The trajectory of the development of audio accessories like earbuds is taking a more powerful function. A report monitored on the Wall Street Journal indicates that Apple may be developing AirPods that could sync with the Apple Watch to take temperature measurements, evaluate body posture, and even function as a hearing aid for those that have a hearing impairment.
As per the report from WSJ, the prototype of the new AirPods indicate that it will measure the body’s core temperature from inside the user’s ear. Furthermore, the in-ear temperature sensors are expected to synchronize with the temperature sensor in the Apple Watch Series 8. The new feature of the device operating as a hearing aid could also have far-reaching implications for those with some hearing difficulties. The Conversation Boost feature is a new function in the AirPods Pro that enables the user to have enhanced volume and voice clarity from persons directly in front of the user. The basic AirPods design consists of microphones, amplifiers, and the necessary processor for enhanced voice clarity and volume.
It is however unclear whether the new designs will approach sound amplification through another route or it will just be an enhancement of the current Conversation Boost feature. The full design of the prototype will have to be seen to ascertain whether it could serve as a hearing aid. Importantly, the battery life of the model has to be improved upon tremendously for all-day use as a hearing aid. The report noted that it is possible that battery expansion considerations could be made by the FDA for such a new class of multi-functional hearing aids.
There is no indication when this rumored AirPods will become a commercial product if indeed it makes its way to the market. No confirmation has been gotten from Apple yet on the matter.
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