Desktop Platforms:

On most desktops the Bluetooth hardware is represented by a Bluetooth dongle, connected to an external interface - such as Serial or USB. To make this hardware recognized by OS, Bluetooth drivers should be installed. Bluetooth services, available to OS and users, depend on drivers' manufacturer and version. By combining a dongle and drivers, or picking up drivers for a dongle individually, you can get any Bluetooth services specified by Bluetooth standards, including A2DP. This solution is affordable and preserves sound quality.

Now let's examine A2DP availability on various OS.

Mac OS X

• Version 10.5 Leopard: Mac OS X includes native support for A2DP on Bluetooth-equipped Macs (though with bugs and glitches);
• Version 10.4 and earlier: no built-in support for A2DP;
• A2DP support for Mac OS X is also presented by Softick with Softick Audio Gateway for Mac OS X

Linux
The official Bluetooth stack for Linux is BlueZ. A2DP support was added to BlueZ in version 3.15. Nowadays the BlueZ stack supports all core Bluetooth protocols and layers. This stack was developed by Qualcomm, and is available for Linux kernel versions 2.4.6 and up.

Windows  

• Windows XP: Does not natively support A2DP. Use Bluetooth transmitters and adapters that include drivers with A2DP support. Bluetooth stacks for Windows XP with native A2DP support: IVT BlueSoleil (Standard) - read here how to install; for Windows 98SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP: Widcomm BCM1000-BTW
• Windows Vista: Supports A2DP after installing an April 2007 update to the Bluetooth stack, which enables A2DP for supported dongles. Widcomm BCM1000-VPP: Bluetooth for Windows Vista Profile Pack
• Windows Server 2008: not supported

Mobile Platforms:

Unfortunately, there is no chance to upgrade Bluetooth hardware module for mobile devices, so the only possible way to extend Bluetooth functionality on mobile platform is to choose, install and configure built-in or third-party software solution. Below you can find an information about A2DP availability on known mobile platforms. 

Windows

• Windows Mobile (previously Pocket PC): Version 5 (with AKU 2.0), based on the Windows CE 5.0 kernel, have full A2DP support on A2DP-enabled devices. External articles: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 AKU 2 Bluetooth A2DP Profile
• For Windows Mobile 5 devices with no A2DP built in: zoA2DP freeware (read here how to install it)
• A2DPToggle 1.0 (and here) for Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC and Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional Pocket PC
• Teksoft BlueMusic 3.0 for Windows Mobile 5.0/6.0 Pocket PC
• Widcomm (developed by Broadcom): BCM1000-BSP for Microsoft Windows Mobile Smartphone; BCM1000-WCE Bluetooth Communications Software for Windows Mobile
• BlueSoleil 6 Mobile
• New software: BtMusic 1.0 beta
• Blue Audio for Windows Mobile

Palm OS  

Initially A2DP support was introduced in 2006 by Softick with their Softick Audio Gateway shareware program - read here how to install.

Symbian

• Series 60: devices running Series60 3rd Edition FP1 (S60v3.1/Symbian 9.1) and newer have A2DP support
• UIQ 3.0 (Symbian 9.1) and newer support A2DP.  

BlackBerry

• BlackBerry Device Software 4.2.1 and earlier: A2DP is not supported.
• BlackBerry OS 4.2. (Blackberry Curve 8300 and newer): supports A2DP.
• BlackBerry OS 4.3.1 (Blackberry Pearl 8110 and newer): supports A2DP.

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