CES 2020 took place in Las Vegas, Nevada from 7-10 January. This global event highlights some of the biggest advancements in consumer technologies that are available to the public. Check out some interesting developments in hearable technology.
Hearables Advances
Bluetooth
Bluetooth LE Audio was announced at this year’s CES conference. This new update allows for ear-worn devices to consume less power while featuring better audio and other new capabilities.
The new capabilities would allow people to share one audio source with all of their devices. This would mean little to no latency in order to stream the audio. This gives those who use hearables endless options. From letting multiple pairs of hearables listen to one tablet to amphitheaters streaming events via Bluetooth to hearing aids.
Sensors
Sensor technology is also advancing hearable technology’s capacity to serve as “an intelligence guardian of your health”, a description from Apple COO, Jeff Williams. Valencell, a biometric sensor company, stated that its photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensors are able to determine the consumer’s blood pressure through the connected hearing aide.
Active-Noise-Cancellation
Hearables will soon be able to enjoy Active-Noise Cancellation (ANC), a feature currently available in wireless headphone devices. This noise cancellation capability will be provided through the addition of low-power chipsets to hearables.
First introduced at CES 2018, Qualcomm’s QCC5100 chip series is now becoming used in hearable devices, some of which debuted at this year’s show.
Hearables on the Market
CES 2020 showed the world some of the latest and greatest smart hearables currently on the market. Some devices that utilize some of the advancements listed above include:
Nuheara IQbuds2 Max
These new headphones use artificial intelligence (AI) to access your hearables in order to make sure they are calibrated to your personal profile. Not only do they offer ANC, but they also feature Speech in Noise Control that has three microphones accessing sound inside and outside the ear to ensure enhanced speech. Additionally, these headphones allow the user to listen to music.
Olive Smart Ear X
Originally only one earbud, the Smart Ear X is now a pair of headphones that help people who require hearing aids. This device reduces background noise while also giving consumers the ability to take calls and listen to music.
Amazfit Zenbuds
These snug headphones help block out noise and play gentle sounds to help users fall asleep. By using a heart monitor, the device is able to detect when the user falls asleep and will stop playing sound.
The Evolving Internet of Things
Hearables work thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT), which has the potential to completely transform the healthcare field and other industries. In the IEEE Guide to the Internet of Things, an eight-course program, participants learn about IOT-applications, challenges, and future opportunities. This program is designed for professionals working in engineering, IT, computer science, and related fields across all industries.
Connect with an IEEE Content Specialist to receive a custom quote for your organization today.
Interested in the course for yourself? Visit the IEEE Learning Network!
Resources
Langley, Hugh. (13 January 2020). Smart hearables go beyond the music at CES 2020: Here are the best. Tech Radar.
Kemp, David. (13 January 2020). Four Major Hearables Takeaways from CES 2020. Voicebot.ai.
When I first left grad school in the 80s, I worked on every type of audio device, and I am glad to see finally progress towards the availability of simple but effective tech.