As we have discussed multiple times, solid audio quality is a quick and easy way to boost your gaming experience. While wireless headsets and headphones have improved greatly over the last couple of years, there is still a noticeable difference between wired and wireless headphones for the keen ear. However, a new patent filing from Samsung for Ultra-Wideband or UWB technology might shorten even that gap.
While Samsung wireless headphones using this technology have yet to be announced, UWB has been discussed as a hi-res wireless replacement for Bluetooth connections for some time. This technology could bring unprecedented leaps forward in wireless audio quality.
Related
Headphones vs. Soundbar: What is Better For Gaming?
With soundbars becoming more accessible to gamers of all types the choice for your audio gear is not as simple as it used to be.
What is Ultra-Wideband, A.K.A. UWB?
Bluetooth has become a much more reliable wireless option over the last couple of iterations, but there is always room for more advancement in technology. Samsung believes UWB is the way to make it happen. Not to mention, Bluetooth is limited to a 16-bit CD-quality. So, even though Bluetooth headphones have been sounding much better recently, they are still not fully offering a hi-res listening experience.
Like Bluetooth, UWB technology is a short-range wireless communication protocol, but where UWB makes the difference is the amount of data it is able to transmit. However, this higher data rate does require more power than Bluetooth.
“One of the greatest things about technology is that it offers limitless opportunities for innovation. We have only just begun to tap UWB’s potential, and that’s incredibly exciting.” KJ Jim Chief Technology Officer Samsung
Audio that uses UWB is also able to offer much more accurate tracking and positioning than Bluetooth. While Bluetooth is able to accurately track within a meter or so, UWB can offer centimeter-level precision.
While it might seem like UWB could replace Bluetooth, it is better to think about these two technologies working together, rather than competing against each other. In Samsung’s patent filing, it was suggested that UWB could work alongside Bluetooth.
What Can We Expect To Come From This?
While Samsung has yet to announce any headphones or earbuds that will support UWB, we can almost assuredly expect to see some announcements in this upcoming generation. As far as phones that support UWB, there are a fair number of options that actually already do. The iPhone 11 offers UWB support, as well as certain Samsung Galaxy models and Google Pixels. But, in these cases, it is only really used for location finding, not audio support. We have just begun to tap the potential that UWB can offer.
Other high-end audio companies, like Focal, are already using UWB for audio transmission, like in the Focal Diva Speakers. Supposedly, PSB is planning to use UWB in their upcoming over-ear headphones. As far as Samsung’s patent filing goes, it seems like they are mostly focusing on wireless earbuds for now.
While this does make sense, since Samsung does tend to focus on earbuds, it’s questionable how much of a difference you are going to be able to see with the tiny drivers of wireless earbuds.
What Does UWB Mean For Gaming Audio?
While we don’t have any exciting announcements for the next wireless gaming headset that is going to change the world of gaming audio, this is an exciting UWB development nonetheless. With this technology making its way into the mainstream of audio products instead of just the high-end, hi-res options, this technology is going to be the standard in wireless headphones and earbuds across the board, making the whole industry sound better, before you know it.
As for now, if you are itching to get some excellent wireless gaming audio, be sure to check out some of our favorites from last year, like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro and our full list here.
Next
Audioscenic Is Making Immersive Spatial Audio Accessible For All Gamers
Audio is one of the biggest factors to immersive gaming, but many people are intimidated to setup that kind of gear. Audioscenic plans to change that.