Consumer expectations for wireless headphones are driving innovations in audio tech

Consumer attitudes toward wireless headphones, earbuds, and wearables are changing — and rapidly. In fact, over the next twelve months, truly wireless headphones are expected to be the most sought-after device in the headphone category, according to research findings in our 2019 State of Play consumer audio report published earlier this year. Consumers are embracing the convenience and freedom offered by totally wireless earbuds, and we’re seeing behaviors continually evolve in the ways they’re using these devices throughout the day. 

While music listening is by far the most common use case for wireless headphones, others including watching video content, making calls, and blocking out background noise are growing in popularity. At Qualcomm Technologies we invent breakthrough technologies in audio that are helping our customers bring a whole new generation of wireless headsets and earbuds to market that include a combination of rich features such as all-day battery life, seamless voice UI (user interface), robust connectivity, low-latency for gaming, and high-quality audio for voice calls and music listening. 

Let’s take a look at some of today’s devices that are using our latest Bluetooth SoCs and audio technologies, which are designed to meet these ever-evolving expectations in consumer audio experiences:

Bowers & Wilkins: Do anything, hear anything, go anywhere

If you’re looking for headphones that produce high-resolution music listening on the go, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 are perfect. They’re the first headphones with Qualcomm aptX Adaptive audio technology that deliver robust connectivity and high-res wireless audio no matter where you are — and offer powerful drivers with adaptive noise cancelling that put you in the center of your music. 

Cambridge Audio Melomania 1: Listen to your music, longer

Featuring an incredible 9-hour battery life between charges, the latest generation of Qualcomm TrueWireless Stereo technology, and aptX HD audio for high-res music streaming, Melomania 1 delivers stunning audio quality you’ve come to expect from Cambridge Audio.

The Jabra Elite 75t: Compact comfort with superior call and music quality

Built on the ultra-low power Qualcomm QCC5126 Bluetooth SoC with Qualcomm cVc noise cancellation technology to filter out unwanted noise, the Jabra Elite 75t are perfect for making and taking calls — even in noisy and windy environments. Built for all-day wear, the Jabra Elite 75t can last up to 7.5 hours on a single charge. 

Sennheiser MOMENTUM Wireless: Studio quality audio

The new MOMENTUM Wireless is the latest addition to Sennheiser's premium headphone range — offering superior sound, cutting-edge technology, and a modern design aesthetic to every moment. It’s designed to redefine your premium headphone experience by reproducing the balanced depth and precision of studio-quality audio, utilizing aptX audio technology so you can hear even the smallest details in your music. 

Skullcandy Crusher ANC: Personalized noise cancelling

The Skullcandy Crusher ANC headphones offer a truly immersive experience combining Adjustable Sensory Bass, Active Noise Cancellation, and Personal Sound to deliver a deeper audio experience that’s tuned for your unique listening pleasure. Based on the Qualcomm QCC5124, the Crusher ANC also supports aptX audio so you can get the very most from your music no matter where you are. 

A tipping point for wireless audio

Over the past few years, we’ve made major breakthroughs in Bluetooth audio technologies — and consumers are reaping the rewards. Of the thousands of consumers surveyed worldwide in our State of Play report, two-thirds believe that wireless audio devices now deliver equal or better audio quality compared to wired products. This illustrates a dramatic attitude shift driven by technology improvements, and presents a massive opportunity for audio device manufacturers. Manufacturers and consumers alike can look forward to even more exciting rich audio features, as we continue to make advancements in low power consumption, robust connectivity, always-on voice, and high-quality wireless audio technologies — the building blocks for the next generation of truly wireless and hearable devices.

The Qualcomm aptX, Qualcomm TrueWireless, Qualcomm cVc, Qualcomm QCC5126, and Qualcomm QCC5124 are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.