Have you noticed that one of the most popular gadgets found around among individuals, be it in a corporate or casual setting is a headset?
The headset has come a long way from headphones for telephone operators in the 1880s to a modern-day necessity that still continues to evolve. Today, the headset boasts of a number of technological trends that continue to endear it to users and recommend it yet-to-be converts.
This blog takes a look at some of these latest technological trends in the headset and how these trends are shaping the headset industry.
Latest Technological Trends in the Headset Industry
Noise Cancellation and Environmental Awareness
Noise Cancellation Concept
Although noise cancelling technology was first introduced in the 1980s, adjustments have however been made using latest technologies to improve the noise cancelling feature. Revolutionising this technological aspect has seen advanced algorithms and multiple microphones being integrated into the headset, which helps detect and cancel out ambient noise. Noise-cancelling headset is designed to use microphones to pick up external sounds and then cancel them out before they reach the listener’s ears with an inverse sound wave. This technology is beneficial for busy or on-the-go users who travel frequently, as well as workers who work in busy environments. It offers excellent sound quality, noise isolation, and convenience.
Presently, Noise Cancellation technology exists in two ways: Passive and Active Noise Cancellation.
Passive Noise Cancellation (PNC): This concept of noise cancellation uses the physical properties of the headsets like material and ear cup shape to block out external sounds. While effective to some extent, passive noise cancellation cannot completely block out external noise.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): This concept of noise cancellation utilises electronic processes to eliminate ambient noise and enhance delivering 100% effectiveness.
Environmental Awareness Concept
As much as noise cancelling is important, so is environmental awareness. Environment awareness also referred to as ambient or transparency mode helps the user to stay conscious of their surroundings while making use of the headset. This technology improves convenience and safety by balancing noise reduction with the capacity to hear critical outside sounds.
Spatial Audio
Spatial audio is a new technological development for consumer headsets. It is also called virtual surround sound because it replicates the experience of being surrounded by several audio sources. Spatial audio is not the same as noise cancelling. Noise-cancelling blocks out noise for clear listening while spatial audio/spatial listening creates a more immersive and realistic audio environment, making it feel like sound is coming from various directions around the listener. This technology used to exist in TVs, soundbars, and home theatre systems but is now integrated into consumer headsets. Sony launched 360 Reality Audio some years back and Apple also launched the Spatial Audio feature into the Apple Airpods Pro and third generation in 2020. Gaming headphone manufacturers have popularised this technology so gamers can enjoy immersive gaming experiences just like the Meta Quest 3.
Advancements in spatial audio technology have the potential to completely transform the consumer headphones market. This trend is expected to gain momentum as more companies explore the realm of virtual reality.
Voice Assistant Integration
Voice assistants such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple’s Siri are being integrated into wireless headsets to deliver seamless functionality and a hands-free experience. With this integration, more and more headsets allow you to control your music, answer calls, and even search the internet with voice commands.
This technology is a valuable feature for individuals with physical limitations, allowing them to operate the headset with voice commands. For professionals, it streamlines tasks, enabling them to manage calls, adjust settings, and stay connected without needing to fumble with buttons or switches.
Wireless Connectivity
Wireless technology has become synonymous with convenience and freedom, and the trend towards wireless headsets comes with advancements in Bluetooth connectivity. Bluetooth connectivity connects to devices wirelessly, offering users the freedom to move without being tethered to their devices. They offer a seamless and convenient way to take calls or listen to music without the hassle of wires.
Bluetooth technology has improved significantly with many wireless headsets offering stable and reliable connections. One of the significant abilities of Bluetooth is the ability to pair with two devices simultaneously, which is a boon for multitaskers, making it possible to seamlessly switch between work and personal devices without hassle.
Alongside Bluetooth technology is a powerful and secure wireless connectivity method called DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) technology. DECT technology has been existing for years but only on telephones. However in this modern age, this same technology is being wired into the latest designs of headsets, following its advantage in the business industry. DECT technology offers high-grade security and a strong, unobstructive wireless communication. (Check out this comparison between the different types of wireless headset)
Qi2 Wireless Charging
Traditional headphones usually require a USB cable for charging but not again with the invention of Qi2 Charging. Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) announced a new wireless charging standard in the year 2023—the Qi2. This technology is the cornerstone of modern technology, enabling wireless charging of headphones. It is constructed to offer a magnetic wireless charging standard that charges compatible devices at up to 15W. All that is required is to place a compatible headphone on a Qi2 magnetic wireless charging station and enjoy a cordless lifestyle.
Prolonged Battery Life
A dependable headset is the best companion. This is why many headsets now incorporate quick charge technology, which can provide significant battery life within a short charging period. Most headsets are coupled with strong batteries that will not only last for longer hours but also ensure fast charging. Extended battery life eliminates the need to frequently charge the headsets while offering longer hours of talk-time. Additional power status in most headset models helps users plan usage as required.
Comfortable and Portable Design
The significance of comfort cannot be overstated. Most headset manufacturers are prioritising consumer’s comfort, designing a lightweight headset with sophisticated design. Headset features such as adjustable headbands, foldable ear cups and adjustable boom microphone are also put into consideration. There is also a choice for consumers who prefer on-ear or over-ear headsets. With all these in place, users can choose the headset that suits their wearing preference. Headsets also come in designs that can be folded up and stored in a small compact case, making them perfect for travel or commuting.
Conclusion
The integration of latest technological trends into headsets cannot be overemphasised. While this current era has remarkably been one of the greatest era for thrilling headset features that has changed the narrative of what headsets used to be; it is expected that as newer technology continues to emerge, the headset will continue to witness more changes.
Embrace the possibilities of tomorrow and enjoy outstanding audio experience with our offerings of over 300 audio conferencing headsets integrated with the latest technological trends.
