“Android gets support for better calling with Bluetooth connection”

According to commits in the AOSP repository, Android will receive support for “super wideband” when calling via a bluetooth headset. This should increase the call quality. Google hasn’t said anything about the new feature yet.

Commit super wideband in AOSP

Due to the change, bluetooth can transmit frequencies between 7000 and 14000Hz when calling, something that is not possible at the moment, reports Mishaal Rahman. The Bluetooth SIG, the steering group of companies behind the Bluetooth standard, calls that “super wide band‘. This allows Bluetooth accessories to transmit sounds between 50Hz and 14000Hz. Rahman relies on commits in AOSP,Android Open Source Project.

To do that, support moves from Headset Profile 1.8 to 1.9. It’s not standard yet, but it’s coming. Google seems to be anticipating this by already working on its implementation in the bluetooth stack for Android. If headsets then support it, it will probably also be in Android soon. Then that audio can go through the LC3 codec instead of mSBC. It is unknown when support for super wideband audio will be in Android’s bluetooth stack.