Intel develops reference design for smart earphones

Intel has unleashed a reference design intended for smart earbuds that offer biometric and fitness information, harvesting energy from the audio stream, and a Bluetooth speech recognition headset. According to the company, the smart earbuds target fitness enthusiasts and is unique for being built into an accessory that many people already wear when they exercise.

The devices claim to provide full stereo audio and monitor heart rate and pulse, while the applications on the user's phone keep track of run distance and calories burned. The product also includes Intel-developed software that enables users to precision-tune workouts and acts as a coach, automatically selecting music that matches the target heart rate profile.

In addition to the convenience of having biometric and fitness tracking built into the earbuds, Intel designed the product in such a way that eliminates the need for a battery or additional power source to charge the product, as it harvests energy directly from the audio microphone jack.

The smart earbuds use sensor technology developed in collaboration with Valencell and its PerformTek Precision Biometrics that continuously measure real-time biometric data with a high degree of accuracy and consistency and uses this data to give people meaningful fitness assessments.

Intel has also developed a reference design for a hands-free, smart headset that is always ready to engage and can integrate with existing personal assistant technologies to make the consumer experience more convenient, natural and intuitive.

The fully integrated compute system is housed in a Bluetooth earpiece with a battery, speaker and microphones featuring Intel-developed firmware and software. It provides all-day battery life and is designed to be comfortable enough to be worn all day, stated the firm.

The Intel smart headset reference design uses low power, always-listening voice recognition technology from Sensory in the US.

- Nick Flaherty
??EE Times Europe