EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (January 28, 2026) — Starkey, a global leader in AI-driven hearing technology, announced major connectivity enhancements to its Omega AI platform, introducing an Auracast™ assistant, Google Fast Pair, and Push to Talk, powerful updates designed to simplify access to shared audio, streamline device pairing, and enable new forms of communication between hearing aid wearers.
“Innovation starts with building intelligent platforms that can continuously evolve,” said Achin Bhowmik, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer of Starkey. “We designed Omega AI from the ground up to incorporate advanced AI, Bluetooth LE Audio, and an intelligent software architecture, enabling innovations like Auracast assistant, Google Fast Pair, and Push to Talk, and setting a new standard for seamless, future-ready connectivity in hearing technology.”
Leading the update is Starkey’s Auracast assistant, which dramatically broadens access to Auracast™ broadcast. With the Auracast assistant, any smartphone running the My Starkey app can tune into an Auracast broadcast directly to the hearing aids, start and stop the broadcast, adjust the streaming or hearing aid microphone volume, and select a different language to stream, if needed. This opens the door for Omega AI and Edge AI hearing aid wearers to easily access shared audio in public spaces such as airports, gyms, houses of worship, theaters, and event venues.
Omega AI now also supports Google Fast Pair, allowing compatible Android users to pair their hearing aids to their phone with a single tap. Google Fast Pair detects nearby Omega AI devices, removing setup complexity and making everyday connectivity faster and more intuitive.
Further strengthening Omega AI’s connectivity is Push to Talk, an industry-first feature exclusive to Starkey. Push to Talk enables a person wearing Omega AI 24 hearing technology to send a voice message directly to another Omega AI 24 wearer. The feature can be programmed as a double-tap user control through Starkey’s Smart Assistant, offering a simple, hands-free way to stay connected.
Together, Auracast assistant, Google Fast Pair, and Push to Talk represent the latest innovations of Omega AI, combining advanced Bluetooth connectivity with practical, human-centered design to help users stay connected to the world around them.
About Starkey
Starkey is a leading global innovator in hearing technology and AI-powered hearing aids, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Since its founding by Bill Austin in 1967 and led today by Brandon Sawalich, Starkey has driven breakthroughs in unmatched sound clarity and machine learning and intelligent hearing technology. As the only American-owned hearing aid manufacturer, Starkey employs over 5,000 professionals across 29 facilities, delivering advanced hearing solutions to customers in 100+ markets worldwide. Explore our smart hearing devices and connected technologies at www.starkey.com.
