Invented by M. Evans Hankey, Emery A. Sanford, Christopher D. Prest, Way Chet Lim, Apple Inc
The Market For In-Ear Wireless Listening Device
The In-ear wireless listening device market is expected to experience rapid growth over the coming years due to an increasing demand for devices with enhanced audio and noise cancellation capabilities.
In-ear headphones provide convenience and portability. They don’t interfere with glasses, hats or hairstyles and are typically sweatproof.
Asia Pacific
The market for In-ear wireless listening device is expected to experience significant growth over the forecast period, driven by an increase in demand for earphones and headphones for mobile devices as well as rising smartphone popularity. These factors will continue to support growth in this space.
The Asia Pacific region is predicted to hold the largest revenue share of this market by 2021, at 29.7%. This can be attributed to rising smartphone adoption rates and an improved standard of living within the region, as well as growing interest in sports, fitness, and entertainment activities. Overall, these factors are driving growth within this region’s sports, fitness, and entertainment markets.
Additionally, consumers’ growing preference for stylish and appealing designs is expected to fuel sales of in-ear headphones during the forecast period. Furthermore, rising demand for Bluetooth connectivity as well as the rise of notch-less smartphones offer ample growth prospects in this market.
According to the report, the wireless earphones market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed in part to an increasing interest in True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earphones among consumers, which may fuel expansion within Asia Pacific earphones and headphones markets.
Furthermore, the global COVID-19 pandemic has had a limited effect on the European market; government lockdowns and movement restrictions hampered supply chain management and prevented sales of wireless earphones and headphones. However, conditions have improved recently, helping the market return to its pre-pandemic growth levels.
This trend is predicted to continue in the Asia Pacific market as well. The rising popularity of earphones among young people and athletes, combined with their portability, is expected to drive demand in this region. Furthermore, upcoming launches of innovative technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality are anticipated to have a beneficial effect on this region’s market share.
The Asia Pacific earphones and headphones market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.97% from 2022-2029, reaching nearly US$ 7.65 Bn by 2029. This growth will be fuelled by rising demand for headphones, technological developments such as smartphones without notches, the rise in music industry activity, and increasing internet use.
Europe
Europe presents an ideal market for In-ear wireless listening devices due to its aging population and rising adoption of hearing aids. Furthermore, audio devices such as smartphones, laptops, and vehicles with infotainment features are fueling market expansion.
The market is divided into two major segments, over-ear headphones and in-ear wireless headphones. Of these, in-ear headphones hold the largest share of sales due to their high volume sales, low price point, and compact design.
In-ear wireless headphones have become increasingly popular in the European market, providing a comfortable and immersive music listening experience. Fitness and sports enthusiasts also appreciate them due to their portability and convenience; furthermore, these headphones may help reduce injury risks and fatigue levels.
Sennheiser is the market leader among in-ear wireless headphones and is expected to remain so throughout the forecast period. The company aims to offer fashionable yet unique products that satisfy the demands of stylish customers.
One key factor driving the growth of this market is the introduction of smart headsets with voice assistants and other advanced functions. This trend is anticipated to continue driving demand in this space over the forecast period.
Unfortunately, certain obstacles are impeding the growth of this market. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted production and manufacturing capacity, negatively affecting North American earphone and headphone sales. Furthermore, the rising popularity of portable Bluetooth speakers and loudspeakers poses a restraint on growth within the European wireless audio device sector.
Additionally, government initiatives to promote hearing care and supportive reimbursement policies have spurred growth in the European hearing aid market. Furthermore, new devices with a less noticeable appearance as well as increased R&D activities have all contributed to this expansion.
The European hearing aid market is dominated by companies such as Phonak, Benson Hearing, GN Store Nord A/S, Starkey Hearing Technologies Inc., MED-EL SeboTek Hearing Systems Widex USA Inc. and William Demant Holding A/S. It’s highly competitive and fragmented within this space, so companies need to develop innovative products at attractive prices in order to gain an edge over rivals.
Middle East & Africa
The market for In-ear wireless listening device is expected to expand over the forecast period due to rising consumer demand for smartphones and other connected devices, technological advancements such as active noise cancellation (ANC), near field communication (NFC), USB-C port, and integration of voice assistants. Furthermore, consumers favor wireless headsets due to their portability and convenience when traveling.
