Qualcomm’s New Bluetooth Audio SoC Likely to Power Your Next Wireless Earbuds, Include an Assistant

Alongside its Smart Audio Platform announcement, Qualcomm unveiled a Bluetooth audio SoC that it thinks will get the industry ready for wireless earbuds that don’t suck. And when I say “don’t suck,” we’re talking about buds that not only feature an assistant, but could last hours and hours longer on a charge.

Qualcomm’s Low Power Bluetooth Audio SoC QCC5100 will likely power the next generation of wireless earbuds. For one, it reduces power consumption by up to 65%, which is kind of insane when you think about it.

Its architecture also supports Bluetooth 5 dual-mode radio, utilizes Qualcomm’s aptX HD audio, has integrated hybrid active noise cancellation, and is ready for third party voice assistants (ex: Google Assistant. Qualcomm tossed in their TrueWireless Stereo technology too, which should eliminate wires (lookin’ at you, Pixel Buds!) between buds and to and from the media source (like a phone).

Qualcomm TrueWireless Stereo technology is engineered to eliminate the need for wires entirely – not only between the media source and stereo headset, but also between left and right earbuds. The QCC5100 series is designed to deliver improved low power connectivity and enhanced user experiences for truly wireless in-ear applications.

For now, Qualcomm expects to have a couple of example designs made within the first part of 2018. From there, it’ll start working with manufacturers to overcome their own design challenges.

To learn more about this Lower Power Bluetooth Audio SoC, hit up this link.

// Qualcomm