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Bluetooth LE audio

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I’m beyond frustrated- trying to figure out if my laptop (Lenovo Ideapad 5) is capable of being upgraded to allow for direct pairing to my Oticon Intent 1. Hours on the phone with Lenovo to no avail. Still trying to figure out what is required for this. According to Oticon they say “Bluetooth LE audio codec” or something like that. But what Bluetooth is needed (5.2 or 5.3 or 5.4?). I’m running windows 11, 23H2 I think). Laptop has 5.1 but says “5.2 capable”. Can’t really afford a new laptop- would it be possible to get new component to enable LE audio. My hearing aids show up under devices but won’t connect - just says “can’t connect”. Main reason I would like this capability is for zoom calls and I need others to be able to also hear as well on my end. Thanks for any ideas. Only thing I can think of now is to buy another TV adapter and hook it up to laptop ?

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Some do use the TV adapter or you could get the connect clip, or like I do I use the EDUMIC and a 3.5mm audio cable, like is used on some wired headphones.

Thanks. What about this “easy LE adapter” I saw on other posts? I do have a connect clip but I rarely use it - would the audio only go to my aids if I use the connect clip?

For as I can find out it isn’t available yet. I heard roamers that maybe this coming year, hopefully the first half.

I’ve tried this… no luck… I think bluetooth 5.1 won’t work with le audio, but part of the problem/frustration is that I haven’t been able to find out exactly what’s needed/required …

Edited

If you don’t need a mic you can run Pico on a Raspberry Pi Pico W. It’s not perfect yet but it’s a $6 board plus a micro USB cable. It’s a stopgap option while you wait until matures and working dongles become available.

Does Zoom support playing to a Bluetooth device and speakers simultaneously?

Bluetooth 5.2 or higher is the minimum but doesn’t guarantee compatibility either. Compatibility with should be explicitly stated.

If you’re really keen, see Bluetooth dongle with Auracast support - FlooGoo FMA120. I don’t know if it supports older machines, but their support is good in my experience so you could always ask. Note it’s very new and support for the Oticon is only recent. Expect issues.

Finally, I’ve played around with LE Audio on a laptop and it didn’t play well at all with my mobile phone. It’s not (yet) like multipoint where you could be on your laptop but the phone picks up calls and automatically sends audio to your hearing aids. It was a major pain switching devices and often I just gave up. I don’t have a strong need to make it work personally.

In reply to @user490

Thanks… not sure about Zoom supporting playing to bluetooth device and speakers - recently I tried connecting to Zoom audio on my iphone , while others connected to zoom audio and video on PC … I was able to hear audio in my hearing aids (Oticon Intent) but there was awful echo when I spoke, so I had to mute my audio … very frustrating… I realize the whole LE audio/ is new technology, but still…

In reply to @d_Wooluf

Thanks… I may try the FlooGoo … I went to a local computer shop (I dread having to go to Best Buy …) and he was able to connect my aids to one of his computers… I asked him what the specs were, etc, but he didn’t answer me … I might try again, but really can’t buy a new laptop now … he did say he could try installing a new “radio” in my laptop … he’s not too knowledgable about hearing aid technology etc though …

Edited

I did testing on this for flairmesh when I still had the Jabras. They were working on firmware for them. I ended up with the Spheres, so returned the FlooGoo120.

“I’m pleased to inform you that we’ve released firmware version 1.0.8.7, which adds support for Oticon Intent on the FMA120. It will likely also support Phonak once it’s ready for LE audio.”

Best Regards, Ranson www.flairmesh.com15

In reply to @nedunla

You may be able to replace the Bluetooth radio in the laptop. Sometimes that is easy and sometimes not. Confirm the new radio card will work with your Intents. Even if the radio works in another computer it is possible it will not work in your system. Perhaps the shop is willing to try and charge you just for time if it doesn’t work.

Thanks. I’ll check with the shop to see how much he’ll charge if it won’t work.

Thanks again… I’ll contact support because the main question I need answered is: can others in the room with me hear the audio if I use the dongle…

Well, here’s the answer from the flairmesh support … Sounds like others in the room with me wouldn’t be able to hear the audio unless they use bluetooth headsets with … but is it true that Oticon Intent do NOT support Auracast ? I’m really confused now…

“If you want the FMA120 to broadcast audio directly from your laptop (whether it’s Zoom or a YouTube video) to multiple users, it must be set to “Broadcast” mode. However, it appears that the Oticon Intent does not currently support Auracast functionality. Additionally, all other users would need hearing aids or Bluetooth headsets equipped with Auracast receiving capability.”

Best Regards,
Ranson www.flairmesh.com6

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