Multipoint vs Dual Audio Bluetooth - Jargon Buster
| Reuben Howe
Bluetooth has been around a good long while, but new features and protocols are always being added both in official Bluetooth updates like Bluetooth 6.0, or in codec updates by third parties like Qualcomm. From aptX Low Latency to the brand-new Auracast, there's a lot of terms which can explain the exact features of a Bluetooth adapter or device.
Two of these features are Multipoint and Dual Audio. Both of these allow multiple simultaneous connections, so why are they separate terms? Learn what Dual Audio and Multipoint Bluetooth devices can do so you make the most informed decision when in the market for headphones, speakers or adapters!
Bluetooth Basics - What Can It Do?
First of all let's confirm what Bluetooth does "as standard" so we can better recognise the changes that Multipoint and Dual Audio make.
By default, a Bluetooth 5.X device (Which is almost any Bluetooth device you can buy in 2024) can transmit audio, receive audio, and connect to one device at a time.
(Okay, technically they can connect to more than one but manufacturers tend to disable this so that the single connection is as strong and stable as possible for the user)
Transmission lets you send audio wirelessly, reception lets you receive audio wirelessly.
Other than that, there are factors like 40ms of latency as-standard, as well as compatibility with various audio cables such as AUX, coaxial, optical etc.
So, what does Multipoint and Dual Audio add to the mix...?
Bluetooth Multipoint Connections Explained
Bluetooth Multipoint allows one Bluetooth device to connect to multiple others simultaneously. However, more specific than that, Multipoint refers only to Bluetooth reception.
Bluetooth devices can transmit or receive audio depending on their manufacture and purpose, but Multipoint is specifically a Bluetooth reception feature.
Multipoint allows you to receive audio from multiple devices at once.
For example, a pair of headphones with multipoint can be connected to two phone's at once. You can play Spotify from one, then switch seamlessly and play YouTube from the other device without having to unpair, scan, and re-pair the devices.
This is great with Bluetooth speakers at parties, where a Multipoint speaker can ensure everyone gets to DJ together and share their own audio from their own devices seamlessly.
It's also helpful for using one pair of headphones or earbuds for both work and home. Your headphones can stay paired to your Switch in your bag for the commute but also your phone in case you get a call.
Bluetooth Dual Audio Connections Explained
So, if Multipoint allows two devices to connect at once, how is "Dual Audio" going to be much different?
Dual audio allows two simultaneous connections just like Multipoint, but Dual Audio is for Bluetooth transmission.
This means a device with Dual Audio can send its audio to two different pairs of headphones at once, for example.
If your TV (or an adapter connected to it) support Dual Audio you can sit on the sofa with your partner until the early hours, enjoying TV and games together while keeping the TV silent for neighbours, kids or pets!
It's also helpful for large events and presentations when multiple speakers are needed to cover the entire space, as Dual Audio simultaneously sends one source of audio to multiple Bluetooth outputs wirelessly.
Connect the World
Bluetooth adapters which can switch between transmit and receive are already incredibly popular, but the latest models also allow Multipoint for receive and Dual Audio for transmit modes!
This means one adapter can either turn your TV into a Dual Audio TV, or make a standard speaker into a Multipoint party speaker!
When you're updating an old hifi or wired speakers / headphones, be on the look-out for both Multipoint and Dual Audio modes!
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