Twelve South adds screen to AirFly View dongle

Twelve South released the Airfly View today, a wireless audio transmitter equipped with a dedicated display to streamline the connection process for Bluetooth headphones. The device targets users who need to link wireless audio gear to systems that lack native Bluetooth support, such as in-flight entertainment units or car stereos.

The Airfly View is priced at $79.99 and ships with a carrying case and an adapter for split 3.5mm airplane jacks. This price point makes it one of the more expensive iterations of the Airfly line. The included screen eliminates the need to interpret flashing LEDs or color changes during setup. Instead, the display provides step-by-step instructions in 24 languages, including Japanese, Arabic, Portuguese, and Polish.

Beyond pairing, the screen provides real-time status information. It features a battery level indicator for the device, which has an estimated life of 16 hours. The display also shows the name of the connected headphones or earbuds, a feature that helps distinguish between different family members' devices during travel.

The dongle can stream audio to two pairs of wireless headphones simultaneously. Twelve South states that the unit supports Auracast broadcast audio, preparing it for future Bluetooth standards. However, the company notes that this capability depends on the receiving headphones supporting the Auracast feature, a trait found in few current models.

The launch addresses a common friction point in wireless audio connectivity. By replacing abstract light signals with clear text, the Airfly View aims to reduce setup errors for passengers and consumers alike.