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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- AI earbuds often lack the features to leverage AI.
- On-device processing, Wi-Fi integration, and improved noise-reduction algorithms are a must-have.
- Until then, earbuds are still categorized as peripheral accessories.
Rumor has it that OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, is developing its first hardware and that the device will be a pair of earbuds. I generally don’t care for AI-enabled earbuds, but I have a wishlist of yet-to-be-achieved features that would make them worthwhile.
Also: You should probably clean your headphones ASAP (before it’s too late and this happens)
More on-device AI processing, integrated Wi-Fi for ecosystem independence, and smarter AI-powered noise-reduction algorithms are on my list. Hopefully, we’ll all get lucky, and OpenAI will grant these features. Here’s why they’d change my mind.
On-device processing
Most earbuds with AI-powered assistants or translation features still outsource most of their processing, requiring a connected device to act. On-device processing would enable true device independence, allowing users to access lightweight models without needing a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch to do all the thinking.
Also: You should probably clean your headphones ASAP (before it’s too late and this happens)
Imagine if your Pixel Buds could summon Gemini without needing your Pixel smartphone nearby, or if your AirPods could translate someone’s words and avoid the latency associated with transferring data from your AirPods to your iPhone and back.
Generally, on-device processing would improve AI-powered transcription, translation, and noise-reduction features while preserving greater data privacy. If manufacturers want to shift earbuds from peripheral lifestyle devices to connected, intelligent devices, this is the way to go.
Integrated Wi-Fi connectivity
For years, integrating Wi-Fi into headphones and earbuds has been nothing short of a far-fetched dream. Wi-Fi demands a lot of power from earbuds with tiny batteries, but its implementation would also help eliminate the dependence earbuds have on a connected device.
Aside from higher audio quality, Wi-Fi integration could enable faster on-device processing for transcription, translation, calendar event access, and navigation directions without a Bluetooth connection to your smartphone.
Also: Sony just shook up the Bose rivalry with these earbuds, and I wasn’t prepared for it
Additionally, Wi-Fi integration for earbud independence could mean more flexible device ecosystems. Companies like Apple and Samsung lock their AI-powered features to compatible smartphones and earbuds. Independent Wi-Fi connections could allow unfettered access to multiple platforms and applications while still offering a connection to your smartphone when necessary.
Smarter AI-powered noise reduction
AI-powered noise-reduction algorithms are among the most exciting AI features in consumer audio. AI models are trained on millions of sounds to identify and isolate unwanted sounds, removing them. Particularly intelligent models do a better job of distinguishing between someone speaking to you (wanted noise) and background chatter (unwanted noise). Many earbuds and headphones offer some form of adaptive, AI-powered noise reduction, but there’s still room for improvement.
Also: I listened to earbuds with Bose’s AI noise cancelling, and can’t go back to regular ANC
I’d like to see models with learning capabilities as you use them, as everyone’s experience with the outside world when wearing earbuds differs. These models would need to contextualize a sound’s intent instead of its mere presence. For example, when walking down a busy street, a noise-reduction model would need to distinguish between general traffic sounds and crossing signals.
Currently, AI earbuds can relay audio from the AI-powered features processed on your smartphone. However, people are changing the way they interact with their earbuds, and integrating more intelligent features will allow users to maximize their earbuds’ utility.