Sennheiser Enters TWS Category with Bluetooth 5 Momentum True Wireless

Among the many headphone-related announcements made at IFA 2018 in Berlin, Sennheiser finally entered the true wireless stereo (TWS) category with its new Momentum True Wireless earbuds. As the company states "These exquisitely crafted Bluetooth earphones bring the uncompromised audio performance and iconic style of the Momentum headphone range to a truly wireless form for the first time." The company's entry in the TWS space uses an updated Bluetooth 5 platform in what is otherwise a refined, understated design.

Knowles Corporation announced that it has developed with Baidu and Bestechnic (BES) a new hands-free reference design for headphones, headsets and true wireless earbuds that works with smart devices powered by DuerOS, Baidu’s conversational AI system. The Knowles IA610 SmartMic supports the industry’s lowest-power, always-on voice wake capability to enable Baidu voice service on-the-go for ear worn consumer products.

Audio and communications specialist Jabra announced an upgrade to its best-selling Jabra Elite Sport true wireless earbuds. The new version provides users with 50% more battery life, enhanced capabilities for personalizing sound and new color options. With this update, Jabra Elite Sport continues to be one of the most technically advanced, true wireless sports earbuds currently available.

Advanced micro-acoustic, audio processing, and specialty component solutions specialists, Knowles Corporation, announced the launch of Versant advanced voice technology, an advanced audio solution for hearables and premium earphones that optimizes the user’s voice in noisy environments, such as wind or crowds. A first implementation example includes Munich-based, Bragi, which has recently introduced a software upgrade to its The Dash earbuds featuring Knowles Versant technology.

The race is on! Following previous simultaneous efforts to create the market’s first true wireless earphones (meaning no connecting wire and internal battery), Erato Audio Technology has launched a campaign on Kickstarter to promote awareness for the Apollo 7, which the company says are the industry’s first micro driver, true-wireless, waterproof earphones. Erato introduced the Apollo 7 at the MWC 2016 show in Barcelona and are actually ready to ship soon.