Furthermore, the growing interest in sports and fitness among young adults is expected to fuel demand for wireless earbuds and headphones in the Middle East & Africa. These products are ideal for athletes and fitness buffs due to their lightweight design and superior audio quality. Furthermore, these items are made to withstand weather conditions such as rain or dust accumulation, making them perfect for athletes on-the-go.
The Middle East & Africa wireless headsets market is predicted to reach USD 293 million by 2022, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% over the next five years. The growing popularity of online streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, coupled with rising consumer spending power, are expected to fuel this market growth. Additionally, rising penetration of smart devices such as mobile phones and tablets, combined with advances in cellular technologies, are fueling the growth of this market. Furthermore, new and innovative products from leading brands are expected to further fuel demand for this space. Furthermore, the growing number of music shows and events in the region are expected to drive demand for wireless headsets. Players in this market are striving to expand their customer base and gain prominence within the region by launching new products. To remain competitive and avoid market disruptions, they are creating products with high-quality sound and enhanced features.
South America
The market for In-ear wireless listening devices is growing rapidly around the world, and Latin America has been no exception. The region has experienced tremendous expansion due to the increasing adoption of smartphones and smart wearable devices. Furthermore, music lovers in Latin America are using high-end earphones to maximize their audio experience.
In 2018, the South American market for earphones and headphones was valued at more than USD 500 million. Projected growth for this market is forecast at an annual compound growth rate (CAGR) of 8.25% between 2018-2025. A major factor driving growth in this space is Bluetooth technology’s proliferation within smart products, which has revolutionized how people listen to music.
Other factors driving the Latin America earphones and headphones market include rising smartphone adoption, rising disposable income, growing interest in health and fitness activities. Furthermore, key players such as Sony and Samsung are driving this market growth within the region.
The market for earphones and headphones in Latin America is highly fragmented, featuring fierce competition between major global vendors. However, the cost of premium earphones remains out of reach for many consumers in the region. Furthermore, counterfeit earphones have been reported from lower cost countries that sell at higher prices; this could hamper growth in this region during the forecast period.
The Apple Inc invention works as follows
An apparatus for charging a portable wired listening device, including a housing with a socket to receive it; wireless circuitry that allows the apparatus to communicate wirelessly to a host device; power transmitting technology to supply power to the portable wireless device when the device is in the socket to charge the battery; and a processor to establish a wireless communication protocol from the portable wireless listen device to the host device.
Background for In-ear wireless listening device
The art has long recognized headsets that allow hands-free communication. These headsets can typically be used with a cellular phone or a computer (e.g. Voice over IP). There are many headsets available, including a microphone, speaker, electronics to control the headset and communicate with another device (e.g. cellular telephone), and a connector to re-charge the battery.
There are many factors involved in designing headsets. Because headsets are typically mounted to the ear, their size and weight can make a difference. An uncomfortable fit can be caused by a large or heavy headset pulling on the user’s ears. It is important to consider the shape of headset earpieces, such as earbuds, when designing. Earpieces should be able to fit comfortably into, on, and over many different shapes and sizes of ears.
Design considerations include the receiver and microphone acoustic performances, as well as quality of sound generation and reception. As a headset becomes smaller, it can be more difficult to achieve the desired microphone and receiver acoustic performance.
The headset’s user interface is another important design consideration. A user interface should be easy to use for both a novice and a seasoned user.
Aesthetics could be another important design consideration in headsets.
Ease of manufacturing headsets is another consideration.” It can be attractive to design a headset that is affordable and can be mass-produced.
As a result of the foregoing, it is necessary to develop a better headset that addresses some or all of the above-identified concerns.
According to one embodiment of the invention, a headset includes a tube housing with a magnetic connector that is fixed within the tube housing. The magnetic connector may include a mating surface and multiple electrical contacts.
According to another embodiment of the invention, an engaging connector assembly is provided that comprises a housing, a magnet array structure and a plurality spring biased contact members. A mating side can be added to the housing. A magnetic array structure can be attached to the housing and used to house multiple spring biased contact members. You can house multiple spring biased contact members within the magnetic structure. Spring biased contact members may have tips that extend beyond the mating side.
