Headphones in Audio Industry Facing Changes
Recently, a report on audio technology shows that consumers are looking forward to integrating more technology in small headphones, getting rid of cable constraints and enjoying voice interaction, and hope that all price segments can support superior sound quality. Today's consumer demand for audio products is higher than ever, and China has the most audio technology "early adopters."
The report, entitled "2018 Use Status Survey," shows that the audio industry is at an exciting moment of change. The overall audio ecosystem's expectations for sound quality are significantly enhanced – including lower-priced headsets and headsets delivered when the phone is purchased. Many manufacturers are competing to explore new possibilities with features that include a truly completely wireless experience, natural voice assistants, ultra-low power consumption and integrated active noise reduction, not to mention a variety of new Use cases, such as artificial intelligence-based in-ear fitness guidance applications.
The report also holds that more consumers today have an audiophile-level pursuit of sound quality: 78% of respondents said they want wireless headphones or speakers to support high-resolution (24-bit) audio, while the active noise reduction features only supported on high-end headphones are increasingly valued. 47% of respondents said they are more inclined to buy a new smart phone with wireless headphones or earbuds, and Bluetooth connectivity is the most popular wireless connection technology. The time has come for the industry to introduce smart ear-worn devices, with 78% of respondents saying they prefer to buy fully wireless headsets that support additional features such as calls, fitness tracking, and voice assistants.
In terms of voice interaction, the report shows that people have actively embraced voice interactions, and 78% of respondents said that using voice or natural language to interact with smart speakers, home control centers or other electronic devices will make life easier. Smart speakers are the most popular audio consumer terminals, with 32% of respondents saying that if they can only buy one terminal in the next 12 months, they will choose to buy a smart speaker with integrated cloud voice assistant. Nearly half of the consumers surveyed expressed the desire to bring voice-activated speakers outdoors or on the go, and hope to improve battery life and require speakers to support cellular connection technology. Compared with respondents in China and the United States, UK respondents are accepting new audio technologies at relatively slow speeds, including smart speakers and truly wireless headphones.
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