Hearables in 2023: Comfort Must Come First

Predicting what trends we’ll see in hearables in 2023 seems like a fool’s errand. With the release of the OTC hearing aid rule in the United States, these are predicated on devices that can be comfortably worn for long stretches of the day in a form factor that people are willing to wear in social settings. Without that foundation, these interesting and useful applications will not achieve mass-adoption. Anticipating CES 2023, Andrew Bellavia looks for the Next Big Thing in Hearables and the Multiple Sides of Comfort.

Sony Electronics is exploring new avenues in earbud design with its latest LinkBuds, allowing users to enjoy music, content, and experiences – all at once. With the LinkBuds, Sony introduces an open diaphragm ring design that delivers improved audio transparency, ultra-small super fit, and crystal-clear sound and call quality. By leveraging this unique design, sensors, and spatial sound technologies, Sony says the LinkBuds will be also a new platform for augmented reality (AR) content, navigation, and work-from-home.

xMEMS Labs introduced Tomales, a new monolithic, 1mm-thin profile MEMS tweeter µspeaker, available with top and side-firing package options that simplify speaker placement and positioning to direct audio toward the ear in smart glasses and augmented/extended reality headset applications. This new MEMS driver, which uses the company second generation M2 speaker cell architecture, has an IP58 rating for dust/water that simplifies system integration in these designs.

CEVA and VisiSonics, a developer of patented 3D spatial audio technologies, announced that the companies have collaborated closely together to develop a comprehensive 3D spatial audio solution for embedded devices, including true wireless audio (TWS) earbuds, headphones and other hearables. The collaboration combines VisiSonics' RealSpace 3D audio software optimized for CEVA’s low power audio and sensor hub DSPs together with CEVA’s MotionEngine head tracking algorithms running on its BNO080 9-axis System in Package (SiP).

IFA 2020, in Berlin, Germany, was "the first major global fair for consumer and home electronics" to physically take place since the pandemic. This limited push to promote a trade show again, lead some major consumer electronics companies and brands to converge their announcements in the week from September 1-5, with showcases streamed to the world live from the Berlin exhibition grounds. Some announcements were relevant to the audio industry and included the Qualcomm press conference, which used the opportunity to launch its latest Adaptive ANC platform, an important step towards smart true wireless earbuds.

During a special event promoted to announce a new generation of Amazon Alexa products, technologies and solutions, Amazon introduced an all-new line-up of Echo devices to expand its Alexa voice assistant ecosystem in the home and now also on-the-go. The all-new Echo Buds, using ANC technology licensed from Bose, join the Echo Auto as another option to take Alexa outside the home. The new Echo speakers also include the Echo Studio, engineered in collaboration with Dolby and supporting HRA and immersive audio reproduction.

At CES 2019, Sennheiser will be providing visitors with the unique opportunity to explore the world of Augmented Audio and craft their very own AMBEO AR experience. The company will promote listening sessions of the much anticipated AMBEO Soundbar, finally revealing the latest in immersive 3D sound to the home and a remarkably spatial sonic experience with immersive 5.1.4 sound and deep bass in a single all-in-one device. Visitors to CES can also get hands on with the new MOMENTUM True Wireless earphones.