According to yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a connector that contains at least one magnetic element, a mating surface, at least two contacts and circuitry. The mating face may be located proximal or distal to at least one of the magnetic components. In the mating face, at least two contacts may be placed. Circuitry can be electrically connected to at least two contacts. You can angle the mating face with respect to a plane that runs lengthwise through connector.
According to yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a connector that contains at least one triangular-shaped magnetic component and at most one contact adjacent to the at minimum one triangular-shaped magnetic component.
According to yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a system that includes an engagement connector and a headset connector. A headset connector may include at least one electric contact, housed in a connector plate with an angled headset mating area. An engagement connector may include at most one spring biased connector member with a tip that is electrically coupled with the at least 1 electrical contact if the angled headset mating surfaces is close to an angled engagement connector mating surface.
According to yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a system that includes both a headset assembly as well as a headset engaging assembly. A magnetic connector with an angled mating surface can be included in the headset assembly. A plurality of contacts can be placed within the angled mating surface. A magnetic component can be included in the headset-engaging assembly. A magnetic component may include at most one angled surface or at least one spring biased member. A tip can be added to each contact member that extends beyond at least one angle surface.
The present invention concerns headsets and manufacturing methods. Headsets allow hands-free data and/or voice communication between a host device, such as a computer, telephone handset, cellular phone or automobile. One or more speakers can be placed near one or both of the ears to provide audio output, and/or microphones for input.
Headsets come in many different shapes and forms. Some headsets are incorporated as an earpiece, which acts as the primary support mechanism. An earpiece that is worn in or over the ear may support the headset. The headset can also be supported by a frame, or band, that fits over or on the user’s head. “The headset could include a fixed boom or movable boom, which places the microphone closer (wraps around face) to the user’s mouth.
Alternatively, the headset could be boomless so that the microphone and earpiece are integrated, thereby making it smaller and lighter .
According to one aspect, the headset may be described as a compact unit that includes a primary housing and an extended earbud member. The earbud member can be attached to the primary housing or integrated with it. You can place various components on the earbud member or in the space between the primary housing and the earbud member. Depending on the requirements of the device, either one or both can contain multiple components. There are many components that can be found within each one of these. Speakers, microphones and antennas are all examples of operational components. The earbud member usually includes at minimum a speaker, while the primary housing typically includes at most a microphone (although it is not required). Each of these parts can contain additional components depending on their respective sizes. One embodiment of the primary housing contains an antenna, user interface button (e.g. LEDs), indicator or display, battery, microphone and/or a connector, while the earbud can contain a speaker, processor and any associated circuitry. The button can be found on one side of the main housing. This button can be used to interface with the user and perform different functions, such as terminating calls.
The earbud member’s shape, size, and orientation can vary greatly. One embodiment of the earbud member is designed to be inserted into the ear so that it supports the rest of the headset (e.g. primary housing) close to the user’s head. One embodiment allows the primary housing to be configured as a longitudinal member (e.g. a tube). One example is an earbud member that contains a speaker and protrudes perpendicularly from the one end of a longitudinally extended primary housing. This primary housing includes a microphone at the opposite end. The earbud member can also expand outwardly and inwardly from the neck portion that couples with the primary housing to create a bud that fits in an ear.
The primary housing may include a tube which forms a housing and accepts internal components through an opening end. You can make the tube using any of several manufacturing processes to lower costs and increase efficiency. One embodiment of the tube may include features on its inner surface for supporting electronic components. This can be done by applying a stamp or die to an extruded tube or single or double impact extrusion or a progressive deep drawing process.
The headset may include a hollow neck between earbuds and the primary housing to permit electrical wires to be connected to sets of discrete electronic components within the primary housing and earbuds.” Dual threaded inserts are an option to strengthen the hollow neck and reduce its size.
Small, compact headsets are difficult to place components. One aspect of the invention is to integrate multiple components onto the same headset surface to create a compact headset. Multiple components can be placed in the same place on the headset to achieve desired functionality while maintaining a small size. You can choose from microphones, connectors, speakers or buttons. An antenna and a button can both function in the same place on the headset, according to one embodiment. Another embodiment has a microphone and connector that function in the same place as the headset. You can also make other embodiments. A button, for example, can be placed at the same place as a speaker (e.g. at an earbud), or an indicator at the same spot as a microphone.
