What is Qualcomm aptX?

The original aptX audio codec originated in Belfast at Queen’s university. The research focused specifically on audio compression techniques to deliver audio for wideband stereo audio applications in the music, film, radio-broadcast, and post-production sectors.

The codec was used in the early 90’s by Steven Spielberg in collaboration with DTS to record audio for 5.1 digital playback for films such as Jurassic Park and Saving Private Ryan. aptX codec has high quality and low latency, and therefore, was the ideal technology for transmission over ISDN lines. This quality in the codec made it the standard for music and post-production studios and was used for mix approvals and voice overs.In 2018 aptX Adaptive launched which is the latest audio codec designed by Qualcomm to dynamically adjust performance in order to deliver exceptional audio whether you’re playing games or listening to a song.

The aptX codec isn’t limited by the maximum bandwidth available with bluetooth as it compresses audio files and transmits them without damaging the sound quality.

The whole decompressing process of an aptX compressed file happens while it's being played and this greatly reduces the latency during playback. This means you get the same high quality audio you are used to, with the freedom and convenience of no wires.

The aptX family includes aptX HD, aptX Adaptive and aptX Low Latency.

aptX Adaptive is the latest codec to be developed and is designed for the modern mobile user. It is ideal for mobile gaming as well as streaming your latest box-set binge.

It provides fantastic audio quality, low bit rate audio quality, low-bit rate audio transmission, scalability and low latency to create a hassle-free  wireless listening experience, even in the most challenging of radio frequency (RF) environments such as airports.

Next in line is aptX HD , whose design is to deliver 24-bit wireless HD audio over Bluetooth. It improves the signal-to-noise ratio which in turn results in lower background noise. With lower Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and no audio artefacts you can enjoy your music with hardly any interference.

aptX Low Latency as its name suggests is a sample based codec that features a latency of approximately 40ms which is the rate needed to sync visual and audio data, this comes as a blessing for gamers who need to know from which direction a sound source is coming from in real time.aptX Low Latency has 16-bit audio quality consistently.

In conclusion aptX provide a consistent, high quality audio over Bluetooth, that doesn’t diminish your listening experience in any way whatsoever and is the perfect solution to a seamless gaming and streaming experience.