Sennheiser
has shaped the future of audio and created outstanding sound
experiences for 75 years. Since its first foray into Bluetooth wireless
audio headphones in 2009, the company has worked with Qualcomm
Technologies International, Ltd. (“QTIL”) (formerly known as Cambridge
Silicon Radio Ltd.), to integrate our Bluetooth Audio SoCs and
technologies, like Qualcomm aptX audio, across its extensive portfolio. As a result, consumers enjoy a virtually seamless user experience, a robust Bluetooth connection, extended battery life, and premium wireless sound.
Qualcomm spoke with Dr. Christian Ern, Portfolio Manager for Consumer Headphones at Sennheiser, about its latest Momentum True Wireless 2 Earbuds, consumer expectations for wireless audio today, and how he sees the headphone and earbud market evolving in the future.
Tell us a bit about your team at Sennheiser.
Our team of product managers is
responsible for the product roadmap and the current offering of consumer
headphones from Sennheiser. The team ensures that each of our products
meets or exceeds the requirements and expectations of our customers.
Sennheiser was the first manufacturer to use aptX audio technology in its Bluetooth products back in 2009 – why?
Excellent sound quality is a key
feature of every product Sennheiser manufactures. Back in 2009, we
already saw the potential aptX offered for improving the quality of
audio transmission via Bluetooth where it was available.
Do you think consumer audio needs have evolved since then and, if so, why?
Audio transmission became one of the most important, if not the
most important, application for Bluetooth. Since the early days of
Bluetooth audio, QTIL and Sennheiser certainly helped Bluetooth audio
quality win recognition in the market. Now, as customers appreciate the
benefits and freedom wireless headphones offer, Bluetooth headphones are
being used for numerous applications beyond music listening — from
watching content on smartphones, gaming, and phone conferences, to
creating an oasis of calm when needed. These use cases not only bring
about a demand for increased battery time, but also imply greater
requirements for audio transmission, such as low latency and
bi-directional streaming in high quality.
Why do you think consumers are embracing true wireless devices?
Without any cable hassle, true wireless
products are among the most convenient and unobtrusive types of
headphone to use. Now offering battery life of potentially 4 to 6 hours
or more – depending on settings and other factors – as well as
convenient on-the-go charging options, true wireless earphones are a
great match for the needs and lifestyle of many users.
And as we already did in 2009, Qualcomm
Technologies and Sennheiser show that with the right codecs, speakers,
and superior acoustic design, true wireless headphones can deliver an
amazing audio experience.
You recently announced a new product, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2. What makes this product so special?
The MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 is the
second generation of our premium Bluetooth earbuds. We placed great
importance on delivering outstanding sound quality, while offering
optimal comfort, enhanced features — including Active Noise Cancellation
— and a fantastic 7-hour battery life, with an additional 21 hours via
the charging case, depending on settings, usage, and other factors.
Designed
by our audio experts, the earphones’ 7mm dynamic drivers ensure that
the MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 earbuds deliver stereo sound that places
them in a league of their own. Along with their driver technology, this
sound performance is assured by an internal audio EQ, Bluetooth 5.1
technology, AAC, and aptX compatibility. Like every product in our
MOMENTUM range, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 is meticulously crafted
from high-quality materials.
Why did you select Qualcomm QCC5121 SoC for the new MOMENTUM True Wireless 2?
The Qualcomm QCC5121 SoC was the Bluetooth chip of choice for the MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 for a number of reasons:
We selected the latest Bluetooth
chip technology because it supports the 5.1. standard. Crucially for
Sennheiser, aptX support allows us to offer superior sound quality to
our customers, while the chip’s ultra-low power mode makes it possible
to deliver up to 7 hours of battery time (depending on settings, usage
and other factors) with one charge. Additionally, the DSP performance
enables a great ANC and Transparent Hearing performance in the MOMENTUM
True Wireless 2. The chip offers best-in-class RF sensitivity results
and a robust Bluetooth connection with a virtually dropout-free user
experience.
One of our goals with the MOMENTUM True Wireless 2
was to create a product that would be comfortable for all-day listening
and the chip’s high system integration allowed for the product
miniaturization required for an ergonomic solution. We chose the
Qualcomm QCC5121 SoC because its true wireless dedicated software
framework enables a fast software solution to help accelerate the
development process.
Are there any other products using our chips/technology that you would like to highlight and why?
One of our key products, the MOMENTUM Wireless around-ear headphone – which is the headband model in our popular MOMENTUM range – features the Qualcomm CSR8670 chip.
For
users who prefer around-ear headphones, this product delivers
absolutely amazing sound. The headphones also offer a number of smart
features and block out ambient noise via ANC, while their design is
timelessly stylish and supremely comfortable.
Why do you think the collaboration between Sennheiser and Qualcomm Technologies is successful?
We always shared similar views on where
audio over Bluetooth is going. We share our respective roadmaps and
visions for future products and technologies, and thus, influence and
inspire one another.
I think the receptiveness for ideas on
both sides, the very good and long-lasting personal connections, and the
shared passion for audio and sound quality brought us to where we are
today.
How do you think earbuds and headphones will evolve in the future?
True wireless products will, without a
doubt, continue to grow rapidly. This growth will also be fueled by
simpler products that serve as communication and control devices with
music listening as an extra benefit. However, I also strongly believe
that the market for high-quality audio devices will continue to grow —
both for around-ear headphones and true wireless units — as there is an
ever-increasing demand for individual audio listening on the highest
quality levels.
A key aspect in this development will be how all of
those products integrate into the mobile and home environment of the
users. There is still a way to go to make this a truly simple and great
experience for users who do not care for technological aspects, but just
want everything to work immediately.