Qualcomm's AptX Adaptive codec aims to make Bluetooth headphones not suck

Qualcomm's been on a mission to make Bluetooth headphones not so terrible with its AptX audio codec, and at IFA 2018, the company announced the next generation of this — AptX Adaptive.

As convenient as wireless headphones are, the Bluetooth connection they rely on isn't always the best. Sometimes your audio will cut out, certain environments cause for a lot of interference, and when stacked up against wired connections, sound quality can pale in comparison. AptX already does a good job at making wireless audio sound better, but AptX Adaptive wants to take this to the next level.

As the "adaptive" name suggests, this new version of the codec is able to adjust the way it works based on a couple key factors. For example, AptX Adaptive can sense the RF environment around you, and if it detects a lot of other wireless signals bouncing around, will compress your own transmission so that it doesn't interfere with everything else. However, if there aren't a lot of competing signals, AptX Adaptive can send a larger file size (read, better sound quality).

Along with this, AptX Adaptive can also change the way it handles audio files based on the type of content you're consuming — such as music, podcasts, movies/TV shows, etc.

AptX Adaptive will be replacing Qualcomm's older AptX and AptX HD standards and will be available for Android Pie phones and tablets this December. Headphones with the new codec should start hitting the market during the first half of 2019.

Motorola One and One Power officially announced, both running Android One