As wireless audio technology improves, the final frontier may become comfort and ease of use. The headline feature of noise cancelling technology is the sublime clarity of the sound, but the latest advancement by Qualcomm is adaptive active noise cancellation (Adaptive ANC) which reduces the need for a 'perfect fit.' Products that use this technology should become easier to use, making high quality audio a more consistent user experience.

Qualcomm, a leading chip manufacturer, conducts global annual surveys asking smartphone owners about their wireless audio preferences. Sound quality has consistently been the most crucial factor in deciding which product to purchase. While battery life is also usually very important, comfort climbed the list to become the second most wanted feature. Qualcomm’s wireless audio chip, the QCC514x, was announced earlier this year, and now the company has confirmed the chip supports Adaptive ANC, which better meets these consumer demands.

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Qualcomm’s Adaptive ANC is designed to improve comfort by easing the struggle to achieve a perfect fit. Earbuds usually come with several interchangeable tips to account for the varied shape of the human ear. However, choosing the correct silicone tip will no longer be as crucial, since adaptive ANC adjusts for this variable. The need to push or twist the earbuds into place is also reduced since this technology works even with a looser fit. Even those familiar with the process may choose a tip that isn't ideal for their ear shape or may insert the tip at a slightly different angle with each use, affecting the seal.

Just Enough Leak-Through Adds Comfort

Earbuds While Travelling

Adaptive ANC dynamically adjusts the noise cancellation, continuously analyzing and adapting based on the ear fit, as well as the volume and frequency of outside noise. When the noise level of the environment gets louder or softer, whether from proximity of the sound source or from the changing fit of the earbuds, Qualcomm’s adaptive ANC can increase or decrease the level of noise cancellation. The shape of the ear canal can actually change when the wearer is active, when running, walking or even when speaking, depending on ear shape, head and jaw musculature.

Adaptive ANC is designed to dynamically adapt performance accordingly, in real time, and constantly adjust performance based on the tightness of fit and the level of outside noise. This means users can experience a consistent level of performance every time they use their earbuds, regardless of where they are or what they’re doing. Adaptive ANC improves dramatically upon the previous option of switching active noise cancellation off and on manually, making it the audio equivalent of the intelligent screen brightness technology that consumers have come to expect from mobile phones.

More: How To Shop For Noise Cancelling Headphones

Source: Qualcomm