In March this year, Qualcomm announced the two new chips – QCC514x and QCC304x for TWS earbuds with integrated noise cancellation. While the QCC514x is a premium Bluetooth chip, the QCC304x is designed for entry-level earbuds. The tech giant has now unveiled its latest tech dubbed Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The tech is integrated with the QCC514x Bluetooth audio chip.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a major feature integrated with most wireless earbuds in recent times. As a result of the difference in design between over-ear headphones and earbuds, noise cancellation has to account for ambient noise differently since the entire ear can’t be sealed. As an alternative to sealing the entire ear, earbuds rely on replaceable tips to achieve a solid closure. Some utilise software-based calibration to ensure the sound quality remains topnotch when the listening environment is noisy.
Typically this setup isn’t dynamic. However, Qualcomm’s latest solution will automatically adjust the ANC levels when the fit of your earbuds changes or with variations in outside noise. Qualcomm says the technology can help companies deliver high-quality audio performance for more users taking in cognisance differences in ear sizes.
Qualcomm further hinted that Adaptive ANC relies less on the tight seal which headphone manufacturers have often deployed to create noise cancellation on earbuds. Instead, the hardware will adjust to variations in the fit of the earbud including during activities like running. It does all of this by automatically responding to any alteration to the tightness of fit, the level of “leak-through” noise and both how and where the earbuds are used.
Furthermore, the Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) brings support for voice assistants, “premium” audio quality, “extended” battery life and more.
The company promises the Adaptive ANC will work across different use cases, from music and podcasts to calls or speaking to a virtual assistant. Qualcomm says switching between any of those modes can be done with no interruption of the ANC.
Qualcomm didn’t say when the Adaptive ANC tech will find its way into devices but since it has been announced, that may happen soon.
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