Next-Gen Headsets: Exploring the Future of Immersive Sound

Headset technology is constantly changing, as new advancements and innovations develop and push the limits of audio quality, comfort, and user experience. Today, headphones are an indispensable part of our daily lives, whether working out or seeking an immersive audio experience. Technological audio and wireless communication advancements have modernized headsets, transforming them from bulky to compact wireless devices.

The terms headphones and headsets are used interchangeably; a headset is usually a combination of headphones and a microphone. Headsets can send and receive audio information, while headphones are meant for one-way audio presentations.

Evolution of Headset Over Years

Fig 1: Evolution of Headsets

The evolution of headsets over the years is shown below:

Headsets have become essential to our daily routines, seamlessly integrated into activities like listening to music, podcasts, and radio shows and participating in office meetings. Their evolution, from humble beginnings to everyday accessories, reflects a fascinating innovation and technological advancement journey. Notably, between 2017 and 2024, there were no significant design changes; instead, the focus shifted towards improving technology and audio quality.

Digital Signal Processing in Headsets

Digital Signal Processing technology is found in headphones, smartphones, smart speakers, studio audio gear, vehicle entertainment systems, and more. It is a term in the audio realm that refers to converting an analog signal to a digital one. DSP can enhance the overall value of hearing protection because it suppresses noise without blocking speech signals. This is important in industrial work environments because it protects users from unnecessary noise exposure without compromising communication. DSP processes information adaptively, which is important in applications in industrial environments. DSP creates flexibility, allowing for implementation changes, updates, customizations, and many other features. Additionally, DSP allows users to get the job done efficiently, practically, and cost-effectively.

Microphone Used in Headsets

The microphone used in headsets includes features like noise-canceling technology and advanced voice processing algorithms. Different types of microphones are used in headsets to distinguish between voice and background noises, ensuring crystal-clear voice communication even in crowded surroundings. Some of the standout microphones used in headsets include:

1. Active Noise-Cancelling Microphones: Active noise-cancelling microphones are designed to reduce unwanted noise. They consist of two main components: one microphone captures environmental noise while the other generates an opposite sound wave to cancel it.
2. Beamforming Microphone: A Beamforming Microphone distinguishes various sound sources based on their position in space. It uses an array of microphones to filter out sounds coming from different directions, even if they overlap in spectral content. This can be used for noise cancellation when a specific sound source, like speech, needs to be isolated from surrounding noise.
3. Boom Microphone: The boom microphone is designed for use in films and TV productions. It’s mounted on large arms called boom poles or fish poles. It is a versatile tool used to capture clear sound from above the source and provide clarity without encumbering the subjects. This makes it unobtrusive and great for capturing performances.

Headphone Driver

A headphone driver is the speaker component responsible for creating sound by driving the air. This movement creates pressure waves, resulting in sound in the ear canal.

1. Balanced Armature Drive: The balanced armature driver works by wrapping the armature in a coil that conducts electrical current while balancing between magnets. Positive and negative electrical pulses pivot the armature, moving the diaphragm in and out to create sound waves. The armature remains balanced between magnets without a signal, hence its name. These drivers are compact and lightweight and deliver high output with low power consumption.
2. Micro-speaker: Micro-speakers are crucial components in personal audio devices, as they need to produce sufficient sound pressure in a highly efficient manner despite their small size. The electrical current passing through the voice coil creates a magnetic field that interacts with the permanent magnet. This interaction results in the rapid back-and-forth movement of the voice coil and attached diaphragm, which faithfully reproduces electrical signals as sound waves. As the diaphragm vibrates, it causes the air to compress and rarefy, creating sound waves that travel to our ears and provide the audio we love.
3. Dynamic Drivers: Most headphones use dynamic drivers, also known as moving coil drivers. A fixed magnet creates a static magnetic field. This interacts with the voice coil’s electrical current, which is forced to move back and forth with the applied signal. The voice coil is attached to a membrane, or diaphragm, which acoustically amplifies vibrations and, thus, sound waves are produced. They are compact lightweight and fairly robust.
4. Electrostatic Drives: Electrostatic drivers work on the principle of static electricity. They have an ultra-thin diaphragm suspended between two electrodes. When a sound signal is provided, the electrodes create a magnetic field where the diaphragm moves and produces the sound. The diaphragm movement is super smooth, resulting in a very detailed sound presentation. They are smaller in size and easy to implement. They have an excellent high-frequency band response.

