[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "are%20there%20any%20mentions%20of%20Auracast%20from%20phonik%20for%20the%20Phonak%20Sphere"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s what I found regarding Auracast mentions for Phonak\u2019s *Aud\u00e9o Sphere* (Infinio) line:\n\n---\n\n### \u2705 What Phonak *Sphere* claims\n\n1. Phonak states that the *Aud\u00e9o Sphere Infinio* devices are **\u201cAuracast-ready\u201d** thanks to their **ERA sound platform** and **Bluetooth 5.3** chipset. ([hearinghealthcarecentre.co.uk](https://www.hearinghealthcarecentre.co.uk/hearing-aids/products/audeo-sphere-infinio/?utm_source=openai))  \n   - \u201cAuracast-ready for future broadcast streaming\u201d is listed under the connectivity specs. ([hearinghealthcarecentre.co.uk](https://www.hearinghealthcarecentre.co.uk/hearing-aids/products/audeo-sphere-infinio/?utm_source=openai))  \n   - The sales comparison chart also notes \u201cAuracast\u2122 ready ERA chip\u201d under the Infinio Sphere's features. ([phonakmarketing.com.au](https://phonakmarketing.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/PH_SalesAid_PlatformComparisonLumity_210x297_EN_028-2676-48.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n2. Product and expert summaries also say that while the hardware (chipset, Bluetooth version) supports future LE Audio / Auracast capabilities, **those features are not yet active**. That is, they\u2019re planned, but not currently usable. ([hearingup.com](https://hearingup.com/hearing-aids/phonak-sphere-infinio?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### \u2753 What\u2019s *not* supported (yet)\n\n1. The firmware upgrades required to enable Auracast or LE Audio have *not* been released for the Sphere devices as of recent status. Phonak has specifically said Auracast is **not included** in the firmware upgrade path from Sphere to Ultra etc., at least in some cases. ([hearingtracker.com](https://www.hearingtracker.com/news/phonak-launches-infinio-ultra-and-ultra-sphere?utm_source=openai))\n\n2. In community forums, users with Sphere 90 and similar models report that they cannot currently use Auracast broadcasts, and that the setting for LE Audio / Auracast isn\u2019t available. ([forum.hearingtracker.com](https://forum.hearingtracker.com/t/availability-of-auracast-on-phonak-sphere-infinio-i90/94445?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### \ud83d\udcdd Summary\n\n- The **Phonak Aud\u00e9o Sphere Infinio** hearing aids *do mention* \u201cAuracast-ready\u201d in Phonak\u2019s marketing and specifications. ([hearinghealthcarecentre.co.uk](https://www.hearinghealthcarecentre.co.uk/hearing-aids/products/audeo-sphere-infinio/?utm_source=openai))\n- However, **actual Auracast functionality is not yet enabled**\u2014it requires a future firmware update that has not yet been rolled out. ([hearingtracker.com](https://www.hearingtracker.com/news/phonak-launches-infinio-ultra-and-ultra-sphere?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can try to track whether Phonak has given a timeline for when Auracast will be activated for Sphere models\u2014or find out whether any firmware updates are scheduled. Do you want me to check?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "yes%20please"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s what I found digging into whether Phonak has committed to *when* Auracast will be enabled in the Sphere (Infinio Sphere) hearing aids:\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd0d What we know so far\n\n- Phonak\u2019s **Infinio Sphere** devices are described as \u201cAuracast-ready\u201d in several spec sheets and third-party summaries. Hardware elements like Bluetooth 5.3 and the ERA chip are noted as supporting future Auracast-type features. ([forum.hearingtracker.com](https://forum.hearingtracker.com/t/availability-of-auracast-on-phonak-sphere-infinio-i90/94445?utm_source=openai))  \n- As of 2025, Phonak introduced the **Infinio Ultra** and **Ultra Sphere** firmware versions (in-clinic upgrades). These brought improvements like AutoSense OS 7.0, better AI features, improved connectivity, and more efficient performance. ([audiologyonline.com](https://www.audiologyonline.com/interviews/new-phonak-products-features-and-29514?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Important point**: None of these firmware releases include active Auracast support. Users report that while the devices are Auracast-ready, Auracast (Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast) is still **not enabled**. ([forum.hearingtracker.com](https://forum.hearingtracker.com/t/availability-of-auracast-on-phonak-sphere-infinio-i90/94445?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## \u26a0\ufe0f Is there a confirmed launch date?\n\n- As of **late 2025 / early 2026**, there's **no official timeline** from Phonak / Sonova that confirms when or even if Auracast functionality will be released for Sphere. ([forum.hearingtracker.com](https://forum.hearingtracker.com/t/availability-of-auracast-on-phonak-sphere-infinio-i90/94445?utm_source=openai))  \n- In forums, a Phonak rep allegedly said that in September 2025, Phonak stated they would *not* implement Auracast *yet*. (Though such statements are from unofficial sources, discussions \u2014 possibly from internal or advertising materials.) ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/phonak/comments/1q8df9f/auracast_capability/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Users remain hopeful; some audiologists told customers that a firmware update is still *planned*. But there is **no firm date** that has been published. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/phonak/comments/1q8df9f/auracast_capability/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## \ud83e\uddfe Summary\n\n| Item | Status |\n|---|---|\n| Hardware readiness | \u2714\ufe0f Yes \u2014 devices are built with components (BT 5.3, ERA chip) that allow for Auracast in the future. ([forum.hearingtracker.com](https://forum.hearingtracker.com/t/availability-of-auracast-on-phonak-sphere-infinio-i90/94445?utm_source=openai)) |\n| Firmware (Ultra) rollout | \u2714\ufe0f Yes \u2014 new \u201cUltra\u201d firmware released Oct 2025; this includes performance, AI, and connectivity improvements but **no active Auracast**. ([hearingnow.co.uk](https://www.hearingnow.co.uk/learning/product-release-phonak-infinio-ultra?utm_source=openai)) |\n| Auracast functionality enabled | \u274c No \u2014 not yet in any publicly released firmware. ([forum.hearingtracker.com](https://forum.hearingtracker.com/t/availability-of-auracast-on-phonak-sphere-infinio-i90/94445?utm_source=openai)) |\n| Commitment from Phonak about timeline | \u2753 Not specific \u2014 some reports say Phonak has \u201cno current plan\u201d as of Sept 2025; others say a firmware update is still \u201cplanned\u201d but with no schedule. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/phonak/comments/1q8df9f/auracast_capability/?utm_source=openai)) |\n\n---\n\nIf you want, I can try to contact Phonak\u2019s public sources or check their latest official press releases to see if anything new has been announced since early 2026. Would you prefer I do that to get the most up-to-date info?"
    }
]