chat. Suddenly, the audio quality of your game deteriorates, becoming muffled and flat. What’s happening?

The culprit, as detailed by Microsoft’s Mike Ajax, lies in the conventional manner Bluetooth manages audio and microphone functionalities. Typically, when only listening on your PC, you enjoy high-quality sound via the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), a mode that disengages the microphone. However, the moment you require your mic, your device switches to the Hands-Free Profile (HFP), which supports mic usage but sacrifices audio quality, reducing it to mono. The disparity between rich stereo sound and low-fidelity mono is unmistakable, especially for media like games, movies, and music.

Bluetooth Upgrades in Windows 11

Windows 11 brings significant improvements in this area. In the same update, Ajax revealed that Microsoft is adopting a new audio protocol for PCs called LE Audio architecture, featuring super wideband stereo. This new standard is based on Bluetooth Low Energy and introduces upgraded audio profiles: Telephony and Media Profile (TMAP) for headphones and earbuds, and Hearing Access Profile (HAP) for hearing devices.

According to Ajax, TMAP mandates compatible audio devices to deliver “super wideband” fidelity at a 32kHz sample rate even when the microphone is in use. This means that Windows can utilize stereo sound during microphone engagement, a departure from the previous LE Audio functionality which only permitted mono sound. This upgrade enhances both audio quality and directionality, allowing for a richer listening experience.

Thus, if your Bluetooth headset supports LE Audio and your PC is equipped for wideband stereo, transitioning to a voice chat during a game will not compromise your audio quality. An example of this audio enhancement is available in Ajax’s post, showcasing the shift from blurred mono sound to crystal-clear stereo.

Even non-gamers will perceive improvements during voice communications using Bluetooth headphones and earbuds. For instance, applications like Teams will enable Spatial Audio with wireless headphones for the first time, previously restricted to wired headsets. This creates the sensation that voices are emanating from the respective speakers’ positions on your screen, fostering a more immersive experience. If you possess the compatible hardware, a toggle for Spatial Audio can be found in the audio settings of Teams.

Essential Hardware Specifications

Chances are your current devices may already be compatible with this innovative Bluetooth configuration. To utilize it, ensure you possess a Bluetooth audio device that supports LE Audio alongside a Windows 11 PC also equipped for LE Audio functionality. Ajax mentions that many newer PCs and Bluetooth audio devices conform to this standard; however, it’s vital to verify support, as not every PC that supports Bluetooth LE will also support LE Audio.

Additionally, upgrading to Windows 11 version 24H2, the most recent update at the time of writing, and obtaining an updated Bluetooth audio driver from your PC manufacturer is essential. If you haven’t received these drivers yet, they are expected to release later this year. Most mobile PCs launching later this year will come with these drivers pre-installed.