Qualcomm aptX Lossless codec will provide CD-quality sound over Bluetooth

About a year ago, if you wanted to listen to audio tracks compressed with lossless codecs on your phone, you only had one option: Tidal. A lot has changed since then: Apple recently launched support for lossless streaming in June, and Spotify promised to do the same later this year.

But unless you're ready to plug a USB DAC into your phone, more streaming services entering the Hi-Res era are of little use - Bluetooth headphones can only stream lossless audio. Fortunately, that's about to change.

What's going to improve?

Qualcomm has enhanced the Bluetooth aptX codec, which the company now claims will ideally stream 16-bit 44.1kHz CD-quality audio wirelessly. Qualcomm claims that it has made improvements to its Bluetooth High Speed Link technology to provide the necessary bandwidth.

Codec can also compress the signal to 24-bit 96 kHz quality to ensure no interruptions. It will be possible to switch manually between 16-bit 44.1kHz and 24-bit 96kHz streaming modes, although with default settings the codec will automatically switch to the former mode when it detects an appropriate signal source.

When to wait?

As with all other Bluetooth codecs, it's not enough that only your phone, tablet or computer supports the technology. You'll also need a pair of compatible headphones or speakers. Qualcomm says the first aptX Lossless-enabled devices will be available later this year.

Source: engadget

Illustration: Steve Buissinne