Auracast

2024

Firmware development for greenfield social Bluetooth speaker startup

Industry

Consumer Device (Audio)

Location

Chicago

Engagement

Jun 2024 - Present

Progress

In Development

Problem to Solve

The founder prototyped speakers but needs external help to connect multiple speakers in a party-like experience and configure for surround sound. This engagement requires selecting the right Bluetooth module and microcontroller as well as writing firmware for a product MVP. 

Solutions Provided so Far

  • Component selection: After extensive research and consultation with sale engineers from three different companies, I selected a Bluetooth module that perfectly matches the scoped requirements. An STM32 chip was chosen as the peripheral MCU because it offers an ideal balance between affordability and a robust ecosystem, ensuring that future developers can easily continue the project if needed.
  • Firmware Architecture: I am currently developing the firmware for the STM32 chip, starting with a shell driver and using modern development techniques such as continuous integration and unit testing. This work will lead to a reusable boilerplate for future projects in the ecosystem. 
  • Demo and BLE Auracast: Initial focus was on writing demo scripts for the Bluetooth module, which are now fully functional. I’m actively writing firmware for the MVP’s core features, including Bluetooth communication and user interface elements like buttons and LEDs.

Technologies Stack

  • STM32, FreeRTOS, BLE, Auracast, Qualcomm, STM32CubeIDE

More projects

Firmware development for greenfield social Bluetooth speaker startup

Firmware development for greenfield social Bluetooth speaker startup

Selecting the right Bluetooth module and microcontroller, as well as writing firmware for a product MVP