Innovation by USound Enables Advanced Health Monitoring in TWS Earphones
USound, a global leader in Micro Electronic Mechanical Systems (MEMS) speakers, has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation that will enable true wireless systems (TWS) earphones to feature advanced health monitoring capabilities without the need for additional hardware. This cutting-edge technology, known as Audioplethysmography (APG), is a transformative innovation in both the audio and health monitoring industries. It allows users to enjoy high-resolution (Hi-Res) audio while simultaneously tracking vital signs such as heart rate, all without compromising the performance or design of the earphones.
A Transformative Leap in In-Ear Device Innovation
“USound’s APG technology represents a transformative leap in in-ear device innovation,” said Ferruccio Bottoni, CEO and Co-founder of USound. “This breakthrough innovation will revolutionize the TWS industry by enabling product developers to seamlessly integrate advanced health monitoring features into their devices without requiring additional components. In the near future, users will be able to enjoy both Hi-Res audio and precise vital sign tracking at the same time—an innovation that will change the game for both the audio and health monitoring markets.”
The core of this game-changing innovation lies in USound’s Audioplethysmography (APG) technology. By leveraging the signals emitted by MEMS speakers, APG can monitor vital signs like heart rate directly from the ear. Unlike traditional health-monitoring technologies, such as optical sensors, that require additional hardware, APG utilizes existing in-ear device components. This eliminates the need for extra hardware, resulting in a more compact, cost-effective, and innovative solution for consumers and manufacturers alike.
Seamless Integration of Health Monitoring in TWS Earphones
USound’s APG technology is designed to integrate effortlessly with its range of standalone MEMS speakers as well as its two-way audio modules. These modules were co-developed with industry partners like OBO.Pro.2 and Luxshare-ICT, allowing manufacturers to incorporate health monitoring features into their TWS devices easily. This flexibility makes it possible to use either standalone MEMS speakers or modular designs to integrate health tracking into devices, providing a versatile and innovative solution.
Many traditional TWS devices with active noise cancellation (ANC) already feature inward-facing microphones that capture audio inside the ear. USound’s APG technology builds upon this existing infrastructure by pairing MEMS speakers with proprietary algorithms. These speakers emit non-audible signals, which are used to monitor vital signs without interfering with Hi-Res audio playback. This innovation ensures that users can enjoy high-quality sound while simultaneously tracking heart rate and other health metrics—all within the same device.
Precision Innovation in Health Metrics
The initial results from testing USound’s APG technology have shown great promise, providing heart rate monitoring with accuracy comparable to industry-standard electrocardiogram (ECG) devices, commonly used in sports applications. This level of precision represents a significant innovation in health and fitness tracking, offering users a convenient and reliable way to monitor vital signs on the go.
At present, USound’s APG technology focuses on heart rate monitoring, but the company plans to expand its capabilities in future versions of the platform. Upcoming innovations will aim to include measurements for respiration rate, heart rate variability, and blood oxygen saturation. This expansion will further enhance the technology’s usefulness in fitness tracking, health monitoring, and medical diagnostics.
These exciting innovations will make APG-equipped devices even more powerful, providing users with a comprehensive suite of health monitoring tools at their fingertips. The ability to track multiple health metrics from a single wearable device opens new possibilities for personalized healthcare, enabling users to track their wellness in real-time without needing specialized equipment.
A Prototype for Future Health Innovation
An in-ear prototype of USound’s APG technology is currently under development, with plans for testing set to begin by mid-2025. As this groundbreaking innovation continues to evolve, USound is well-positioned to lead the way in combining health monitoring with high-quality audio in a single device. This marks the beginning of a future where health tracking becomes as seamless and effortless as listening to music.
“USound’s APG technology will evolve further, enabling even more advanced health monitoring capabilities in the future,” said Bottoni. “This innovation will significantly enhance the user experience, not just for fitness enthusiasts, but for anyone seeking better insights into their health and well-being.”
About USound
USound is a fast-growing MEMS speaker company at the forefront of audio technology innovation. The company specializes in miniaturization, power reduction, and increased production efficiency, offering customers revolutionary products that push the boundaries of what’s possible in the audio industry. USound’s focus on innovation allows them to create smaller, more powerful, and energy-efficient devices. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, USound is positioned to drive change in both the audio and health monitoring sectors.
As the company continues to develop its innovative technologies, USound is dedicated to transforming the way we experience sound and track health, making it easier and more convenient for users to monitor their well-being while enjoying high-quality audio. Through groundbreaking innovation and cutting-edge technology, USound is paving the way for the next generation of TWS earphones and health monitoring solutions.
