New headphone adapter uses screen to guide pairing

Twelve South is selling a new wireless adapter for 79.99 dollars that features a built-in screen. The device is called the Airfly View and it launches today. It is designed to help people connect wireless headphones to gear that lacks native Bluetooth support. Instead of guessing based on flashing lights, the screen displays specific instructions for each step of the process.

The display can show these instructions in 24 different languages. The list includes Japanese, Arabic, Portuguese, and Polish. This feature addresses a common frustration with previous versions of the Airfly dongle. Users often had to decode complex LED patterns to know if the device was ready. The new screen removes that guesswork by showing clear text.

The Airfly View comes with a carrying case and a specific adapter. The adapter connects the dongle's short 3.5mm cable to the split headphone jacks found on many airplanes. While 79.99 dollars is higher than some other Airfly models, the company argues the screen adds practical value beyond just replacing the user manual.

The screen also tracks the device's health and connections. A battery level indicator lets users estimate how much of the estimated 16 hours of power remains. The display also shows the name of the connected headphones or earbuds. It identifies them based on how they report themselves over Bluetooth. This is helpful for travelers managing multiple family members who each bring their own audio gear.

One Airfly View can stream audio to two pairs of wireless headphones at the same time. Twelve South also says the device supports Auracast broadcast audio. This feature is intended for future generations of Bluetooth headphones. However, not many current models fully support Auracast yet, so the benefit depends on the specific headphones used.