Qualcomm’s aptX and aptX HD encoders, which allow for high-quality Bluetooth audio, are now free to use on Android devices, thanks to a recent move by the company. Prior to this, device manufacturers had to pay a licensing fee to use the encoders in their devices, with fees as high as $6,000 for a one-time payment alongside per-device fees.

This move means that any developer creating a custom Android-based ROM can now add support for Qualcomm aptX or aptX HD without ripping them from a licensed build. The encoders are now part of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) Apache license and are free to use. While this change may not be significant for the average Android user, it could potentially lead to more devices supporting the hi-fi wireless audio format going forward.

Qualcomm has clarified that while the aptX and aptX HD encoders are now free to use, companies will still have to pay licensing fees to use other aspects of aptX, such as the decoder on the receiving end of the Bluetooth connection. Additionally, it is still the responsibility of ROM developers to use these now-open-source encoders from AOSP.

This development is a significant step forward for the mobile industry, which has seen a significant improvement in Bluetooth audio quality over the past decade but has also faced criticism for getting rid of the headphone jack. With the aptX and aptX HD encoders now freely available, more devices could potentially support high-clarity codecs, making the listening experience even better for users. It will be interesting to see how this move by Qualcomm impacts the industry going forward, and whether we see more devices adopting the hi-fi wireless audio format in the coming years.

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(Via)

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Xiaomi is gearing up for the launch of its new high end noice cancelling earbuds. The product is officially confirmed to be the FlipBuds Pro that is set to launch tomorrow (13th May 2021). But just prior to its launch, a company official has revealed some additional details regarding the true wireless earphones.

The additional details were shared by the Chinese tech giant’s Vice President’s official Weibo account (@常程). In the online post, the executive shared multiple screenshots that shared a bunch of smaller details regarding the upcoming FlipBuds Pro TWS earbuds. Looking at these images, it can be observed that the new earphones will offer noise reduction in three different modes, which includes a high, mid, and low settings that can be switched on the basis of the users’ requirements.

In other words, it can be used in the office, for daily use, and other scenarios as well. The company has also equipped the FlipBuds Pro with the transparent mode that was well received on the Apple AirPods Pro. This mode essentially allows the user to hear their surroundings and avoid complete isolation through the mic, which can be useful in certain situations. Furthermore, the earbuds will also feature a search mode that will allow for an easier way of finding the FlipBuds Pro if they are lost nearby.

Notably, the Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro will also support Qualcomm’s aptX Bluetooth certification that allows for better sound quality with reduced latency. Since the new TWS earbuds are premium grade product from the company, it arrives with top end specifications, features, and design. This also marks the brands growing efforts in high end hearables market. So stay tuned for the launch, as we will be covering the event

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However, an update for HydrogenOS is bringing a new feature that isn’t yet available to OxygenOS, and that is support for aptX and aptX HD Bluetooth codecs. What is aptX and what does it do?

When you transmit audio over bluetooth, it is compressed and the audio quality is not as good as when you use a pair of wired earphones or when you stream over other wireless methods. aptX still compresses the audio but it just sounds a lot better. According to Qualcomm Global Trading Pte. Ltd., a Qualcomm subsidiary that acquired CSR, the original owner of aptX, the codec enables CD-like quality wireless audio because it solves the problem of sending the full music bandwidth over bluetooth.

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The update is still limited to the beta version (HydrogenOS Beta 12) but will soon be made available via a stable update. aptX needs a special hardware for it to work in smartphones and even aptX supported headphones or speakers. The hardware is said to be present in most high-end smartphones already. aptXsupport will also be added to all smartphones and tablets running Android O.

(Source)

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