Qualcomm develops new chip for entry-level wireless earbuds

Apple AirPods wireless earbuds  (Image: INQUIRER.net Stock Photo)

Qualcomm developed a new chip designed to reduce power consumption and make wireless Bluetooth earbuds more affordable.

The Bluetooth Audio System-on-Chip (SoC) QCC3026 will help audio device makers manufacture more cost-effective wireless earbuds to further spread the adoption of wireless audio technology, according to a statement.

Qualcomm designed the new chip to be 50 percent more power-efficient than previously released chips. This efficiency should allow for entry- to mid-range wireless earbuds to be more accessible to consumers. Smartphone makers will also be more inclined to bundle wireless earbuds with their devices.The power efficiency should also make wireless earbuds last longer on a full charge.

The company intends to distribute the chip’s design to manufacturers by the second half of this year.

One of the early adoptions of the QCC3026 chip will be on the Oppo O-free wireless headphones. The O-free will cost around $106 (about P5,600) with around four hours of music time per charge. Its carrying/charging case adds an extra 12 hours of battery life. These earbuds can also be bundled with the Oppo Find X Lamborghini edition, as reported by The Verge.

As a point of comparison, Apple’s AirPods cost $159 (around P8,500), has five hours of music time and a total of 24 hours of battery life with the carrying/charging case.

Oppo plans to release the O-Free in China this August.  /ra

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