February 18, 2025

Samsung Files Patent for High-Resolution Earphones with UWB Connectivity

Samsung’s recently published patent titled “Wireless Earphones And Control Method Thereof, Computer Equipment And Storage Medium,” reveals their Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology exploration in future Galaxy Buds, potentially marking a significant shift in wireless audio transmission. Many conclude that either Samsung is planning to ditch Bluetooth or is considering a hybrid approach where the earbuds initially connect via Bluetooth and then seamlessly switch to UWB for audio streaming.

About Subject Patent

Title: Wireless Earphones And Control Method Thereof, Computer Equipment And Storage Medium

Applicants: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD [KR]

Inventors: ZHI YAJUN [CN]; XU DONG [CN]; ZHAO SHAOYING [CN]; WANG FEI [CN]; WANG KUN [CN]

Classifications

IPC H04R1/10; H04R3/12;
CPC H04R1/1016 (US); H04R1/1041 (CN); H04R3/12 (US); H04R2201/10 (CN); H04R2420/07 (US); H04R2430/20 (US);
Priorities: CN202310912212A·2023-07-24
Application: US202318519857A·2023-11-27
Publication: US2025039604A1·2025-01-30
Published as: CN117041792A; US2025039604A1

Ultra Wide Band (UWB) Technology

Ultra-wideband (UWB) is a radio technology that utilizes a broad frequency spectrum to enable high-speed data transmission over short distances. The technology is commonly used in devices like Apple’s AirTags and Samsung’s SmartTags for precise location tracking and offers multiple advantages over Bluetooth for audio transmission.

Higher Data Transfer Speeds: UWB boasts significantly faster data transfer rates than Bluetooth. Samsung’s patent suggests speeds of around 20Mbps, while some sources claim UWB transfer speeds of 1 Gbps, dwarfing Bluetooth 5.0’s 50 Mbps. This wider bandwidth could allow for the transmission of truly lossless, high-resolution audio, something that has been a challenge for Bluetooth.
Lower Latency: UWB offers exceptionally low latency – sub-milliseconds compared to Bluetooth’s milliseconds. This reduction in delay could minimize audio interruptions and improve the overall listening experience.
Reduced Interference: Samsung’s patent specifically mentions that UWB audio transmission could offer reduced interference compared to Bluetooth.
Lower Power Consumption: UWB is also quite energy efficient, so there would be no additional battery consumption.

How Would It Work?

The patent outlines a system where the earphone would initially connect to a source device (like a smartphone) via Bluetooth. If the source device also supports UWB, the connection would then switch to UWB for audio transmission. The patent also explains how the earbuds will initially connect to devices via Bluetooth before switching to UWB for audio transmission. This hybrid approach ensures seamless connectivity and superior sound quality.

Challenges and Considerations

Limited UWB Support: The biggest hurdle is the limited adoption of UWB technology. Many devices, including some mid-range smartphones, do not currently have UWB hardware. This means that the benefits of UWB earbuds would only be realized by users with compatible devices.
Interference: UWB is more susceptible to interference from physical barriers. The closer one is to the audio source, the better the streaming quality will be.
Cost: The inclusion of UWB technology could potentially increase the cost of the earbuds.

The Future of Wireless Audio

Samsung’s exploration of UWB in earbuds signals a potential shift towards higher-quality wireless audio experiences. While challenges remain, the benefits of increased bandwidth, reduced latency, and lower power consumption make UWB a promising technology for the future of wireless audio.

The recent patent publication clearly indicates the company’s seriousness about pushing the boundaries of wireless audio technology. However, it will be interesting to see whether or not Samsung will incorporate UWB into its next generation of Galaxy Buds.

It’s also worth noting that UWB is more susceptible to interference from physical barriers. The closer one is to the audio source, the better the streaming quality will be. Samsung’s adoption of UWB in its wireless earbuds could pave the way for broader acceptance of this technology, benefiting users with high-quality audio experiences.

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