Innovative Solutions

1. Insta Wake N’ Pair Technology: The Insta Wake N’ Pair (IWP) technology makes Bluetooth pairing quick and simple, mainly in wireless headsets. This technology instantly connects the device to the last paired device when it is powered on, eliminating the need for manual pairing. By opening the charging case coverlid while placing the earbuds inside, they can be turned on effortlessly. With the help of IWP™ technology, the earbuds automatically power up and establish a quick connection.
2. Acoustic Fence Technology: Acoustic fence technology creates a virtual audio perimeter around headsets, blocking outside noise to improve call quality. It uses multiple microphones and echo cancellation to isolate your voice by detecting sound distance, filtering out background noise from busy environments or home offices, and ensuring only your voice is heard clearly.
3. Full Duplex Technology: A full-duplex device, like a telephone, can send and receive data simultaneously, allowing voice communication to flow freely in both directions. This enables natural, seamless conversations, making communication more relaxed and efficient.
4. Environmental Noise Cancellation Technology: Environmental Noise Cancellation technology in wireless earphones reduces background noise by using microphones to detect external sounds and generate opposing sound waves to cancel them, enhancing voice clarity.
5. 5G Integration: 5G-enabled headsets offer real-time audio descriptions, allowing users to fully engage in on-court action, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring no one is left out.
6. Smart Sensor: The headset includes smart sensor technology that controls an on/off function allowing you to answer calls by simply putting on the headset which automatically mutes your calls or pauses your music by taking it off. The mute feature again controlled by the smart sensors, is perfect for when you are taking a call. By removing your headset, the call will automatically be muted to avoid disruption and unmute when replaced on your head.

Key Players

G’s gaming headset delivers pro-grade sound with options for wireless, Bluetooth, or 3.5mm wired connections. Designed for comfort with soft ear pads and a rotating hinge, it features graphene drivers for detailed in-game audio. The detachable boom mic with Blue VOICE technology ensures clear communication by eliminating pops and clicks.

HyperX’s headsets feature dynamic drivers and an electret condenser microphone for rich, precise game audio. The specially-tuned 53mm drivers enhance immersion and highlight crucial sounds. A flexible aluminum frame fits various head sizes, while the detachable noise-canceling mic ensures clear communication in any gaming setting.

Ploy’s headset features Adaptive ANC and an over-the-ear design for optimal comfort. It includes six boomless microphones for clear audio, intuitive touch controls for easy call and music management, and a wireless NFC charge stand for convenient charging. Bluetooth® connectivity and Acoustic Fence™ technology ensure seamless communication.

Recent Advancements

1. At the Galaxy Unpacked event in Paris, Samsung introduced its XR headset, which was developed in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm. The headset features a micro OLED display, eight tracking cameras, and a ToF sensor and supports voice, eye, and hand tracking. Powered by Qualcomm’s chipsets, it offers a stunning 4.3k resolution for an exceptional visual experience.¹
2. Apple unveiled its first mixed-reality headset, the ‘Vision Pro,’ designed primarily for Augmented Reality with the ability to switch between AR and VR using a dial. Unlike other AR headsets, Vision Pro uses eye and hand gestures for navigation, eliminating the need for a physical controller. Users can interact with the interface by gazing, tapping, and flicking, and can also use voice commands via Siri and connect Bluetooth accessories. The headset supports content access from a Mac while being worn.

Conclusion

The headset industry has made significant progress since its inception, and the most recent trends and advancements are enhancing headset adaptability and ease of use. The upcoming generation of headsets is poised to revolutionize the audio experience with its cutting-edge features. Whether you are interested in wireless earbuds, noise-canceling headphones, or augmented reality experiences, there are options available for everyone in the realm of headphones. Anticipated technological advancements suggest that the headset industry will continue to evolve in the coming years.