Forward-loving: Samsung is expected to unveil its next generation of foldables at its unpacked event in July. A new rumor suggests that the event can also mark the onset of the first bone conduction headphone of the South Korean tech veteran, as well as Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7.
This information comes from the Vipul Tipster Ice Universe, which claims that rumored devices will feature an open wireless stereo design unlike Galaxy Buds. This means that the headphones will rest outside the ear canal and transmit sound around the ear instead of inside. He also stated that the headphones are internal “competent”, but other details, including specifications, pricing and availability, remain unclear.
A report by South Korean outlet Sendili states that Samsung aims to ship about 1.7 million units of new earphones this year. The figure represents about 15 percent of the annual earphone shipment from the company’s MX (Mobile Experience) Division.
Bone-operating earphones have been around for many years, but technology is yet to be caught with mainstream consumers. However, the proponents swear by them, assuming that they provide a safe and more comfortable audio experience.
Unlike traditional audio devices, bone conduction headphones bypass the earrudrums, transporting the sound directly to the cocilya through the skull and cheeks, where it is processed by the hearing nerve. It eliminates the risk of hearing loss or ear infection even after an extended period of use.
Another notable advantage of this technique is that it allows users to hear ambient noise or block canals without compromising on sound quality. Although it can reduce some extent immersive experience, it improves security significantly – especially when listening to music during jogging or cycling on public roads – allowing users to better hear trains, car horn and other warning sounds.
The bone conduction equipment remains somewhat niche, so it will be interesting to see who targets Samsung as the primary audience for its upcoming earphones. The market is already filled with bone conduction products from brands such as Shokz, Philips, H2O, Mojawa, and others, so Samsung’s success may depend on how it deploys its product to attract loyal customers.
Existing companies in the segment will expect that Samsung’s entry will bring more mainstream media on technology, thus expanding the overall market. It remains to be seen whether this will happen, and whether the earphones of bone conduction will become more mainstream in the coming years.
