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Phonak Target Tweaks, Tips, Techniques, Troubles and Thoughts!

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Being AWOL, I missed that update. Just done it.

Meanwhile - iPhone 17Pro just announced has Bluetooth 6 and LE audio.

So what does this mean for the Phonak Spheres here ?

oh NO! DARN. Sorry. I been away too long…forgot about that differentiation.
So what benefits does 6 bring?

Would iPhone 17Pro perform better with spheres, than my 12Pro ?

Overview

Phonak Infinio - What models and technology levels are ...

The Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio uses Bluetooth 5.3 for advanced connectivity, including future-ready ™ capabilities and a strong, long-range classic Bluetooth connection for phone calls and streaming. It features improved Bluetooth performance, allowing for more stable connections with a greater distance from the connected device compared to previous hearing aids.

Key aspects of Phonak Sphere Bluetooth:

  • Bluetooth Version 5.3:

    The Sphere Infinio is equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 technology, which is a significant upgrade for enhanced audio streaming and overall device performance.

  • Auracast™ Ready:

    This advanced feature, powered by Bluetooth 5.3, enables the device to stream audio to multiple devices or public broadcasts simultaneously, though it may require a future firmware update to be fully enabled.

  • Improved Connection Stability:

    The new technology provides a stronger and more reliable Bluetooth connection with a significantly greater connection distance than older hearing aid models, ensuring consistent audio streaming and call quality even when the user moves away from their connected phone.

  • Direct Connectivity:

    The Phonak Sphere Infinio allows for direct Bluetooth connections to smartphones and other compatible devices for streaming music, phone calls, and other audio content directly to the hearing aids.

  • Classic Bluetooth & Low Energy:

    The device utilizes both Bluetooth classic for multi-device connectivity and Bluetooth Low Energy () for efficient, low-power operation.

I still am in a quandary as to which new phone to upgrade to - really trying to stay in iOS, having family etc and shared iClouds. But still love and using my Galaxy Note 10 on WiFi only.

So I understand that iPhone 17Pro, does NOT have … yet google search yields this - please read the very last sentence in bold below.

For LE Audio compatibility with your Phonak Infinio Sphere hearing aids, any phone supporting Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) is required. For iPhone users, any model running iOS 15.0 or newer is a good choice. For Android, you need a Google Mobile Services (GMS) certified device running Android 8.0 or newer with Bluetooth 4.2 or a later version. Modern phones from Apple and Google’s Pixel lineup are generally excellent options.

iPhone Users

  • Recommendation:

    Any iPhone with iOS 15.0 or later will support LE Audio via Bluetooth Low Energy.

  • Benefits:

    iPhones offer seamless integration with hearing aids and support for hands-free calling and direct audio streaming for music, videos, and notifications.

  • Examples:

    iPhones 15 and 16, as well as older models like the iPhone 13, are known to work well, according to users.

Android Users

  • Recommendation:

    Your Android phone must be GMS-certified and have Android 8.0 or newer. Bluetooth 4.2 or later is also a minimum requirement.

  • Benefits:

    Android phones can pair with your Phonak hearing aids and allow streaming. You can enable LE Audio in your phone’s Bluetooth settings for a better connection.

  • Examples:

    Google Pixel phones (such as the Pixel 8) and Samsung phones (like the S23 Ultra) are great choices, especially since they offer easy ways to enable LE Audio for your hearing aids.

How to Check for LE Audio

  • Android: Go to your phone’s Bluetooth settings, select your hearing aid’s connection, and look for an LE Audio switch.

  • iPhone: LE Audio is supported on iPhones running iOS 15.0 or later.

“Supporting ” is a very ambiguous term. Uses le audio +/- for streaming and calling straight to the ? Or enables apps which select auracast broadcasts from other devices? The latter works. The former? I’ll believe it when I see it.

WH

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