Auracast changes the acoustics of cathedrals – delivering perfect sound clarity

Samsung Electronics connects people through sound. The company showcased the possibilities of Auracast technology at a groundbreaking event held on May 16 at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London to mark the Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), in cooperation with hearing aid manufacturer GN. Visitors equipped with GN hearing aids or Galaxy Buds3 Pro headphones were able to experience a unique listening environment — a single audio source was transmitted simultaneously to multiple receivers thanks to Auracast.

What’s happening

Microphones and Auracast transmitters delivered audio directly to GN hearing aids or Galaxy Buds3 Pro earbuds, significantly reducing background noise and improving speech clarity. Selected participants were able to try the potential of this technology already during a pilot event on May 1.

“Experiencing the guided tour with Auracast was amazing,” said one attendee. “Normally I wouldn’t be able to participate because I wouldn’t hear well. But today it was completely different — thanks to this technology, I heard everything clearly and didn’t miss a single word.”

Benefits of Auracast

Shared listening: Since audio is transmitted to multiple devices at once, people can enjoy a shared experience, whether they use headphones or hearing aids. It’s a major step forward compared to classic Bluetooth, which allows connection to only one device.
Seamless audio switching: When moving between different sources (e.g., smartphone to TV, public to private space), the audio stays with you without needing to pair devices again.
Clear sound anywhere: Auracast eliminates ambient noise because audio is transmitted directly to your ears. This is especially useful in spaces with strong reverberation, such as cathedrals, museums, or large halls.
Personalized listening: Whether you’re at home, in a museum, at an airport, or in a sports arena, Auracast allows you to adjust the sound to your own preferences. This ensures optimal clarity for people with various levels of hearing ability.

The big picture

Commitment to accessibility: Samsung aims to redefine accessibility in hearing and connect the world of mobile technology with the world of hearing aids. Auracast represents a bridge between consumer audio devices and hearing assistive technology, offering a seamless, intelligent, and connected listening experience for everyone.

More information can be found here.