Qualcomm Announces Multiple New Audio Platforms to Support New Use Cases for Next Generation of Wireless Speakers, Headphones and Hearables

During its voice and music developer conference held recently in Shenzhen, China, Qualcomm made two exciting audio announcements. The company announced its new Smart Audio Platform to help manufacturers accelerate the development and commercialization of smart and networked speakers. Qualcomm also announced multiple new audio platforms for next-gen wireless speakers, headphones and hearables, each one uniquely tailored to support new market demands, particularly as consumers rapidly adopt wireless audio devices.

The wireless and multiroom speaker market continues to make waves in the consumer world, with market growth being fueled by mobile devices, high speed mobile broadband services and streaming music services. In its latest report, ABI Research, anticipates the wireless and multiroom speaker market to surpass 90 million unit shipments by 2020, with an 11.5% CAGR from 2015 to 2020.

For our March 2015 edition, we have selected a series of articles dedicated to Test & Measurement, both from a practical and a DIY perspective. First is Ethan Winer’s (re)take on Practical Applications for SPL Meters, followed by an historical recap from Voice Coil magazine editor Vance Dickason, on his reputed Test Bench process used to characterize drivers. We also discuss Headphone Testing issues among other things.

Qualcomm Connected Experiences, a subsidiary of Qualcomm, has announced the general availability of its AllPlay Click Software Development Kit (SDK). Furthermore, several major hardware and content providers have announced launches relating to the Qualcomm AllPlay smart media platform.