Qualcomm has announced that it has accepted a solution to support sound codecs aptX and aptX HD (High Definition) in the Android Open Source Project (ASP) repository, allowing codec data to be used in all Android devices. However, more advanced versions of the codec, such as AptX Adaptive and AptX Low Latency, will still be delivered separately.
APTX and APTX HD codes are used in the A2DP Bluetooth Profile and are supported by many Bluetooth headphones. However, due to the need to pay for deductions for the integration of APTX codecs, some manufacturers, like Samsung, refused to supply APTX support in their products, giving preference to SBC and AAC.
This development from Qualcomm is expected to expand the use of aptX and aptX HD in Android devices as the integration of the codecs will no longer be limited to a few selected devices that offer it. The move is expected to increase the number of Android devices that support the codec which could be a significant selling point for Bluetooth headphone manufacturers.
With this development, users of Android devices will not have to worry about unsupported devices as aptX and aptX HD would now work on all Android devices, making it easier for users to connect to Bluetooth headphones that support the codec.