Bluetooth Auracast – 5 UX use cases

Introduction: The Louvre and the "Silent Social Network"

Imagine this: You’re standing in the Louvre, and a tourist with hearing aids pauses in front of the Mona Lisa. Suddenly, they hear a whispered story about the painting’s history—without installing an app or scanning a QR code. As if the painting itself were speaking directly to them.

This isn’t science fiction. This is Bluetooth Auracast — a “public layer” of audio transmission that allows a single device to broadcast sound to an unlimited number of receivers. You can think of it as a silent social network: you simply choose to join, and instantly, you’re sharing someone else’s experience—even if you’re the only person with a receiver.

When properly designed, Auracast transforms private sound into a shared interaction.

Why should we care?
Auracast eliminates the hassle of device pairing, creating seamless and intuitive user experiences. It opens up a whole new immersive space in museums, airports, schools, and many other public places.

Let’s explore 5 unique scenarios where Auracast could be implemented today!

Scenario 1: The museum "Heist experience"

Description

Many museums are overloaded with QR codes and worn-out headphones (after thousands of visitors). Auracast solves this problem by allowing people to use their own headphones, including hearing aids. Imagine a Van Gogh exhibit where visitors can "overhear" fictional thieves plotting a heist as they approach a painting. The sound automatically plays based on the user's location (e.g., museum sensors). And thanks to LLM (Large Language Models), real-time translation into any language is no longer an issue.

Benefits

• No need to download apps or scan QR codes.
• Ability to use personal devices, improving hygiene and comfort.
• A more immersive experience, as the audio finds you at the right moment.

Scenario 2: Silent Discos for Seniors

Description

Care homes are already experimenting with Auracast by organizing silent disco nights. People with hearing aids can listen to music at their preferred volume, while others in the room experience only a subtle background soundtrack. Similarly, Auracast can be used for movie screenings or other group events, fully adapted to individual needs.

Benefits

• Freedom to adjust volume—ideal for those with hearing impairments or sound sensitivity.
• Eliminates noise disturbances in adjacent rooms.
• Encourages social integration, as everyone can participate on their own terms.

Scenario 3: Secure protests with "Invisible" Audio

Description

During large demonstrations, SMS messages can be delayed or go unnoticed in the crowd. Auracast can broadcast real-time alerts: "Exit blocked—move east", ensuring smooth information flow.

A 2022 MIT study found that voice messages improve crowd response times by 65% compared to SMS notifications (source: MIT Human Dynamics Lab).

Benefits

• Instant communication, without delays or the need to open an app.
• More effective and safer crowd coordination.
• Discreet information transmission, inaudible to outsiders.

Scenario 4: Ending airport panic

Description

Anyone who has traveled by plane knows the stress of listening for gate change announcements or document verification calls. With Auracast, travelers could simply tap their flight number from a list of available audio streams on their phone and receive real-time updates—directly in their headphones.

Frankfurt Airport, a leader in voice announcement systems, reported a 25% drop in missed flights after introducing voice notification systems (Fraport Annual Report 2023).

Benefits

• No more constantly checking screens or struggling to hear general PA announcements.
• Precise and personalized flight updates (e.g., passenger name notifications).
• Less confusion at gates and faster traveler responses.

Scenario 5: Opera and Theater in multiple languages (without barriers)

Description

Imagine a performance at the National Theater with an audience from around the world. With Auracast, each visitor could select an audio stream in their preferred language—without installing additional apps. At the same time, individuals with hearing impairments using hearing aids could receive a personalized audio layer with enhanced dialogues or scene descriptions.

This approach could also be applied to philharmonic concerts, opera performances, or stand-up comedy shows. Everyone listens to the same event but at a language and volume level that suits them best.

Benefits

• Unlimited language and volume options within a single performance.
• Greater accessibility to arts and culture for people with hearing impairments and foreign guests.
• No need for renting (and maintaining!) simultaneous translation devices.

Summary

Bluetooth Auracast has the potential to revolutionize how we share audio in public spaces. From museums and care homes to protests, airports, and theaters—it can deliver precise, discreet, and scalable audio experiences wherever needed.

In practice, Auracast becomes a silent social network, where anyone can join a real-time audio "conversation" in just a few seconds—without apps or complicated setups.

By ensuring clear instructions and well-thought-out visual cues, you can create spaces where sound immerses, inspires, and connects people—without unnecessary noise and with benefits for every listener.