Navigating the Future of Wireless Sound at Audio Collaborative 2024: Qualcomm’s Vision for Seamless Connectivity

As consumers demand effortless connectivity across a wide array of devices, the need for seamless, high-performance wireless audio is undoubtedly growing. From immersive home theatre systems and home entertainment, to earbuds, gaming headsets and even professional audio equipment, the watchwords are usability, audio quality, range and innovation.

In a fireside chat session during Futuresource Consulting’s Audio Collaborative 2024 event, Maurice Moroney, Director of Product Management at QT Technologies Ireland Limited (part of the Qualcomm group of companies), and Carl Hibbert, Research Director at Futuresource, discussed a compelling vision of what’s next for the audio industry. As technology reshapes consumer expectations, Maurice outlined the challenges and opportunities surrounding the delivery of seamless, high-quality wireless experiences.

Kicking off the session, Maurice emphasised Qualcomm Technologies’ dedication to building collaborative ecosystems and multi-device experiences. He explained that their goal is to empower companies of all sizes by providing the tools they need. “We provide the technology that helps brands innovate and thrive, without the need for vertical integration,” he said.

Complementing Maurice’s one-to-one insights, a panel session earlier in the day reinforced the key themes, adding depth to the understanding of what consumers value most when it comes to their audio experiences. Together, these discussions highlighted how Qualcomm Technologies and its ecosystem partners are pushing the boundaries of wireless audio technology to meet the demands of today’s connected world.

A world of seamless, high-quality audio

At the heart of Qualcomm Technologies’ vision for wireless audio is a desire to make connections between devices effortless. As Maurice explained, consumers simply want their technology to work. Whether it’s listening to music on headphones, streaming content to a speaker, or participating in virtual meetings, the technology behind the scenes needs to disappear.

Maurice emphasised the need for a smooth user experience. If someone walks out of the range of their Wi-Fi network, the audio connection should automatically switch to Bluetooth, maintaining the best possible quality without interruption. “The user shouldn’t have to care whether they’re connected over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth,” he said. “They just want it to work. This simplicity is what we’re working towards, with innovations that make wireless audio as transparent and effortless as possible.”

The tech behind the magic: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

In this evolving landscape of wireless audio, several key technologies are driving the revolution. Bluetooth, in particular, has emerged as the de facto standard for audio connectivity. Most people now carry multiple Bluetooth-enabled devices, from smartphones to headphones, and despite a mature industry, innovation continues to play a key role. Bluetooth's ever-growing ecosystem has allowed for higher bandwidth, new features and better integration across devices.

However, Bluetooth still faces limitations, especially in range and bandwidth. Yet the continued evolution of Bluetooth technologies promises to address these concerns.

Wi-Fi, too, has a unique potential to deliver on three critical fronts, namely range, power efficiency and throughput. Qualcomm Technologies’ approach is focused on utilizing Wi-Fi’s capabilities to create a better balance between these factors, especially in devices like headphones, where power consumption and range are paramount.

Maurice also noted that, contrary to popular belief, Qualcomm Technologies’ Wi-Fi solutions for earbuds and headphones could deliver low power consumption, making it more viable for use in wireless audio devices.

Sustainability at the core of innovation

While the performance of these wireless technologies is essential, Qualcomm is also keenly aware of the environmental impact of its products. Sustainability is embedded into the company's strategy, and Maurice made it clear that they are committed to reducing the carbon footprint of wireless technologies.

 “We want to make sure that the technologies we’re pushing out into the world are as energy-efficient as possible, and that the manufacturing processes take  environmental impacts into consideration” said Maurice.

Qualcomm Technologies’ focus on sustainability isn’t just about the environmental impact at point of production. It’s also concerned with creating devices that last longer and consume less energy. Maurice pointed out that Qualcomm Technologies’ continued work to optimise power consumption in wireless audio devices to improve the overall user experience.  

A seamless, sustainable future ahead

As the conversation turned toward the future, Maurice painted a picture of a world where wireless audio is not just seamless, but also sustainable. “We’re working on combining Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in ways that deliver the best experience for the user, and we’re doing it with the planet in mind,” he said.

Maurice’s optimism was evident as he spoke about the potential for the industry to work together. He emphasised that the key to success lies in the collaboration between tech companies, manufacturers and consumers. As Qualcomm Technologies continues to push the envelope in wireless audio technology, it will keep sustainability at the forefront of its innovation.

A new standard for the audio experience

The future of wireless audio is much more than just advanced technology. It’s about creating a new standard. One where performance and sustainability go hand in hand. As a leader in the space, Qualcomm Technologies’ cutting-edge wireless solutions make everyday life more connected and sustainable.

As Maurice put it, "We want to create audio technologies that work seamlessly, are sustainable and are something that consumers don’t even have to think about. They just work. Consumers want their devices to last longer than ever before. People expect a full day of use without worrying about battery life or recharging problems. The demand for lossless audio is growing as well, even among casual users. People want the confidence that they’re getting the best possible quality. Addressing these issues requires a combination of technological innovation and user-focused design.”

With an unwavering focus on performance, sustainability and innovation, Qualcomm Technologies is paving the way for the next generation of wireless audio. The journey has just begun, and with it comes a drive for a truly seamless, sustainable and connected future.

Press Contact: Nicola Finn, Marketing Manager, Futuresource Consulting, nicola.finn@futuresource-hq.com

About the author

Chris Mcintyre-Brown

Coming from a background in marketing consultancy, Chris joined Futuresource in 2004 and has worked across all areas of the Futuresource business in his time at the company.

Chris is recognised as a leading global authority in the B2B Technology sector, regularly presenting at major international conferences, video broadcasts and published in trade press. He now leads a large team of analysts spanning 4 core pillars of Pro AV, Video and Broadcast, Collaboration and Information Technology.

Chris works extensively with the world’s largest tech giants, trusted to delivering strategic insights and consulting services. He holds a BA in Business Management and an MA in Marketing Management.