What is Bluetooth Multipoint technology and how does it work?

Wouldn’t it be great to be able to quickly and easily switch between audio sources using Bluetooth headphones without having to manually disconnect and pair them with one device at a time? Like most consumer tech wonders, the dream has become reality. In this deep dive, we’ll take a look at a great audio feature known as Bluetooth multipoint.

Introduced in 2010 with the introduction of Bluetooth 4.0, Bluetooth multipoint was a game changer for those using Bluetooth headsets in the workplace. It allowed for the immediate holding of missed calls from a second phone line, and that was just the beginning of Bluetooth multipoint capabilities and its compatibility with various devices.

But how exactly does multipoint work outside of call center settings? And why isn’t this feature talked about more by brands that build it into their products? Join us, dear reader, on a journey into the past, present, and future of Bluetooth multipoint.

How does Bluetooth Multipoint technology work?

To better understand the science behind multipoint audio, it’s helpful to quickly look at how Bluetooth works as a whole.

Traditionally, a simple wireless network (known as a piconet) is a digital thread that connects a single set of Bluetooth headphones to a Bluetooth source, whether it’s a phone, tablet, computer, or gaming system. As part of this A-B handshake, your headphones (device A) issue all the commands to the piconet, dictating the volume at which your phone plays music, when a voice assistant is summoned, and so on.

Device B in this piconet (the sound source) has only one job: to listen to and follow the commands of Device A. So far, so good? Let’s see how multi-point figures are factored into this chain of command.

Typically, a Bluetooth piconet only connects two devices. But when device A supports multipoint connectivity, you can connect to two or more sources of device B, allowing you to maintain a connection to two peripherals (phone, tablet, etc.) simultaneously and seamlessly switch between them.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of multipoint setup, let’s take a closer look at the different types of multipoint audio.

Simple, Triple, Advanced (and your Apple ID)

There are three main types of multipoint audio: simple, triple, and advanced. Simple multipoint is typically the type of multipoint connection most commonly used by consumer product makers, where one set of headphones can be connected to two sources at the same time.

Less common is triple connectivity, which, as the name suggests, allows you to connect up to three audio sources to a single set of headphones or wireless earbuds. The Technics EAH-AZ80 is a great example of triple multipoint connectivity.

The third type, advanced, has been around a bit longer than simple multipoint but is very similar. Most often associated with call centers, advanced multipoint adds one extra feature to the piconet: the ability for a headset to answer two calls at once and leave one on hold, allowing easy switching between them.

There’s also another approach to multipoint that we need to talk about. Companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google, for example, prefer to do things a little differently, with their own versions of automatic device switching.

If you have a pair of Apple AirPods Pro, for example, Apple’s Auto Audio Switching lets you seamlessly switch between devices like your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. If you own a Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, Samsung’s Galaxy Auto Switching feature through the Wearables app will remember your paired devices and automatically switch between them, for example when a phone call comes in or it detects that music is turned on on another device. Using Google’s Quick Pairing and Audio Switching features on an Android device, for example, a set of Google Pixel Buds Pro earbuds lets you seamlessly switch between compatible devices while you’re using them.

What is a multipoint used for?

The main advantage of Bluetooth Multipoint technology is that one set of Bluetooth headphones or earbuds can be connected to more than one device at a time. This allows you to switch between two different source devices without having to manually disconnect the headphones from one device and reconnect them to another.

But how exactly does the chain of command work to determine which media takes precedence? To break this down, let’s look at the average multipoint setup.

In the scenario below, let’s say you’re wearing the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones and they’re connected to both your iPhone (which you always have with you) and your work computer. The typical media hierarchy looks like this: phone and video calls take precedence over voice assistants and system sounds, and digital assistants, device alerts, and notifications take precedence over audio content like Netflix streaming, Spotify tracks, and any music or podcasts you’ve downloaded to your phone or computer. Now let’s put this into action to see how it all plays out.

Imagine you’re in the office, wearing your favorite headphones, which are simultaneously connected to your iPhone and your work computer.

You’re on a Teams video call on your computer with a colleague, and your partner sends you a text message on your phone, and the notification sound comes through your headphones. But work is important, so you don’t pay attention to it — and then your phone rings — it’s your significant other. Now you’re in trouble. You answer the call, and while the Teams video stream remains active on your computer screen, its sound is muted in your headphones, because the phone call’s sound takes priority. Once the call ends, you return to the Teams call.

Another scenario could be when you’re listening to music through a streaming service like Spotify on your computer, and audio notifications like calendar reminders, text messages, WhatsApp messages, and more are being pushed from your phone. Once you silence the alarm or the notification ends, your Spotify playlist starts playing again. Alternatively, if a phone call or Zoom call were to be pushed to your phone, the music on your computer would pause when you answer the call and resume when the call ends.

In an ideal world, this is how it should work — easy, seamless switching between devices and headphones — and in theory it is possible. However, there are a few factors that come into play, such as the capabilities and compatibility of your devices and how you configure your computer and phone settings. For example, while your music may pause for a notification or call, it doesn’t always automatically start. Or when a Teams or Zoom call resumes, you may need to reactivate the microphone. These are all minor details, but it’s worth saying that while Bluetooth multipoint is a technology that offers some incredibly convenient and helpful features, it’s still evolving and not perfect…

How to buy Bluetooth multipoint products

There are a few things to consider when shopping for a multipoint Bluetooth product. First, determine your needs and usage scenarios. For example, do you want headphones for working out, earbuds for your daily commute, a speaker for home use, or a car kit for hands-free calling while driving? Also consider whether you want automatic switching between devices, which can be convenient for multitasking, or whether manual control is sufficient for your use.

Compatibility is also important, as not all products work with every device. Make sure the product you choose is compatible with the smartphone, tablet, laptop or other device you plan to use.

Key features to look for when buying a product include an easy pairing process, excellent sound quality, and good battery life. An easy pairing process can save you time and hassle, and excellent sound quality provides a pleasant listening experience. Good battery life is essential for uninterrupted use.

Build quality and manufacturer support are also important factors. A well-made product is likely to last longer and perform better over time. In addition, reliable manufacturer support can be crucial if you encounter any issues with the product.

Read reviews and do thorough research before making a purchase. Reviews from other users can provide valuable information about the product’s performance and reliability. If possible, try testing the product in a store to get to know it better and determine if it meets your expectations.

Finally, consider your budget and what trade-offs you’re willing to make to get a lower price. Determine which features are most important to you and be prepared to make informed decisions based on your budget constraints. By taking all of these factors into account, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a Bluetooth multipoint product.