Gartner Insights Abstract

Emerging Tech: How AI and Auracast Are Turning Earbuds Into Lifestyle Essentials

Published: 06 February 2024

Summary

Bluetooth Auracast and AI are pushing earbuds beyond music, creating opportunities in entertainment, interfacing, and metaverse environments while pushing up the average selling price. Product leaders must understand user expectations for the new generation of always-on hearing accessories.

Included in Full Research

Overview

Key Findings
  • By increasing the applications and utility of audio streaming, Auracast will remove the stigma involved with wearing hearing enhancement products and encourage adoption across demographics.

  • User comfort will be a vital feature, as people will wear hearable products for much longer with increased battery life and new functionality.

Recommendations

To remain competitive in a changing market, product leaders involved in audio products or services must:

  • Differentiate products and increase average selling price by adding artificial intelligence (AI)-powered audio enhancements and service integration.

  • Position products as lifestyle accessories by shifting away from musical clarity and emphasizing noise-filtering capabilities.

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Analysts:

Bill Ray

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