Microsoft is working to improve the audio quality of Bluetooth headsets on Windows 11 by introducing a new LE Audio feature. This feature is based on the Bluetooth Low Energy radio specification and incorporates a new compression algorithm designed to enhance audio quality. Microsoft claims this change will significantly improve audio experiences in games and calls.
According to Mike Ajax, a principal program manager lead at Microsoft, using an LE Audio device with a compatible Windows 11 PC will prevent the abrupt degradation in audio quality that can occur when switching to game chat. Game audio will now remain in stereo and stream at super wideband quality, rather than the limited audio quality associated with Bluetooth Classic.
LE Audio operates at a 32kHz sample rate when using voice applications such as Microsoft Teams or Discord. It replaces the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) and Hands-Free Profile (HFP) of Bluetooth Classic. The traditional HFP utilized an 8kHz sample rate, which often resulted in muffled audio. Currently, many Bluetooth headsets support improved audio compression and higher sample rates for enhanced voice quality.
In addition to improving general audio quality, the LE Audio feature is expected to enhance call experiences in applications like Microsoft Teams. While Teams has previously utilized Spatial Audio for wired headsets, it did not support this feature for Bluetooth headsets. With the introduction of super wideband stereo support via Bluetooth LE Audio, users can now enable Spatial Audio in Teams settings on Windows.
To utilize this feature, users will need a Bluetooth headset that supports Bluetooth LE Audio and a Windows 11 PC equipped with the necessary drivers and the latest Windows 11 24H2 update. Existing PCs are anticipated to receive driver updates later this year, and Microsoft indicates that most new mobile PCs launching in late 2025 will come factory-equipped with this support.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/766569/microsoft-windows-11-bluetooth-super-wideband-stereo-le-audio-voice-feature