With hearables, those devices designed to either enhance hearing or provide services such as music, poised to emerge as the second largest category of wearables by 2023, Bosch Sensortec is preparing to debut a new variant of hearable accelerometer at the upcoming Sensors Expo 2019 conference.
The BMA456 accelerometer has hearable features integrated into one sensor so that manufacturers can design smaller, more accurate and lower power consuming devices, Bosch said. The accelerometer integrates specific gestures for hearables such as tap, double-tap and triple tap in order to control playback, manage volume or accept and decline calls in sports earbuds, hearing aids or high-end gaming headsets.
The BMA456 is built on a 0.65 nm process technology with a low noise of 120 µg√Hz, low offset of ±20 mg and TCO of 0.35 mg/K to improve the accuracy of the hearables. These features allow hearable devices to be more accurate in activity tracking, extend battery life and detect activity such as walking, running or standing still in sports and activity tracking hearables, Bosch said.
The market for smart wearable internet-connected products — such as smartwatches, wrist bands and ear-worn devices — is set to reach 279 million units by the end of 2023 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%, according to recent market research from International Data Corp (IDC).
While smart watches will account for nearly half of the market share by this time, hearables will be the second largest category in 2023 with 31% market share, IDC said. Additionally, hearable devices will get a boost from the inclusion of biometric sensors and the adoption of smart assistants compatible with these devices.
Sensors Expo 2019 takes place June 26-27 in San Jose, California.
