Get to know True Wireless Stereo Technology

The current trend of consumer technology seems to have a similar aesthetic, namely “less is more”. The launch of Apple's newest device to please consumers is a thin laptop without a USB port, a smartphone without a home button, then there are cable-free headphones. Apple Airpods and wireless earbuds have seen a tremendous improvement from 2016, and now represent the fastest growing product in the audio category.

Based on market analysis by Canalys, wireless earbuds surpassed wireless earphones and headphones in 2019, where the annual growth was approximately 183 %. There were 43 million wireless earbuds shipped in the third quarter of 2019, making them the largest category in the smart personal device audio market. Most popular Bluetooth accessories such as earbuds are said to be “True Wireless”. You may still be new to the term that one.

True Wireless Stereo (TWS) utilizes Bluetooth signals instead of wires to transmit audio. TWS differs from wireless accessories in that it is not physically connected to a media source but still relies on a physical connection to ensure that different parts of the device can function together.

Wireless headphones that attach with a cable around the user's neck are a good example of this. Accessories that use true wireless technology are truly wireless. It doesn't need cables to connect to media source devices or connect one earbud or speaker to another.

The Bluetooth chip establishes a 100% wireless connection. Different TWS devices connect to media sources in different ways. Most TWS headphones use one earbud as the primary connection between the media source and the second earbud. Earbud one sends a signal to the source device, connects, then the source device passes the same signal to earbud two which will offer an immersive surround sound experience.

TWS products such as Qualcomm TrueWireless Stereo Plus work by first establishing a connection between the earbuds, so that media source devices can connect the two. From there, the Bluetooth chip will send audio simultaneously to the first and second earbuds. This will prevent undue load on only one earbud, increase connection strength, and produce clearer audio quality.

True wireless technology promises many advantages, but the important thing is that it is comfortable and easy to use. Cordless functionality means users are free to move around without worrying about cables getting caught in pockets or caught in doorknobs. Most TWS devices have a Bluetooth range of up to 30 feet while still having a strong connection, making them ideal for activities or sports.

The TWS earbuds are also easy to pair with other devices and offer 75 % longer battery life than conventional wireless earphones. True wireless technology also delivers high-quality stereo sound plus an immersive audio experience. TWS delivers the left and right audio channels to the connected device separately ensuring the left channel goes to the left earbud and the right channel to the right earbud.

If the user uses both earbuds, a clear and deep surround sound will be produced. Even though the user is only wearing an earbud, the user will still get a complete audio experience. The audio isn't separated, so it doesn't sound like instruments and vocals are being transferred to separate earbuds.

Earbuds are currently the most popular product that utilizes true wireless technology. TWS is not limited to earphones only. TWS is also the latest technology in Bluetooth speaker innovation. The TWS Stereo device is connected to the main speaker using a smartphone or laptop, which then the main speaker is connected to the secondary speaker via a Bluetooth signal. If the user wants to play music throughout the house at a party, for example, then just place one TWS speaker in the living room and one in the dining room. It already projects the audio across the floor.

The portable battery it carries can last up to 15 hours and produces surround-sound quality audio without a home theater system. In addition, most true wireless stereo systems come with a Bluetooth-enabled remote control that makes it easy for users to fast forward, skip tracks, and adjust volume remotely.

TWS technology has also been implemented for chargers. Wireless charger company Energous creates power-based charging technology TWS called WattUp. WattUp allows users to charge their devices simply by positioning them within 3.5m of the charging pad. WattUp has also received certification from the Federal Communications Commission in 2018.

The benefits of True Wireless Stereo seem endless. Not only the best audio quality, settings are easy, extending battery life, maximizing device performance, high efficiency, very low latency because it has adopted CIS (connected isochronous stream) and BIS (broadcast isochronous stream) technologies. TWS is the technology of the future.