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Auracast transmitter QR Codes

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Several of the new and upcoming released hearing aids will, finally have activated. However, wearers using the hearing aid apps on apple  iPhones and iPads will not be able to select Auracast broadcasts from a list of broadcast channels as Android users can. Apple users will have to scan the broadcast transmitter’s QR code. I’m hoping that responsible Auracast “broadcasters” will post or otherwise provide the QR codes for their customers or guests to scan. I have put together a MS Word and PDF file with several screen shots on how to obtain the QR code for people who may be using a HomeSpot auracast broadcaster. How can I get you that file to be posted?

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Apple, you need a second phone and a QR code generator to create a QR code from the known information to then scan with your primary phone. Steve must be pleased.

I am surprised, and at the same time not surprised, to read this. I have an iPhone 13 and Jabra aids. The Jabra app scans for transmissions. Works easily. I use it with an Avantree transmitter. I read that the Oticon app will do the same. However, by omission, I suspect that means if you have aids, with Auracast enabled, from another manufacturer, you need the phone’s settings to look for a transmission. Regardless of iPhone or Android…this is a (potential) problem. I think there are many not tech savvy hearing aid wearers who will be challenged if they have to use phone settings to find the transmission. Bravo to Resound and Oticon for putting it in their apps.

Apple doesn't have native support ... Yet. Fingers crossed it might announce it this week (no inside knowledge, but a hope).

It is currently on the hearing aid manufacturers to manage this.

QR codes is not the answer.

I've probably visited more Auracast installations than most. The only time I can recall seeing one is Frankfurt Airport. Just one.

There may have been more, but the idea that this is the right solution for the Assistant app is for the birds. As an add-on, yes, but not the way to connect.

Funnily enough I wrote about this on Aurahear yesterday.

I get the impression that the issue is somehow tied up with these hearing aides not using MFI, but using classic Blue Tooth and Apple's constraints on how apps can interface. I hope this is just an interim situation

For more information on how the Phonak app works look at about 18:05 into this Dr. Cliff video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdkj1EevZGs. 5

I would like to think that places the use will provide/post QR codes for Phonak (and other) hearing aid users with iPhones to use. I work at a museum in Colorado Springs who has implemented auracast through a couple of HomeSpot Audio Broadcasters. We will have the QR codes for our transmitters posted for our guests to scan in the appropriate areas in the museum and at the front desk when we reopen (from maintenance) after the first of the year.

For Philips 9050 hearing aids (close relatives of Oticon Intent), the Philips HearLink 2 cell phone app (iOS or Android) searches for broadcasts which you simply tap to join. So simple, and works like a charm. Other manufacturers should have apps that do the same. No QR codes involved.

In reply to @d_Wooluf

I understand from my conversations with Phonak's press office that they are anticipating an app update to allow for scanning of broadcast lists, but honestly I'm baffled as to why it's a topsy turvy approach that is out of kilter with what is happening in venues.

Not only that, but how can I connect to my LG C5, a Homespot, an Audeara streamer? qR codes not an option there.

For someone dipping their toe in the water and being denied easy access ... It runs the risk of putting them off the tech before they've even had a chance to use it.

In reply to @PhilCreighton

@PhilCreighton said:

It runs the risk of putting them off the tech before they've even had a chance to use it.

That might not be a bad thing from Phonak's pov. Their whole history with and has been prevarication. No enthusiasm for it at all.

They bring out a 'ready for' hearing aid and two years later we're told that Auracast should be enabled on it 'within a year'. They bring out a hearing aid with Auracast enabled but for some reason they can't develop an app that lets the user choose a stream from a list. Other makers don't seem to have any problems doing it.

I don't have an Iphone to test. I found an Android app which is used for searching broadcast's. It works with Android's. I did a search to see if I could find an Iphone app. Has anyone tried QK Auracast assistant app9

The trouble is with QR codes there are lots online about other QR codes from scammers being put over the top.

I have a iphone 13 and I connect to my church's every Sunday without a QR code or password. I just select auracast on my hearing aid app and I'm am connected.

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