FCC has issued new regulations. All phones by the end of 2026 will have LE Audio.
I suspect come October, any new phone model will have LE Audio.
2 Likes
I would be very surprised if the they didn’t offer it as an upgrade option.
As such, it would be up to the individual to move the LE Audio or stay with Bluetooth Classic. To get the upgrade, you would have to make an effort. So it’s not like it going to be forced on you.
Eventually, all new phones, computers and other devices will come with LE Audio/Auracast, and Bluetooth classic will fade away.
2 Likes
I would expect that Phonak will continue to support ALL Bluetooth protocols when LE/Auracast is added.
1 Like
Bluetooth Classic is not compatible with Bluetooth LE, it may support both, but the Audiologist will give the choice of whether they want to use Bluetooth Classic or Bluetooth LE, but the person will be able to try it with a smartphone, if it does not work, they will be able to choose the old Bluetooth Classic.
I’m just guessing it will be that. Maybe I’m wrong.
1 Like
I frankly doubt it. That would mean, in my case, that if I stick with my Samsung A14 phone, then I wouldn’t be able to link to Auracast in a theatre? Or I couldn’t use the current Phonak TV streamer or link to my Lenovo tablet?
Like the current Bluetooth and USB, you would think that the devices would negotiate the best protocol, starting with the fastest, then work their way down the list. Or, they would provide a switch in the Phonak app.
3 Likes
Yes, the 9050 is also LE Audio capable.
2 Likes
That’s great news. Appreciate your help!
2 Likes
Autsch … but luckily since 2017 ComPilot is not required anymore with Phonak 
1 Like
I kept breaking the antenna that I wore around my neck. I needed hands free phone to work at heights.
At least ComPilot had a plug on both ends so antenna replacement was simple, not as the older iCom
1 Like
I had that collar break once, so I soldered a microsb cable as a replacement. It still worked. It was too expensive for me to buy a new one.
1 Like
Samsung isn’t going to upgrade an old phone. Since you need an assistant program to find an Auracast broadcast out of several broadcasts, your A14 will only work with a single device, Auracast broadcast, if it works at all.
2 Likes
You’re right. For Auracast, I’d need a new phone. But my point was that I doubt Phonak would make us give up our other older Bluetooth devices in order to “upgrade” our iSphere HAs to Bluetooth LE.
Phone/hearing aid connectivity is going to be sketchy for the forseeable future. One just needs to be careful before committing to purchases. Either confirm it works before you buy or make sure you can return it with full refund if it doesn’t work. I don’t think anybody wants to maintain such a database and no, just because a phone works well with an Intent does not mean it will work well with Starkey. It MIGHT, but no guarantee. If you’re trying to save money on a phone, I’d go with used high end Samsung or Google rather than going with Motorola.
I’d add that if one is trying to use an inexpensive phone, I’d tend to go with Phonak aids that can use classic Bluetooth. Remember though that even if things are working perfectly, a firmware upgrade could blow it all up. Hopefully to be fixed within a relatively short time.
3 Likes
As you say, one needs to be careful. That includes buying high end phones that may or may not work well with any given brand of aids. So it would be good to hear some success stories.
1 Like
I was harrassed and teased at work when I wore the Compilots. Furthermore, the design made no sense. If the cable came out of the socket when I was working up high, I would have lost the Compilot.
However, I am most grateful to have new hearing aids and charger, and specially the new 5.0 Power Receivers provided.
I wish there was a way to help. I would gladly help and volunteer as a beta tester of new Phonak top quality hearing aids so that Phonak would improve sales.
Cheers For the Upgrade: the new 5.0 Receivers for the Paradise P90 R hearing aids with wax guards.
I can’t express how saddened I am to hear that.
It’s hard to understand why people still tease their fellow human beings in this day and age because of a handicap.
I can understand that a ComPilot design doesn’t help, but ultimately it’s the people who cause the problem and not the design. Instead, they should appreciate that you are trying to make the best of your situation and have obtained assistive devices.
1 Like
Thanks Michael.
The experience has not been good.
DaveL
I using a One Plus nord 4
1 Like
I understood that next year that in the USA there has to be a hearing aid connectivity standard for phones. This is great but will it mean even higher cost and more of a divide between country connectivity for the same phones.